Harmel Academy of the Trades

09/04/2026

Our community of prayer, work, and study is back in full swing!

The chapel is active, the machines are running, the books are open—and sawdust is all over the place!

Year seven is underway! Catch up on the men, Shoptoberfest, and Stock the Shop in the latest Three Things from Harmel:

https://mailchi.mp/harmelacademy.org/may2026-14192046

09/03/2026

Help us Stock the Shop! 🔧

Today, we’re highlighting the growing needs of Harmel’s welding and automotive programs. With Fr. Dominic and Jake Nichols leading the way, more men than ever are gaining hands-on experience in these essential trades.

Because of that growth, we need additional welding equipment—especially MIG, TIG, and ARC welders—so every man has ample time to learn, practice, and develop his skills. 👨‍🏭

You can support Stock the Shop through:

* A cash donation toward new equipment
* An in-kind gift of new or gently used tools
* A connection to a company that may be able to help

Help us put the right tools into the hands of the next generation of Catholic craftsmen.

Give today and help us Stock the Shop! ⚙️
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/stocktheshopformtheman/classification/303866/

09/02/2026

The hands of Harmel are at work here. 🛠️

It was great walking through the new preschool building at Immaculate Heart of Mary School of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Brad Mathis and the Rockford Construction team—and seeing this exciting investment in the Catholic Schools - Diocese of Grand Rapids.

We are especially proud that Harmel graduate, Nick Foster, has put his skill and hard work into this project. A big thank-you to Rockford and IHM for giving Harmel men the opportunity to glorify God through their work!

08/31/2026

Many of our young men are starting their jobs this week!

At Harmel Academy of the Trades, our men earn their keep! On top of classes and living in community, they work three days a week.

Thank you Weller Truck Parts for being an industry partner of Harmel Academy in helping form the next generation of tradesmen!

08/29/2026

What a remarkable moment!

On August 22, Pope Leo XIV visited “Léon Harmel, The Prophecy of an Enterprise,” an exhibit presented at the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples in Rimini, Italy.

The exhibit tells the story of our namesake, Léon Harmel—a Catholic industrialist and social reformer who worked to place the dignity of workers and their families at the heart of economic life.

More than a century later, Harmel’s vision continues to speak clearly: work is more than a way to earn a living. It is a place of human formation, responsibility, fraternity and faith.

At Harmel Academy, we are honored to carry his name and continue his work by forming men in the skilled trades through prayer, work, study and community.

Seeing Pope Leo XIV stop and learn about Léon Harmel’s life is a moment of tremendous joy and encouragement for our community. May Harmel’s example continue to inspire the Church and the world!

08/28/2026

The pathway starts here. ⚙️

During their first year at Harmel, our men receive a hands-on introduction to manufacturing—from manual machining to CNC technology.

After that first year, they can continue working toward a journeyman’s card through one of three apprenticeship pathways:

🔹 Machinist
🔹 Millwright/Machine Builder
🔹 Moldmaker

A strong foundation. Three career pathways. A lifetime of skilled work.

08/27/2026

The Sacred Heart boys are back at it today at Harmel Academy! 🔨⚡

After yesterday’s forging experience, the young men returned for another hands-on day—this time learning construction framing and electrical work.

They worked together to assemble and raise framed walls before practicing how to run wire and work with electrical boxes inside the structure. It was a great opportunity to see how different skilled trades come together on one project.

Learning by doing. Working as a team. Building something real.

Thank you, Sacred Heart Academy, for another great day at Harmel—and thank you to Catholic Foundation of West Michigan and the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Grand Rapids for helping form the next generation of Catholic young men!

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Forging steel—and forming young men. 🔥🔨

We were glad to welcome the young men of Sacred Heart Academy to Harmel Academy for a hands-on forging experience. They learned how to safely heat and shape steel while practicing the focus, patience, teamwork, and respect for tools that skilled work demands.

At Harmel, we believe working with your hands helps form the whole man. It was a joy to share the shop with these students and watch them take on a new challenge with enthusiasm!

Thank you, Sacred Heart Academy, for joining us—and thank you to the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan and Diocese of Grand Rapids Diocese of Grand Rapids for helping form the next generation of Catholic young men.

08/25/2026

Plan the work. Work the plan. 🛠️

Our construction class is putting that principle into action—reading plans, measuring carefully, and building new tables and shelves for the shop.

Good work begins with a solid plan—and then it’s time to get after it!