Weekly Chatter
Interested in receiving a weekly email update about news and events that are occuring at West Catholic High School? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, the Weekly Chatter!
Current Announcements
THIS WEEK AT WEST
Summer Office Hours
The main office is currently operating under its summer hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (closed Fridays).
Back-to-School Information
Parent/guardians should have received an email with back-to-school information. Please feel free to reach out to the main office or contact the appropriate staff member(s) with any questions or if you did not receive this message. We look forward to starting the school year out strong!
GIFT Days Reminders
Attention senior parents/guardians! We are just three weeks out from GIFT Days! You should have received multiple emails from Campus Ministry Director Joe Gietzen with information about this important retreat. Please complete the registration ASAP and submit letters to the main office by July 24. We also need parent/guardian volunteers. Please take a look at this SignUpGenius and sign up for one of the many open slots.
WC Summer Camps
Give your kids the opportunity to grow, learn and have fun this summer with West Catholic Summer Camps! Whether they want to sharpen their athletic skills or explore their creativity, our camps offer hands-on experiences led by expert coaches and instructors. Reserve your child’s spot today, as remaining camps are filling up fast! For a full list of available camps or to register, visit grwestcatholicprograms.org.
OTHER UPDATES
Host Families Needed
We are still seeking host families for a few more international students arriving this fall. Host families receive a monthly stipend and a $1,000 tuition or travel credit (applicable to school trips). If you’re interested in this rewarding cultural experience, please contact International Program Coordinator Leann Garrison at leanngarrison@grwestcatholic.
Adorers Needed
If you are interested in signing up for adoration next year, please visit this link. If you have questions or difficulty signing up, please contact Patti Kohane at pattikohane@att.net. We are also hoping to keep the chapel open over the summer on Wednesdays from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Please contact Patti if you would like to take a summer hour anytime from now through Labor Day.
Falcon Awards Night
On October 21, we are heading to The Gilmore for our annual Falcon Awards Night! That evening, we will be honoring Walt Gutowski ’80, Jim ’64 and Nancy ’65 Hunter, and Gary ’65 and Peg ’67 Novosad. Please join us as we celebrate these awardees! Visit grwestcatholic.org/falcon-awards-night to learn more and get your tickets today.
West Catholic Parent Guild
The WC Parent Guild is a parent-led volunteer organization that provides opportunities to serve our school community and enjoy hospitality and fellowship. Register to stay informed and become involved. Questions? Email us at parentguild@grwestcatholic.org.
2026 Book Study
We are pleased to announce the next Parent Guild book study! This fall, we will be reading Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves by Jason Evert. The study will be facilitated by Dr. Jill Wierzbicki and other WC staff members. As the official patron saint of West Catholic, St. John Paul II offers a great example of how we are called to live and love as Catholics. This book study promises to educate you on his valuable teachings and reinforce lessons taught to your students in their Theology courses. Details, dates and registration info can be found HERE. Thank you for partnering with us in the formation of your children.
Employment
West Catholic has several jobs currently open! For details and to apply, please visit grwestcatholic.org/employment.
COUNSELING NEWS
Counseling Newsletter
Click HERE to see the Counseling Office’s summer newsletter!
Selective Service System
Young men must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. If you do not register, you cannot qualify for job training benefits and many state and federal jobs. Don’t get left out! For more information and to register, visit sss.gov.
ATHLETIC NEWS
FinalForms
We are very excited to announce that the West Catholic Athletic Department has partnered with FinalForms, an online form and data management service. Please click HERE to register and follow the prompts to create your parent/guardian and student accounts and to sign the forms you need to participate in athletics.
Volunteers Needed for Athletics
We need volunteers to help in various areas during our upcoming athletic events. This is a great way to support our student-athletes and be part of the game-day energy! Our greatest need is in concessions. All profits go directly back to support our team. If you can volunteer, please sign up using THIS LINK.
ALUMNI NEWS
Veterans & Military Recognition
West Catholic is interested in honoring alumni who served our country through a special recognition/memorial located on campus. Please fill out THIS FORM to help our student-led committee gather the preliminary information needed.
Reunions
For reunion information, visit grwestcatholic.org/alumni. If you have a reunion coming up that is not listed on this portion of our website, please contact WC Events Manager Megan Eversman (meganeversman@grwestcatholic.org, 616-233-5969).
WC Business Directory
As a way to highlight the many business leaders in our community, we have started a business directory that can be accessed through the West Catholic website. While we have several fantastic Falcon-run businesses on our list already, we know many out there are not listed yet. West Catholic alumni, parents, and parent of alumni are invited to submit their businesses by following this link and completing a quick form.
DIOCESAN NEWS / EVENTS
World Youth Day 2027
Join Verso Ministries and the Diocese of Grand Rapids for a life-changing week on pilgrimage. Experience the global Church firsthand amidst the unique and vibrant story of Catholicism in Korea. From remarkable saints, bustling markets and moving shrines to Mass with the Pope and sleeping under the stars, join millions of Catholic young people in this worldwide encounter and celebration. You’ll never experience God, the Church or your faith the same way again. This pilgrimage is planned for individuals of the ages 18 to 39 (age 18+ by the departure date). Click HERE for more information.