St. John Bosco Parish

Bishop Bradley has written a letter to the faithful encouraging all to participate in the historic Eucharistic Congress to be held October 19th at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo. The event is open to all in the Diocese and is free of charge. Read on for the full Letter.

Rev. David Otto, 69, passed away on August 27 after suffering a major stroke. Fr. Otto was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on March 1, 1950, son of Frances (Fruth) and F.J. Otto. He was a graduate of both Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit and St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth, Mich. He was ordained to the Priesthood on June 17, 1977 for the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Fr. Otto served in a number of parishes in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. His last assignment before retirement was as Pastor, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Niles (2006-2014). He retired in 2014. [see “priestly assignments’ for additional information.][ “Father Otto has been an inspiration through his 42 years of dedication to the Church as a Priest of Jesus Christ and as he endured great suffering and health challenges throughout most of those years,” said Bishop Paul J. Bradley. Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Niles. Father Otto’s body will be received at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. The rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 3 by Bishop Bradley and concelebrated by priests of the Diocese at 11 a.m. at the Parish. Burial will follow the Mass. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles, Mich. (https://www.halbritterwickens.com/notices/RevDavid-Otto)

August 22, 2019 – The Diocese of Kalamazoo released the following statement regarding the federal indictment on the charges of wire fraud against its former employee. “This past March when diocesan officials discovered evidence of potential fraudulent activity, we dismissed the employee and immediately alerted local law enforcement and began distributing notice of this to outlets that reach potential affected parties. Additionally, we alerted the public through our April 18th news release so we could heighten awareness to those individuals who may have been negatively impacted. “We are grateful for the diligence of both the Kalamazoo Public Safety Department as well as Homeland Security. “The Diocese of Kalamazoo has a long-standing commitment to assist immigrants seeking a legal pathway to citizenship through its Immigration Assistance Program. The Diocese stands ready to assist in finding just and equitable resolutions for the victims of fraud in this matter.”