January 20, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ,
I have heard from many of you who long to come back to Mass and to receive the Eucharist. However, you do not feel comfortable as COVID cases continue to accelerate in our region.

In order to make Mass accessible to as many as possible, every pastor is now required to create a socially distanced section in their church by this weekend, January 22/23, if they do not have one yet. Each pastor may determine the best way to indicate this section in the church. Parishioners are required to wear masks in the socially distanced section. This directive is in effect until February 28, upon which time it will be re-evaluated. Models predict that Michigan may be through the worst of this latest surge at that point.

Of course, parishioners are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in other areas of the church and at all in person meetings held on church grounds.

I recognize that many of our pastors and their staffs have taken extra steps to protect and care for parishioners during this pandemic. I hope you are ready to be welcomed back, to be safe, to be fed, to be home.

 Sincerely yours in Christ,
 

Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Grand Rapids

DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS
           Office of the Bishop
 
December 22, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Nativity of the Lord and the Christmas season is a time when many Catholics come back to Mass. Our
priests look forward to seeing you!
In light of rising COVID case numbers and increased attendance at Mass during this season, I am once again
strongly encouraging you to wear a mask while attending Mass. Your cooperation in this regard will ensure
that we can welcome as many as possible to our upcoming liturgical celebrations.
Our health care providers are pleading for help in fighting this pandemic. Wearing a mask while attending
Mass and getting vaccinated are two ways in which we can explicitly show our respect for human life and our
commitment to the common good.
The pandemic has changed and challenged us. Its impact continues to be felt. But we are reminded in a special way this week that God is with us and always will be. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak
Bishop of Grand Rapids