Archdiocese of Baltimore
Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Baltimore
| Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Archdiocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Baltimore |
| Suffragan Dioceses: | Diocese of Arlington; Diocese of Richmond; Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Diocese of Wilmington |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Maryland |
| Bishop: | William E. Lori |
| Website: | https://www.archbalt.org/ |
| Newspaper: | https://catholicreview.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 15.2% |
| Elementary Schools: | 40 |
| High Schools: | 18 |
| Priests: | 405 |
| Existence: | 1789– |
| Rating: | 3.2 |
| Chancery Address: | 320 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201 |
The Archdiocese of Baltimore (Latin: Archidioecesis Baltimorensis), an archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active metropolitan see encompassing central and western Maryland in the United States. Established as a diocese on November 6, 1789, by Pope Pius VI and elevated to an archdiocese on April 8, 1808, it is the oldest diocese and archdiocese in the United States. It is led by Archbishop William E. Lori since 2012 and serves as the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Baltimore. As the primatial see of the United States in its early history, it played a foundational role in the development of Catholicism in the young American republic, including hosting the Plenary Councils of Baltimore.
Establishment
The Diocese of Baltimore was established on November 6, 1789, by Pope Pius VI, with John Carroll as its first bishop. It was elevated to an archdiocese on April 8, 1808.
History
The Archdiocese of Baltimore holds a unique place as the first Catholic diocese in the United States. It hosted multiple provincial and plenary councils that shaped the Church in America. Key developments include the construction of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the first Catholic cathedral in the U.S.) and later the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. In modern times, it has navigated challenges including parish consolidations and responses to contemporary pastoral needs.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, dedicated in 1959 in a neo-Gothic/Art Deco style, serves as the current cathedral. The historic Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary functions as co-cathedral.
Geography
The archdiocese covers the City of Baltimore and the following counties in Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, and Washington (approximately 4,801 square miles).
Leadership
Current Archbishop
Most Reverend William E. Lori has served as Archbishop since his installation on May 16, 2012. He previously served as Bishop of Bridgeport and Auxiliary Bishop of Washington.
Auxiliary Bishops
- Most Reverend Adam J. Parker
- Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R.
- Most Reverend Denis J. Madden (Emeritus)
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Archdiocese of Baltimore maintains a balanced (moderate) orientation (rating 3.2). It upholds standard liturgical practices of the Latin Rite while implementing relevant Vatican directives, such as those regarding the Traditional Latin Mass (with celebrations continuing at designated sites like the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus administered by the FSSP). Leadership emphasizes doctrinal fidelity alongside pastoral outreach.
Statistics
The archdiocese covers approximately 4,801 square miles and, as of recent data, serves around 512,500 registered Catholics (about 15.2% of the total population) across roughly 137 parishes, with approximately 405 priests.
Religious Communities
Various religious orders serve in education, healthcare, and parish ministries. Consult the official directory for a complete list.
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has approximately 108–137 parishes and missions (figures vary by source and consolidation efforts) organized across its territory.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
Catholic schools in the archdiocese enroll over 24,000 students across 40 elementary/middle schools and 18 high schools.
Community Outreach
Programs include Catholic Charities and various social services supporting the faithful in the region.
Notable Events or Figures
The archdiocese is closely tied to early American Catholic history, including the first U.S. bishop, John Carroll, and multiple Plenary Councils. It is the see of the oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States.
Associated Saints
No saints yet.
Fun Facts
Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Baltimore:
- Did you know? Established in 1789, the Archdiocese of Baltimore is the oldest diocese in the United States, with John Carroll as its first bishop!
- Surprise! It is home to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States.
- Fun fact: The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, dedicated in 1959, features striking neo-Gothic and Art Deco architecture and serves as the primary cathedral.
- Here's something cool: The archdiocese played a key role in shaping U.S. Catholicism through the historic Plenary Councils of Baltimore.
- Wow moment: It covers nine Maryland counties plus Baltimore City, serving a vibrant community in a region with deep Catholic roots dating to the colonial era.
- Little-known gem: The National Shrine of St. Alphonsus offers the Traditional Latin Mass and stands as a spiritual landmark.
- Fun twist: As the metropolitan see, it oversees suffragan dioceses across multiple states in the Province of Baltimore.
These highlights reflect the rich heritage and living faith of the archdiocese. Today, the Catholic community continues to witness to the Gospel through worship, education, and service in Maryland. Visit one of the historic cathedrals or parishes soon to experience this legacy firsthand!
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Associated Saints
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Diocesan photos
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