Diocese of Gary

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The Diocese of Gary, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the United States serving the Catholic communities of northwest Indiana. Erected on December 11, 1956, by Pope Pius XII, it comprises Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Starke counties, and is led by Bishop Robert J. McClory since 2019. A member of the Ecclesiastical Province of Indianapolis, the diocese oversees about 70 parishes amid the industrial "Steel City" region, where it has historically supported immigrant steelworkers and fostered vocations, including notable figures like Bishop Donald J. Hying.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Gary

Diocese: Diocese of Gary
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Indianapolis
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Country:United States
Region:Indiana
Bishop:Robert J. McClory
Website:https://www.dcgary.org
Newspaper:https://nwicannews.org
Catholic %:12.0%
Elementary Schools:21
High Schools:6
Deaneries:7
Priests:104
Existence:1956–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Catholic Hospitals:3
Rating:3.8
Chancery Address:9292 Broadway
Crown Point, IN 46307-9125

Establishment

The Diocese of Gary was canonically erected on December 11, 1956, by Pope Pius XII through the apostolic constitution Exsultate Deo, carved from the territory of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to address the spiritual needs of the rapidly growing Catholic population in northwest Indiana's industrial areas.[1][2]

History

The diocese was established amid post-World War II population booms and immigration waves to the Calumet Region's steel mills. Under its first bishop, Andrew G. Grutka, it built numerous parishes and schools to serve Eastern European and Hispanic communities. Boundary changes were minimal, but the diocese navigated deindustrialization challenges in the late 20th century, emphasizing renewal programs.[3]

Modern developments

Bishop Joseph Howard (1996–2011) focused on Catholic education and vocations, while Bishop Donald J. Hying (2011–2015) promoted the New Evangelization. Current leadership under Bishop McClory emphasizes synodality and outreach to the unchurched.[4]

Geography

The Diocese of Gary encompasses four counties in northwest Indiana:

Covering approximately 1,180 square miles along Lake Michigan, it is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Indianapolis.[5]

Mother church

The Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, Indiana, completed in 1950 and designated the cathedral in 1956, serves as the diocese's mother church. This Modernist structure features a prominent spire and hosts major liturgies.[6]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Robert J. McClory was appointed on November 23, 2019, and installed on January 7, 2020. Previously an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, he emphasizes family life, vocations, and Eucharistic devotion.[7]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Andrew Gregory Grutka 1956–1984 First bishop; focused on immigrant communities and infrastructure.
Norberto Rivera Carrera 1984–1995 Appointed Archbishop of Mexico City.
Joseph Leopold Howard 1995–2011 Emphasized education and vocations; retired.
Donald J. Hying 2011–2015 Appointed Bishop of Madison.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[8]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese rates as slightly conservative (3.8), with Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) offered weekly in several parishes (about 15%), a strong emphasis on pro-life and marriage teachings alongside social services for the poor, and Bishop McClory prioritizing doctrinal fidelity and traditional devotions like First Fridays.[9][10]

Statistics

The diocese covers 1,180 square miles (3,056 km²), serves 248,000 registered Catholics (12% of 1.9 million total population) across 70 parishes and 7 deaneries, with 104 priests, 21 elementary schools, and 6 high schools.[11][12]

Religious Communities

Franciscan Friars

The Franciscans staff parishes and retreats, including at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Lake Elkhart. Franciscan Friars[13]

Sisters of Providence

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods operate schools and healthcare. Address: Various locations in Gary area.[14]

Congregation of Holy Cross

The Congregation of Holy Cross runs Marian High School in nearby areas but supports diocesan missions.[15]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Gary
Diocese of Gary

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No results The Diocese of Gary includes 70 parishes organized into 7 deaneries: Gary East, Gary West, Hammond, Highland, Michigan City, Portage, and Valparaiso. These serve diverse Hispanic, African American, and Polish communities, with historic churches like St. Mary of the Assumption in Gary.[16]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports 21 elementary/middle schools and 6 high schools, educating over 5,000 students.

School Name City Type Website
Andrean High School Merrillville High School https://www.andreanhs.com
Bishop Noll Institute Hammond High School https://www.bishopnoll.org
Catholic Grammar School Gary Elementary
Chesterton Academy of the Holy Cross Portage High School https://chestertonacademy.org/portage
Marquette Catholic High School Michigan City High School https://www.marquettecatholic.org
St. Mary Elementary School Crown Point Elementary https://www.stmarycp.org/school
St. Stanislaus Kostka School Gary Elementary

For a full list, see List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Gary.[17]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary serves 20,000+ annually with food pantries, immigration aid, and housing in the Rust Belt region.[18]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Bishop Andrew Grutka, the first bishop, ordained over 100 priests and built 40 churches for steel mill workers.[19]
  • The diocese hosted the National Catholic Youth Jubilee in 2000, drawing thousands to the Cathedral.[20]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Gary:


  • Did you know? Pope Pius XII created the Diocese of Gary in 1956 specifically to serve the booming Catholic steelworkers from Eastern Europe in the "Steel City" – its first bishop even spoke multiple Slavic languages!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary was already standing when the diocese was born, becoming its mother church overnight and featuring stunning stained glass depicting local saints.
  • Here's something cool: Bishop Donald J. Hying, who led from 2011-2015, went on to become bishop of Madison, Wisconsin, but not before boosting vocations here with his love for St. John Paul II.
  • Wow moment: The diocese spans Lake Michigan's shore, home to the famous Indiana Dunes National Park, where Catholics hike and pray at outdoor shrines.
  • Little-known gem: Bishop Noll High School in Hammond has produced pro baseball players and even a Notre Dame football star, blending faith and sports since 1923.
  • Fun fact: Gary's parishes celebrate vibrant Polish and Hispanic feasts, like the annual Our Lady of Czestochowa pilgrimage drawing thousands.
  • Did you know? Despite Rust Belt challenges, the diocese has one of Indiana's highest vocation rates, with young priests crediting steel-town grit and family prayer.
  • Surprise! The chancery in Crown Point is near the historic courthouse where Michael Jackson's trial was held – talk about a pop culture crossover in Catholic Indiana!

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Gary". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgary.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese History". https://www.dcgary.org/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    3. ↑ "Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Gary. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    4. ↑ "Bishop Robert J. McClory". https://www.dcgary.org/about-us/bishop-mcclory. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    5. ↑ "About Our Diocese". https://www.dcgary.org/about-us/our-diocese. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    6. ↑ "Cathedral of the Holy Angels". https://www.dcgary.org/cathedral. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    7. ↑ "Pope Names New Bishop for Gary, Indiana". https://www.usccb.org/news/2019/pope-names-new-bishop-gary-indiana. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    8. ↑ "Diocese of Gary". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgary.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    9. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://www.dcgary.org/worship/liturgy/tlm. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    10. ↑ "The Northwest Indiana Catholic". https://nwicannews.org. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    11. ↑ "Diocese of Gary". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgary.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    12. ↑ "About Our Diocese". https://www.dcgary.org/about-us/our-diocese. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    13. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://www.dcgary.org/religious-orders. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    14. ↑ "Sisters of Providence". https://spsmw.org. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    15. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://www.dcgary.org/schools. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    16. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://www.dcgary.org/parishes. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    17. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://www.dcgary.org/schools. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    18. ↑ "Catholic Charities Gary". https://ccgary.org. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    19. ↑ "Diocese History". https://www.dcgary.org/history. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    20. ↑ "Northwest Indiana Catholic Archives". https://nwicannews.org. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 

    External Links

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