What is #GivingTuesday? It is a global day dedicated to giving back; a time to think about giving rather than receiving especially after the commercialism and consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

This year, Bishop Walkowiak is encouraging Catholics to participate by supporting parishes, schools and ministries right here in West Michigan. You are being asked to #GiveCatholicWM on #Giving Tuesday. It is our own local link to this day of giving back.

Here are ways you can participate on Tuesday, Dec. 1:

• Donate to #GiveCatholicWM from midnight to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday December 1st by clicking http://bit.ly/givecatholicwm. One hundred percent of the donations will go to the earmarked parish, school, or ministry. Credit card fees will not be charged. Follow the directions below to give to a specific ministry.

When you click the link above, the donation screen will look like the image below. The image below is an example of how to donate to St. Charles School. If you want to donate to multiple ministries, you will need to fill out a separate form for each ministry.

• Post a status or photo on your social media accounts explaining which parish, school, or ministry you are supporting within our diocese. Use the hashtags #GiveCatholicWM and #GivingTuesday.
• Take and post a photo of yourself or your family members sharing what #GiveCatholicWM means to you. Use the hashtags #GiveCatholicWM and #GivingTuesday.

• The Diocese of Grand Rapids would love to know how you plan to #GiveCatholicWM. Send your photo to dogrcomm@dioceseofgrandrapids.org and with your permission it may be posted to diocesan social media accounts. If you don’t already follow them on social media, I would encourage you to do so:
  Facebook: (Diocese of Grand Rapids)
  Twitter and Instagram (@GRdiocese)

Thank you for your support!