A new group of men is being recruited for the Diocese of Kalamazoo Deacon Formation Program. Formation will begin fall of 2023. A session is scheduled for Immaculate Conception Church, Hartford at 3:00 pm Sunday, February 12th. Applications for Inquiry for the Permanent Diaconate are now being accepted. See the diocesan permanent diaconate website for more information.
The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “It is with great confidence in Christ’s promises, yet with sadness of heart, that we have received the news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has been called from this world to the eternal life with our Heavenly Father. At the same time, we offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who has “finished the race” here on earth, that he may enjoy at last the eternal rest and unending joy of the saints in Heaven.
The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “It is with great confidence in Christ’s promises, yet with sadness of heart, that we have received the news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has been called from this world to the eternal life with our Heavenly Father. At the same time, we offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who has “finished the race” here on earth, that he may enjoy at last the eternal rest and unending joy of the saints in Heaven.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, we are all aware that there’s still a lot of darkness in our world. But on Christmas, we rejoice, because more than 2,000 years ago, in the stillness of the night in a remote part of the world, our Loving God entered into our world in an amazingly dramatic and very human way: through the Birth of His only-begotten Son, Jesus. At that time in history, there was also a lot of darkness; but Jesus is the Light for those, like the shepherds and the Magi, who opened themselves to see Jesus for Who he truly is. And as Jesus grew into Manhood, and through His Life, Death and Resurrection, Jesus’ Victory has defeated the powers of darkness forever. It remains for each of us, as People of Faith, whether we too open ourselves to see through the Light of Jesus.
In his Thanksgiving message to the Faithful, Bishop Bradley invites the Faithful into a deeper awareness and sense of gratitude for all God's blessings. He encourages a greater participation in the Advent Season which begins Sunday, November 27, 2022. Read full text here.
In the wake of the passing of Prop 3, Bishop Bradley has released a Letter to the Faithful calling for renewed prayer and fasting for the protection of the unborn and encourages the Faithful not to give up hope.
Bishop Bradley has issued a decree formally introducing the preparatory phase of the diocesan synod to be convened in 2023. Click here to read his letter.
As Americans prepare to mark Labor Day on September 5, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued an annual reflection on the world of work and the importance of upholding the dignity of all laborers. “This Labor Day, let us reflect on how we can build a more just economy by promoting the welfare of working families through both charitable works and through advocacy for improved policies such as expanding the Child Tax Credit and passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Advancing these two policies would have a profound impact on family stability, especially for families who are financially vulnerable,” said Archbishop Coakley.
Being Made New in God’s Redeeming Love Heart of Christ, renew Your priests in Your love. Help them to devote themselves more deeply to building up Your Body the Church, so that we may all become one in Your life and love... [Read More]
On the Feast of diocesan patron St. Augustine, Bishop Paul J. Bradley releases his latest pastoral letter, "Behold, I am making all things new": A Pastoral Letter on Priestly Spiritual Renewal and Prayer for Vocations. In his letter, the bishop announces a new diocesan year, beginning on the birthday of Our Blessed Mother, September 8, 2022, and outlines plans for priestly renewal and lay faithful participation.
At today's 51st Anniversary Mass of the Founding of the Diocese, Bishop Paul J. Bradley announced the 2022 recipients of the Bishop Paul V Donovan Founder's Society for Outstanding Service award. This year's honorees are Msgr. Michael Hazard and Mrs. Peggy Gallagher. Click for full details.
The 2nd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which will be celebrated on Sunday, July 24, 2022 - will officially begin this year's National NFP Awareness Week. We know that the joy of our Catholic faith is transmitted from generation to generation by our grandparents... How can we celebrate our elderly and grandparents throughout this year's NFP week, too? Check out some ideas here
In a join statement with his brother bishops, Bishop Paul J. Bradley said: "Today’s historic Supreme Court decision overturning the unconstitutional Roe v. Wade decision of 1973 is a reason for all who value human life to rejoice. In union with my brother bishops in Michigan, I call upon all Catholics, along with all people who value human life, to prayerfully reflect on the significance of this decision. Let us ask God, the Source of all Life, for the grace to help us continue restoring a Culture of Life, and refusing to promote death for those who are the most innocent and vulnerable among us.” Click for full statement
Bishop Paul J. Bradley offers a pastoral reflection on "The Sanctity of Human Life". He writes, "Affirming the Sanctity of Human Life means so much more than outlawing abortions or deciding whether or not a woman has a right to choose. It is about the precious and greatest gift of human life, certainly at its most vulnerable and fragile stage, but also at every stage that it is given by “the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life” (cf. Nicene Creed): from the moment of conception to the experience of natural death. Affirming the Sanctity of Human Life also includes doing so in the full range of “life issues”, including capital punishment, racism, domestic violence, immigration, economic disparity, rioting and destructive activities in our city streets, to name but a few. This affirmation must not be reduced to simple political sound bites and obscured into legal arguments over the legality of abortion or a right to choose." click to read full text
Bishop Paul J. Bradley released the following statement in the wake of the tragic school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas: “As we learn of yet another senseless school shooting, this time in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the Diocese of Kalamazoo mourns the 18 children and three adults who were killed, and we extend our love and care to the countless more children, teachers, and the entire community who have been injured and traumatized by these horrific events. With broken hearts and in great sadness, we commend the children and adults whose lives have been taken from them to our loving God and Father of us all, knowing that He will welcome them into Eternal Life. We send our prayerful support to the families of those who have lost loved ones, and we pray for God’s healing graces for those who are suffering in any way. May we all pray for the conversion of the hearts of those who choose irrational hatred and heinous acts of violence instead of living together in harmony, peace and love; may we also recommit ourselves to the priority of re-discovering our society built on compassion, care, and respect for all human life.”
