Saint Stephen Parish is officially merged into Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish
Bishop Walkowiak has issued a decree enacting the merger of Saint Stephen Parish, East Grand Rapids, into Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Grand Rapids, as indicated in the Rooted in Christ Pastoral Plan. The liturgy schedule at Saint Stephen Catholic Church will continue as is until further notice.
Read Fr. Stephen’s Bulletin Article from May 24, 2026 below:
Dear Friends in Christ,
This week the Diocese of Grand Rapids issued a decree formally merging St. Stephen Catholic Parish into St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. For many of you, this will not feel like the beginning of something new, but rather the confirmation of something we have already been living for some time.
Over the past year, our two communities have been walking together in faith. We have shared staff, councils, ministries, and a common mission. Many parishioners from St. Stephen have already become active members of St. Thomas, serving in liturgical ministries, participating in parish life, and helping strengthen our community.
Because of that, the bishop has now issued this decree so that our canonical structure reflects the pastoral reality already being lived by the people.
It is important to say clearly that this decree concerns the parish community, not the immediate use of the St. Stephen church building. Because the church remains the property of the parish, Mass will continue to be celebrated at St. Stephen Church on Thursdays, with confessions beforehand, just as we have been doing.
At the same time, we want to acknowledge that St. Stephen Parish has been a beautiful part of the life of the Church in this community for many generations. The faith, generosity, and sacrifices of the people of St. Stephen helped build something truly meaningful for the Church here.
As we continue forward together as one parish family, we want to honor that legacy. In the future, elements from St. Stephen will be incorporated into the sanctuary and grounds here at St. Thomas so that the sacrifices of that parish continue to bear fruit in the life of our united parish.
My prayer is that we continue moving forward together with the same spirit of faith and generosity that has already marked this journey.
And as we do, we entrust our parish to the intercession of St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Stephen, asking them to pray for us as we continue the mission of Christ together.
In Christ’s love and friendship,
Fr. Stephen