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Current Facts

Origin:
The Diocese of Grand Rapids was established May 19, 1882.

Area:
The diocese originally consisted of much of the northern and western part of the Lower Peninsula. Since 1971 the diocese comprises 11 counties of Western Michigan: Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa.

Total square miles: 6,795.

Population:
Total population of the 11-county area is estimated at 1,283,717 (2000 U.S. Census), Catholic population at 178,000 (2008 Official Catholic Directory).

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS:
The Diocesan Administrative Office, Cathedral Square Center,
360 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Summary
Office
Number
Bishop
1
Bishop Emeritus
1
Priests, Diocesan
103
      Active in diocese
66
      Active outside diocese
0
      Retired
35
Priests, Religious Order
14
Priests from another country working in diocese
8
Retired Priests from another diocese, living in the diocese
10
Permanent Deacons
41
Brothers
1
Sisters
314
Hermits
2
Consecrated Virgin Living in the World
1
Parishes/Missions
103
Other Pastoral Centers
1
Pastoral Director
1
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