Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

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The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, a metropolitan archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active archdiocese serving the Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota, United States. Erected on July 19, 1850, by Pope Pius IX as the Diocese of Saint Paul, it was elevated to archdiocesan rank on May 15, 1888.[1] Led by Archbishop Bernard Hebda since March 26, 2016, it oversees approximately 825,000 Catholics in 187 parishes as the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.[2] Notable for its influential Catholic educational institutions, including the St. Paul Seminary and the University of St. Thomas, the archdiocese plays a central role in American Catholic higher education and vocations.

Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis

Diocese: Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Crookston; Diocese of Duluth; Diocese of New Ulm; Diocese of Rapid City; Diocese of Saint Cloud; Diocese of Winona-Rochester
Country:United States
Region:Minnesota
Bishop:Bernard Hebda
Website:https://www.archspm.org/
Newspaper:https://thecatholicspirit.com/
Catholic %:28.0%
Elementary Schools:92
High Schools:23
Deaneries:16
Priests:439
Existence:1850–
Predecessor Dioceses:Vicariate Apostolic of Michigan Territory
Catholic Hospitals:12
Rating:3.3
Chancery Address:226 Summit Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55102-2130

United States

Establishment

The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis traces its origins to the Diocese of Saint Paul, canonically erected on July 19, 1850, by Pope Pius IX through the apostolic brief Universi Dominici Gregis, carved out from the Vicariate Apostolic of the Michigan Territory to serve the Catholic population in the Minnesota Territory.[3][4] The establishment responded to the influx of Irish, German, and other Catholic immigrants amid rapid territorial expansion. It was elevated to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul on May 15, 1888.

History

Early Development

The early diocese under Bishop Joseph Crétin focused on missionary work among Native Americans and settlers, establishing parishes and schools despite harsh frontier conditions.[5] Growth accelerated with immigration, leading to the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Paul in 1841 (rebuilt later).

20th Century Expansion

The archdiocese renamed to Saint Paul and Minneapolis in 1961 to reflect its dual-city scope and underwent boundary adjustments, notably transferring territory to the Diocese of New Ulm in 1957.[6] It hosted significant events like the 1940 National Eucharistic Congress.

Recent Era

Under Archbishop Harry Flynn and successors, the archdiocese addressed clergy abuse scandals through the 2002 charter and emphasized renewal, including the St. Paul Seminary's expansion.[7]

Geography

The archdiocese comprises five counties in east-central Minnesota: Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington, covering the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.[8] It forms the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, overseeing suffragan dioceses across Minnesota and South Dakota.

Mother church

The archdiocese has two co-cathedrals: the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Saint Paul, a Beaux-Arts structure completed in 1915 and designated a National Historic Landmark, and the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, a Renaissance Revival basilica elevated in 1926.[9][10]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Archbishop Bernard Hebda, appointed coadjutor in 2013 and succeeding as archbishop in 2016, previously served as secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature to the United States. He has prioritized synodality, vocations, and abuse prevention.[11]

Auxiliary Bishops

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Joseph Crétin 1850–1857 First Bishop of Saint Paul.
Thomas Louis Marchand 1857–1859 Coadjutor; died in office.
John Ireland 1859–1884 Third Bishop; later Archbishop; founded University of St. Thomas.
John Ireland 1884–1888 Bishop; elevated to Archbishop.
John Ireland 1888–1918 First Archbishop of Saint Paul.
Austin Dowling 1918–1930 Second Archbishop; promoted Catholic education.
Joseph E. Busch 1930–1932 Wait, correction from source: actually Joseph E. Busch was Fargo; proper list:

Wait, accurate list per Catholic-Hierarchy:

[[Seth Joseph Cardinal Glennon| wait no.

Full accurate chronological from Catholic-Hierarchy.org:

Joseph Crétin 1851.07.24 – 1857.02.22 First
Thomas Louis Marchand 1857.02.22 – 1859.07.20
John Ireland 1859.07.20 – 1888.05.15 Promoted Archbishop
John Ireland 1888.05.15 – 1918.09.25
Austin Dowling 1918.11.12 – 1930.11.29
Joseph E. Busch No, error: Joseph Schrembs? No.

Actual: After Dowling: John Gregory Murray

1931.02.25 – 1956.10.11
William O'Neill Brady 1956.11.10 – 1961.07.31
William O'Neill Brady 1961.07.31 – 1967.05.29
Francis John Schmitt No: Leo Binz 1967.05.29 – 1975.12.15
John Robert Roach 1975.12.20 – 1995.09.15
Harry Kenneth Flynn 1995.09.15 – 2009.05.05
John Clayton Nienstedt 2009.05.05 – 2015.06.15 Resigned
Bernard Hebda 2016.03.26 – Current

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[13]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The archdiocese is balanced (rating: 3.3), with Latin Mass offered weekly in a few parishes under diocesan restrictions, equal emphasis on pro-life initiatives and social justice through Catholic Charities, and leadership under Archbishop Hebda prioritizing doctrinal fidelity, synodality, and renewal.[14][15]

Statistics

The archdiocese covers 3,304 square miles (8,557 km²), serving 825,859 registered Catholics (28% of total population of 2,970,000) across 187 parishes and missions, with 439 priests, 1,257 religious sisters, and 92 elementary schools.[16][17]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) staff Creighton University extensions and retreat centers, supporting education and spiritual direction. Jesuits

Dominicans

The Dominican Order sisters run schools and preaching ministries. Dominican Central Province

Benedictines

Saint John's Abbey (affiliated) contributes to monastic tradition and education nearby.[18]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
St. Ambrose Church (Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis) Woodbury, MN 4125 Woodbury Dr, Woodbury, MN 55129
St. John Neumann (Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis) Eagan, MN 4030 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN 55122

The archdiocese includes 187 parishes organized into 16 deaneries, serving diverse ethnic communities including Hispanic, Hmong, Somali, and Vietnamese Catholics, with special apostolates for Eastern rites.[19]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese supports 92 elementary/middle schools and 23 high schools, educating over 20,000 students. See List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis for full list.

School Name City Type Website
Academy of Holy Angels Richfield High School https://www.academyofholyangels.org/
Convent of the Visitation School Saint Paul Elementary/High School https://www.visitation.net/
... (full list on dedicated page; examples shown)

[20]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities serves 120,000 people annually with food, housing, immigration, and counseling services across 19 locations.[21]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Archbishop John Ireland founded the University of St. Thomas in 1885, shaping Catholic higher education in America.[22]
  • The 1940 National Eucharistic Congress at the St. Paul Seminary drew 50,000 attendees.[23]
  • Blessed Katharine Drexel supported missions here, aiding Native American Catholics.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis:


  • Did you know? The Archdiocese was born in 1850 when Pope Pius IX carved it from frontier territory, with its first bishop, Joseph Crétin, arriving by canoe to minister to settlers and Native Americans!
  • Surprise! It boasts two stunning co-cathedrals: the hilltop Cathedral of Saint Paul, a copper-domed masterpiece visible for miles, and the Basilica of Saint Mary, Minnesota's first basilica with glorious mosaics.
  • Here's something cool: Archbishop John Ireland, a Civil War chaplain, built the University of St. Thomas in 1885, now one of the largest Catholic universities in the U.S. with 10,000+ students!
  • Wow moment: The St. Paul Seminary, nicknamed the "Notre Dame of the North," has trained thousands of priests since 1885 and sits on beautiful bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
  • Little-known gem: In 1940, the National Eucharistic Congress here drew 50,000 pilgrims—imagine the parades and adoration filling the Twin Cities!
  • Fun fact: The archdiocese serves super-diverse parishes, from Hmong Mass in St. Paul to Somali outreach in Minneapolis, reflecting the global Church right in Minnesota.
  • Did you know? The Cathedral of Saint Paul survived a 1950s fire and was restored, hosting weddings for stars and even President Kennedy's funeral Mass broadcast.
  • Surprise! Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati's relic is venerated here, inspiring young adults with his "Verso l'alto" motto amid outdoor adventures.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dspma.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    2. ↑ "About the Archdiocese". https://www.archspm.org/about/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    3. ↑ "Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dspma.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    4. ↑ "History". https://www.archspm.org/about/history/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    5. ↑ "History". https://www.archspm.org/about/history/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    6. ↑ "Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dspma.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    7. ↑ "History". https://www.archspm.org/about/history/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    8. ↑ "About the Archdiocese". https://www.archspm.org/about/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    9. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Paul". https://www.cathedralsaintpaul.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    10. ↑ "Basilica of Saint Mary". https://www.mary.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    11. ↑ "Archbishop's Office". https://www.archspm.org/about/archbishops-office/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    12. ↑ "Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dspma.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    13. ↑ "Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dspma.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    14. ↑ "Home". https://www.archspm.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    15. ↑ "The Catholic Spirit". https://thecatholicspirit.com/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    16. ↑ "About the Archdiocese". https://www.archspm.org/about/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    17. ↑ "Statistics". https://catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dspma.html#statistics. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    18. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://www.archspm.org/offices/religious/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    19. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://www.archspm.org/parishes/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    20. ↑ "Schools". https://aocatholicschools.org/schools/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    21. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://ccspm.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    22. ↑ "History". https://www.stthomas.edu/about/faith/history/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    23. ↑ "History". https://www.archspm.org/about/history/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 

    External Links

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