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
Upcoming Schedule Changes / Updates
Monday, Sept. 28 – PM Activity Schedule (Guest Speaker)
Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Special Schedule (All A’s)
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Flex Schedule
Jason Ward Presentation
On Monday, Sept. 28, students will hear from Jason Ward, a nationally recognized speaker on resilience, mindset and leadership through adversity. Parents are invited to join him that evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Duba Lecture Hall to learn more about the topics he discussed with students and how they can continue the conversation at home. We encourage all parents/guardians to attend.
2026 Book Study
Wednesday marks the last week of our Parent Guild book study of Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves by Jason Evert! This book study promises to educate you on his valuable teachings and reinforce lessons taught to students in their Theology courses. Details and registration info can be found HERE if you’re interested in joining us for our final discussion.
All A’s Taco Sale
Calling all hungry football fans! Siena House will be selling tacos at this week’s varsity football game to raise money for All A’s. Tacos are supplied and prepared by the Guerrero family, so you know they’ll be delicious! Tacos are $3 (cash only) and all proceeds support Siena’s All A’s efforts. We hope to see you cheering on the Falcons with tacos in hand!
Jubilee Year of St. Francis Feast Day Mass
Join Bishop Walkowiak at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. for Mass celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi during this Jubilee Year. A reception will follow Mass. All are welcome to attend this special diocesan celebration honoring the life and witness of St. Francis.
OTHER UPDATES
All A’s Classic
Students, parents and guardians should have just received an email with important All A’s Classic information, including group assignments, permission slips, volunteer sign-ups, the day’s schedule and more. Please be sure to review this letter ASAP and contact Joe Gietzen (joegietzen@grwestcatholic.org
Renewing the Catholic Family
IHM, St. Thomas and the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan would like to invite you to join them for the kickoff of the 2026-27 Renewing the Catholic Family Speaker Series on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at Cathedral Square. They hope to bring parents together to learn from trusted experts, encourage one another and strengthen families as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenting in today’s world. Click HERE to learn more and RSVP.
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.
Senior Pictures
Senior yearbook headshots and childhood photos are due Nov. 2! Seniors should review the senior picture guidelines carefully for photo specifications, clothing requirements and submission info. Digital photos are preferred and may be emailed to angelalevanduski@
Senior Salutes
Senior families can honor their graduates with a Senior Salute, featuring photos, memories and a personal message. Salutes are designed and purchased online at yearbookforever.com and are due by Jan. 15. Save 10% by ordering by Oct. 30 and using the early bird code WC2027.
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.
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 check out this month’s School Counseling Office newsletter!
Upcoming College Visits
Please contact the school counseling office with any questions about these or other upcoming college visits.
- Oct. 1 – Hillsdale College
- Oct. 2 – US Air Force Academy, Loyola University Chicago (virtual)
- Oct. 5 – Harmel Academy
- Oct. 7 – Northern Michigan University
- Oct. 8 – Hope College, University of Notre Dame
- Oct. 9 – Rice University
- Oct 21 – Marquette University
- Oct. 26 – Kettering University, Adrian College
- Oct. 29 – Grand Canyon University, Western Michigan University
- Oct. 30 – Alma College
- Nov. 2 – Holy Cross College, Michigan Tech University
- Nov. 5 – Saint Mary’s College
- Nov. 12 – US Army National Guard
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
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 parents 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.
Jubilee Year of St. Francis Feast Day Mass
Join Bishop Walkowiak at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. for Mass celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi during this Jubilee Year. A reception will follow Mass. All are welcome to attend this special diocesan celebration honoring the life and witness of St. Francis.
Renewing the Catholic Family
IHM, St. Thomas and the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan would like to invite you to join them for the kickoff of the 2026-27 Renewing the Catholic Family Speaker Series on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. at Cathedral Square. They hope to bring parents together to learn from trusted experts, encourage one another and strengthen families as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenting in today’s world. Click HERE to learn more and RSVP.