Demographic Profile of the Archdiocese

ARCHDIOCESAN OVERVIEW

Established as a diocese in 1843 and as an Archdiocese in 1880, The Archdiocese of Chicago serves more than 2.3 million Catholics in Cook and Lake counties in Northeastern Illinois, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese is divided into six vicariates and 31 deaneries. This local church is pastored by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., assisted by six Episcopal Vicars, each responsible for a vicariate (region).

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* Statistics reported as of July 1, 2008

CATHOLIC POPULATION:

2,338,000
Catholic Population as percentage of total
population of Cook and Lake counties: 39%

Racial/Ethnic composition of Catholic
Population of Archdiocese:

White: 1,191,000 – 50.9%
Hispanic: 940,000 – 40.2%
African American: 90,000 - 3.8%
Asian/other: 104,000 - 4.4%
Multi Racial: 13,000 – 0.6%

PARISHES:

Number of Parishes: 359
Baptisms: 37,500
First Communions: 26,300
Confirmations: 20,800
Weddings: 6,900
Funerals: 14,500

Scheduled Masses
Weekend Masses Scheduled in Parishes and Missions: 1,712
English: 1,308
Spanish: 267
Polish: 91
Other Languages (17) 46

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Elementary schools: 218
Secondary schools: 40
Elementary school enrollment: 65,866
Secondary school enrollment: 27,420

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Enrollment in elementary school programs: 91,137
Enrollment in secondary school programs: 9,181

SEMINARY SYSTEM

St. Joseph College Seminary
Enrollment: 40

Mundelein Seminary
Enrollment: 187

Seminary Discernment/Formation Programs

Abramowicz House: 4
Casa Jesus: 7
Tuite Program: 4

CATHOLIC COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

6 Catholic colleges and universities serving 49,200 students

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

1 million people served
159 types of services
156 locations

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

47 Catholic cemeteries
17,500+annual interments

CATHOLIC HOSPITALS

19 Catholic hospitals
21 Campuses
3.4 million people assisted annually

YEAR OF ST. PAUL
June 28, 2008 – June 29, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI announced a special jubilee year dedicated to St. Paul saying the church needs modern Christians who will imitate the apostle’s missionary energy and spirit of sacrifice.  The Pauline year features numerous special liturgies and events in Rome, the pope said, but also is being celebrated in local churches and in the sanctuaries, religious orders and other institutions that have a special link to St. Paul.  In a unique way, the Pauline year is ecumenical, reflecting the saint’s commitment to the unity and harmony among all Christians, he said.

DIOCESAN PRIESTS, DEACONS, WOMEN AND MEN RELIGIOUS, AND LAY PERSONNEL IN THE ARCHDIOCESE

Diocesan Priests (including active and retired) 811
Religious Priests: 801
Religious Brothers: 266
Women Religious: 2,056
Permanent Deacons: 587
Certified Pastoral Associates: 110

Pastoral Ministers : 579
(includes Ministers of Care, liturgists, music directors, Hispanic ministers, RCIA leaders and parish nurses).

Full-time Teachers and Administrators in Archdiocesan School System

Elementary Schools: 3,845
Secondary Schools: 1,767
Total: 5,612