What is the Diocese of Grand Rapids?

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), the Catholic population is 162,670 (2004 Official Catholic Directory).