Diocese of Florida
The Diocese of St. Augustine, formerly known as the Diocese of Florida, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the northern and central parts of the state of Florida in the United States. Founded in 1857 by Pope Pius IX, it was initially known as the Diocese of Florida and was later renamed in 1870 to the Diocese of St. Augustine. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Miami, the diocese serves a diverse Catholic community in a historically Protestant region, with 61 parishes and 12 missions. A notable aspect is its vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting its dynamic role in fostering Catholic faith in the Southeast.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of St. Augustine, Diocese of St. Augustine
| Diocese: Diocese of St. Augustine | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Miami |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Miami |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Florida |
| Bishop: | Father Erik Pohlmeier |
| Website: | https://www.dosage.org/ |
| Newspaper: | https://www.flacatholics.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 10.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 20 |
| High Schools: | 5 |
| Deaneries: | 5 |
| Priests: | 150 |
| Existence: | 1857– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 2 |
| Rating: | 3.0 |
| Chancery Address: | 11625 Old St. Augustine Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32258 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Florida was established on September 11, 1857, by Pope Pius IX to serve the growing Catholic population in the state of Florida, which was then a relatively new state in the United States. The diocese was formed from the territory of the Diocese of Savannah, which covered parts of Georgia and Florida. The first bishop of the Diocese of Florida was Augustin Verot, who played a significant role in the development of the diocese.
History
The Diocese of Florida, later renamed the Diocese of St. Augustine, has a rich and diverse history. The diocese has been served by several notable bishops, including Augustin Verot, John Moore, and William Kenny. The diocese has also been affected by significant events, such as the American Civil War and the Great Depression. In 1870, the diocese was renamed the Diocese of St. Augustine, in honor of the city of St. Augustine, which is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States.
Geography
The Diocese of St. Augustine spans 17 counties in northern and central Florida, including Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, and Union. The diocese is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Miami and is situated in the southeastern United States.
Mother Church
The Cathedral of St. Augustine, located in St. Augustine, Florida, serves as the mother church of the diocese. The cathedral is a historic landmark and a prominent example of Spanish colonial architecture in the United States.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Father Erik Pohlmeier has served as the bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine since 2023. A former priest of the Diocese of Little Rock, he focuses on evangelization and outreach to the Hispanic community.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Augustin Verot | 1858–1876 | First Bishop of Florida; later became Bishop of Savannah. |
| John Moore | 1877–1901 | Second Bishop of St. Augustine; oversaw significant growth and development of the diocese. |
| William Kenny | 1902–1925 | Third Bishop of St. Augustine; played a key role in the establishment of Catholic schools and hospitals in the diocese. |
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The Diocese of St. Augustine leans moderately conservative (rating: 3.0), offering Latin Masses in select parishes, emphasizing traditional teachings alongside social outreach, and led by a bishop with a balanced stance.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 9,600 square miles (24,900 km²), serves around 180,000 registered Catholics across 61 parishes, and has a total population of over 4 million people.
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits operate a retreat center and support parish ministries in the diocese. Address: 1615 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210.
Sisters of St. Joseph
The Sisters of St. Joseph manage healthcare services, including a hospital and nursing homes. Address: 915 N. Elm St, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
Vocations
Vocations Contact for Diocese of St. Augustine (Diocese) • Both
- Contact: Rev. John Giel
- Email: vocations@dosage.org
- Phone: (904) 262-3200
- Website: Official Vocations Page
- Notes: General vocations office
- Last Verified: May 22, 2026
Parishes
| Diocese of St. Augustine |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of St. Augustine has 61 parishes and 12 missions, serving a diverse Catholic community in northern and central Florida.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages 20 schools:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph Catholic School | Jacksonville | Elementary | St. Joseph Catholic School |
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Augustine provides various services, including food banks, housing assistance, and counseling.
Notable Events or Figures
- In 1965, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress, which drew over 10,000 attendees.
- Saint Katharine Drexel, a Catholic saint, visited the diocese in 1925 and supported the establishment of a Catholic school for African American children.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of St. Augustine:
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