Diocese of Crookston
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Crookston
| Diocese: Diocese of Crookston | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Saint Paul and Minneapolis |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Minnesota |
| Bishop: | Andrew H. Cozzens |
| Website: | https://crookston.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 13.2% |
| Elementary Schools: | 8 |
| High Schools: | 1 |
| Priests: | 44 |
| Existence: | 1909– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Saint Paul |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | 1200 Memorial Drive, Crookston, MN 56716 |
The Diocese of Crookston, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing 14 counties in northwestern Minnesota in the United States. Erected on December 31, 1909, by Pope Pius X, it was established with territory taken from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul to serve the growing Catholic population in the region. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and is led by Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens as of 2026.
Establishment
The Diocese of Crookston was formally erected on December 31, 1909, by Pope Pius X, carved from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul to address the pastoral needs of Catholic settlers and missions in northwestern Minnesota.
History
Early Catholic presence in the region traces to missionary activity, including the martyrdom of Jesuit Jean-Pierre Aulneau in 1736 near Lake of the Woods. St. Mary’s Mission was founded in 1858 on the Red Lake Reservation for the Ojibwe people.
The first bishop, Timothy J. Corbett (1910–1938), established over 50 churches and 12 schools. Subsequent bishops oversaw growth, liturgical reforms following the Second Vatican Council, and the dedication of the current cathedral in 1990 by Bishop Victor Hermann Balke (1976–2007). Bishop Michael Joseph Hoeppner served from 2007 until his resignation in 2021. Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens was installed as the eighth bishop on December 6, 2021.
Geography
The diocese spans 14 counties in northwestern Minnesota: Kittson, Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Polk, Red Lake, Pennington, Clearwater, Beltrami, Norman, Mahnomen, Hubbard, Clay, and Becker. It covers approximately 17,210 square miles (44,600 km²) of predominantly rural terrain.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston serves as the mother church and is dedicated to the patroness of the diocese. The current structure was dedicated in 1990.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, S.T.D., D.D., has served since his installation on December 6, 2021. Previously auxiliary bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, he led the National Eucharistic Revival and the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in 2024.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy J. Corbett | 1910–1938 | First Bishop; established numerous churches and schools |
| John Hubert Peschges | 1938–1944 | Second Bishop |
| Francis Joseph Schenk | 1945–1960 | Appointed Bishop of Duluth |
| Lawrence Alexander Glenn | 1960–1970 | Retired |
| Kenneth Joseph Povish | 1970–1975 | Appointed Bishop of Lansing |
| Victor Hermann Balke | 1976–2007 | Dedicated current cathedral |
| Michael Joseph Hoeppner | 2007–2021 | Resigned |
| Andrew H. Cozzens | 2021–present | Current Bishop |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating 3.5), with standard liturgical practices in the Latin Rite and emphasis on both traditional teachings and missionary outreach under Bishop Cozzens' leadership in the National Eucharistic Revival.
Statistics
The diocese covers 17,210 square miles (44,600 km²) and serves approximately 35,500 registered Catholics across 65–66 parishes in a total population of about 269,335 (as of recent data).
Religious Communities
Various religious communities support education, healthcare, and parish ministries in the diocese, including the Sisters of Saint Benedict with historical ties to the region.
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese includes approximately 65 parishes organized into deaneries, serving rural and small-town communities across northwestern Minnesota.
Mission and Services
Catholic education
The diocese operates 8 Catholic schools, including Cathedral School in Crookston and Sacred Heart High School in East Grand Forks.
Community outreach
Efforts include Catholic Social Service initiatives and support for migrant communities, consistent with the diocese's historical focus.
Notable events or figures
- Bishop Cozzens' leadership in the National Eucharistic Revival and Congress highlights the diocese's commitment to Eucharistic faith renewal.
- The cause for canonization of Servant of God Mary Annella Zervas was opened in 2025.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Crookston:
- Established in 1909 by Pope Pius X, the Diocese of Crookston quickly grew under its first bishop, who built over 50 churches and 12 schools through dedicated fundraising in frontier territory!
- The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, dedicated in its current form in 1990, stands as a beautiful beacon of faith in Crookston, honoring the diocese's patroness.
- This Northland diocese covers a vast 17,210 square miles across 14 rural counties, embracing agricultural communities, forests, and lakes while nurturing faith amid scenic Minnesota landscapes.
- Early missions like St. Mary’s on the Red Lake Reservation (founded 1858) reflect the diocese's long history of ministry to Native American communities, including the Ojibwe people.
- Bishop Andrew Cozzens, installed in 2021, played a key national role in the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, drawing over 60,000 Catholics to Indianapolis and inspiring missionary zeal back home.
- The diocese has a rich legacy of Catholic education and social services, including summer programs for children of migrant workers established by earlier bishops.
- In this predominantly rural setting, the faith community continues to thrive through vibrant parishes and schools, inviting all to "Be On Mission" with Christ in northwest Minnesota.
These stories highlight the living heritage of Catholic faith in the Northland. Today, the Diocese of Crookston continues to foster vibrant communities of discipleship, prayer, and service. Come discover more about our diocese—visit a local parish or the cathedral soon to experience the warmth of faith in action!
Associated saints
No saints yet.
Diocesan photos
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