This Weekend:
Installation of Father Stephen Durkee as the
10th Pastor of
Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish
at the 11:00 am Mass
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, Bishop of Grand Rapids
Principal Celebrant
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Catholic Campaign for Human Development Collection
This weekend we will be collecting donations (envelope in your packet or in window wells by entrances) for CCHD. CCHD-funded organizations show how we can can for the environment, address the needs of the poor, and support responsible and sustainable local businesses at the same time. Thank you for your generous response! You may also give on the usccb.org/cchd website.
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Road to the Well: Dignity, Identity, Purpose
Wednesday, November 19
7 – 8:30 pm ET
Attend onsite or online
Rediscover the joy of being fully known and loved by God.
Explore how the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4) reveals our own path of conversion and deep relationship with him.
Mary Jo Thayer, TOB Educator, speaker, and author, will present how the Pope’s teaching “Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body” lays out God’s plan for creation, leading us to a more personal and deeper relationship with God.
Co sponsored by Theology of the Body (TOB) West Michigan.
Register here
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Fall in Love All Over Again!
A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience (WWME) is a time set aside for you and your spouse to connect more deeply and fan the spark of your love. Through presentations and time for private discussion, WWME offers tools to take your marriage to the next level. Apply today at wwme.org or contact Amy & Joe Kopacz at (517) 667-0433 for more info.
Upcoming Experiences:
November 21 – 23: St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center – Detroit
January 30 – Feb. 1: Country Inn & Suites – Grand Rapids
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Exploring Priesthood Discernment Meetings
Discernment is a time of obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding. If you are considering the priesthood, the Diocese of Grand Rapids invites you to meet with other young men (ages 16+) to gather and discern God’s will for your life.
Meetings will take place from 12:30-1:30 pm at St. Luke University Parish, 10144 42nd Ave., Georgetown Twp. and are offered on the following Sundays in 2025/2026: Nov. 23, Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 22, Apr. 19, May 17
Just show up or email Pattie Reynolds, preynolds@grdiocese.org, to RSVP or with questions.
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An Evening in December: A Weary World Rejoices
Monday, December 1
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Attend onsite
Join us for this community-wide event of meaningful dialogue, prayer, and reflection as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.
This year’s theme invites us to acknowledge the weariness many feel in today’s world – and to rediscover the hope and renewal that Advent offers. Reconnect with the promise of joy that comes even in difficult times.
Whether you come seeking peace, connection, or simply a moment to pause, Evening in December is a welcoming place to begin your Advent journey.
Register here
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Catholic Charities of West Michigan Annual Raising Hope Dinner: Hear from the Daughter of a Saint
Wednesday, December 3 at 6:30 pm
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Witness the stories of families and individuals who discovered hope because of your generosity at this year’s celebration. Enjoy the beauty of Frederik Meijer Gardens, savor a delicious dinner, and hear from our inspiring speaker, Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla! Dr. Gianna Emanuela Molla is the last daughter of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla and Pietro Molla. Her Saint mother sacrificed her own life to give her life. Dr. Gianna Molla is the Co-Founder of
the ‘Saint Gianna Beretta Molla and Pietro Molla Foundation’, a nonprofit corporation which aims to honor, perpetuate, and spread around the world the example, testimony and spirituality of Saint Gianna and her saintly spouse Pietro.
For more information and tickets, visit: ccwestmi.org/raising-hope
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Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage and Mass in Grand Rapids
Join a pilgrimage to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday, Dec. 11 followed by Mass. Pilgrims will meet at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Grand Rapids at 5 p.m. and, beginning at 6:15 p.m., process to the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Grand Rapids (approximately one mile), arriving at the Shrine by 7 p.m. The rosary will be prayed along the way. Please dress for the weather and bring your own candle or LED luminary to light the way during the procession. At 8 p.m., following the pilgrimage, Mass will be celebrated at the Shrine of St. Francis & Our Lady of Guadalupe. For more information, contact Jesús Sánchez in the Hispanic Ministry Office at 616-551-4749.
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New Sensory-Friendly Mass Added
Join St. John Paul II Parish, 3110 17 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs, for an additional sensory-friendly Mass each month. Masses will be held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at 2 pm. These Masses include lower lights, softer music and no incense. Families and individuals are encouraged to bring alternative seating, fidgets or noise-canceling headphones. To learn more, contact St. John Paul II’s office at (616) 696-3904.
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