Facts & Figures
For the Year Ending 2009

Archdiocesan overview

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, OMI, assisted by six Episcopal Vicars, each responsible for a vicariate (region).

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* Statistics reported as of July 1, 2009

Catholic Population

• 2,336,000
• Catholic Population as percentage of total population of Cook and Lake counties: 39%

Racial/Ethnic Composition of Catholic Population of Archdiocese

• White: 1,183,000 – 50.6%
• Hispanic: 945,000 – 40.5%
• African American: 89,000 - 3.8%
• Asian/other: 106,000 - 4.5%
• Multi Racial: 13,000 – 0.6%

PARISHES

• Number of Parishes: 357
• Baptisms: 37,000
• First Communions: 27,400
• Confirmations: 21,500
• Weddings: 6,600
• Funerals: 13,400

Scheduled Masses

• Weekend Masses Scheduled in Parishes and Missions: 1,714
• English: 1,301
• Spanish: 277
• Polish: 92
• Other Languages (19) 44

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

• Elementary schools: 215
• Secondary schools: 40
• Elementary school enrollment: 62,806
• Secondary school enrollment:  26,333
  
  

Religious Education

• Enrollment in elementary school programs: 88,176
• Enrollment in secondary school programs: 8,118

SEMINARY SYSTEM

• St. Joseph College Seminary, Enrollment: 32
• Mundelein Seminary, Enrollment: 185
• Seminary Discernment/Formation Programs
• Bishop Abramowicz : Transitional Year
• Casa Jesus: 9
• Tuite Program: 1

CATHOLIC COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

• 6 Catholic colleges and universities serving 51,175 students

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

• 1 million people served
• 159 types of services
• 156 locations

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES

• 47 Catholic cemeteries
• 16,300+ annual interments

CATHOLIC HOSPITALS

• 20 Catholic hospitals
• 22 Campuses
• 3.1 million people assisted annually

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

• Diocesan Priests (including active and retired) 807
• Religious Priests: 791
• Religious Brothers: 273
• Women Religious: 1,974
• Permanent Deacons: 577
• Certified Pastoral Associates: 112
  
  
• Pastoral Ministers : 523
  (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: 3,710
• Secondary Schools:1,649
• Total: 5,359

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).

YEAR OF THE PRIEST

June 19, 2009 – June 19, 2010

More than 1,300 priests, archdiocesan and religious, serve the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago every day. These dedicated men are many things to many people. They are spiritual fathers and spiritual directors, business managers and construction coordinators, fundraisers and teachers. Each one has pledged his life to the Lord at ordination and pledged to love and minister to the people of God. In this Year for Priests, declared by Pope Benedict XVI, we honor and salute these faithful men. Thank you for all that you do for us.

Data Composite 2009 >>
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