Established as a diocese in 1853, the Diocese of Springfield serves more 125,000 Catholics in 28 counties in Central Illinois, a geographic area of 15,139 square miles. The diocese is divided into six deaneries. This local church is pastored by the Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
Catholic Population
Parishes
- Number of Parishes: 129*
- Baptisms: 1,615
- First Communions: 1,717
- Confirmations: 2,014
- Weddings: 475
- Funerals: 1,595
* Current
Catholic Education
Catholic Schools
- Elementary schools: 36
- Secondary schools: 7
- Elementary school enrollment: 8,038
- Secondary school enrollment: 2,222
Religious Education
- Enrollment in elementary school programs: 1,500
- Enrollment in secondary school programs: 955
Seminary System
- 16 seminiarians at 4 seminaries
Catholic Colleges and Universities
- 1 Catholic university serving 1,098 students
Catholic Hospitals
- 8 Catholic hospitals
- 743,271 people assisted annually
Diocesan Clergy
- Diocesan Priests (including active and retired) 104
- Extern Diocesan Priests: 14
- Religious Priests: 33
- Permanent Deacons: 50
- Extern Permanent Deacons: 4