Welcome to St. Mark the Evangelist Parish
For well over a century, the parishes of St. Mary in Marne and St. Michael in Coopersville have been beacons of faith for Catholics in eastern Ottawa County. But a healthy church is a living organism, not a museum, ever-growing evolving. As we looked toward the coming years of the lives of Sts. Mary and Michael we felt the need to ensure that we weren’t just “doing church,” but being the prophetic and evangelistic Church Jesus has called us to be. As a result of this needed evolution of our parish identity the resources of both communities were combined to form a new parish dedicated to St. Mark the Evangelist.
This isn’t a change in who we are, but a clarity of where God is leading us. It is an inspirational, long-term horizon that remains stable even as the world around us changes. As Roman Catholics we are one Church, we have one mission given us by Christ; now as St. Mark the Evangelist we can truly see this through and bring all of God’s children together as one family.
We bid welcome to one and all who seek to live and love the Gospel with the brothers and sisters of the parish of St. Mark the Evangelist. Let us together “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.”
Rev. Michael Hodges
All are Welcome Here
Our parish community welcomes you to join us! Please tell us more about yourself (and your family) by completing the form and submitting it to our Parish office in person, by mail, email or online. If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office. 616.677.3934
St Mark the Evangelist Parish – est. May, 2026
May 2026, Bishop Walkowiak issued a decree enacting the merger of St. Michael Parish, Coopersville, and St. Mary Parish, Marne, into St. Mark the Evangelist Parish as indicated in the Rooted in Christ Pastoral Plan. Both churches will remain open, with St. Mary Church, Marne, serving as the primary church of the new parish.
Bishop David Walkowiak Celebrates Inaugural Masses at both Campuses
Welcome Bishop Walkowiak! We are overjoyed to announce a historic milestone for our community! On Sunday, August 30th, we officially celebrated the inaugural Mass for our new parish, St. Mark the Evangelist.
We were deeply honored to welcome The Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, Bishop of Diocese of Grand Rapids, who was the main celebrant for both our Sunday Masses. 8:30 AM (St Michael Campus) and 10:30 AM (St Mary Campus)
This special celebration marks the formal beginning of our shared journey as one parish family. Please join us to pray, give thanks, and look forward with hope to the bright future of St. Mark the Evangelist. All parishioners, families, and friends are warmly invited to attend this beautiful and historic occasion. Let us come together in faith and joy to welcome our shepherd!
