Diocese of Juneau
The Diocese of Juneau, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese serving southeastern Alaska in the United States. Founded in 1951 by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Steven J. Maekawa as of 2023. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Anchorage-Juneau, the diocese ministers to a dispersed Catholic population across a vast and remote region, with 11 parishes and numerous missions. A notable aspect is its role in supporting Catholic presence in Alaska's panhandle, including outreach to indigenous communities. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Juneau
| Diocese: Diocese of Juneau | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Anchorage-Juneau |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Alaska |
| Bishop: | Steven J. Maekawa |
| Website: | https://dioceseofjuneau.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 10.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 2 |
| High Schools: | 0 |
| Deaneries: | 3 |
| Priests: | 15 |
| Existence: | 1951– |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 0 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | 419 Sixth Street Juneau, AK 99801 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Juneau was established on June 23, 1951, by Pope Pius XII to serve the growing Catholic population in southeastern Alaska, carved from territory previously under the Vicariate Apostolic of Alaska.
History
Early Years
Established in 1951, the diocese initially focused on missionary work in remote areas of the Alaska Panhandle under its first bishop.
Modern Era
The diocese has maintained its boundaries since founding and continues to address the challenges of serving a geographically dispersed flock.
Geography
The diocese covers the southeastern panhandle of Alaska, including the following areas:
- City and Borough of Juneau
- City and Borough of Sitka
- Ketchikan Gateway Borough
- Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
- Petersburg Borough
- Wrangell City and Borough
- Haines Borough
- Skagway Borough
- Hoonah-Angoon Census Area
- Yakutat City and Borough
It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Anchorage-Juneau.
Mother Church
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Juneau, Alaska) in Juneau serves as the diocese's mother church, a structure originally built in the early 20th century and later expanded.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Steven J. Maekawa has served since 2023. A Dominican priest with prior experience in the Pacific Northwest, he emphasizes evangelization and care for remote parishes.
Auxiliary Bishops
None.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Dermot O'Flanagan | 1951–1968 | First Bishop of Juneau; oversaw initial organization of the diocese. |
| Francis Thomas Hurley | 1968–1976 | Focused on expansion of parishes; transferred to Anchorage. |
| John Edward Dearden | 1976–1980 | Served briefly; later returned to other assignments. |
| Michael Joseph Kaniecki | 1980–1984 | Emphasized missionary outreach; transferred elsewhere. |
| Michael William Warfel | 1984–1996 | Led growth in Catholic education initiatives; transferred to Great Falls-Billings. |
| Donald Joseph Kettler | 1996–2000 | Promoted vocations; transferred to Fairbanks. |
| Edward James Burns | 2000–2004 | Strengthened diocesan administration; transferred to Juneau from prior role. |
| David Lee Ricken | 2004–2008 | Focused on youth ministry; transferred to Green Bay. |
| Edward James Weisenburger | 2008–2012 | Oversaw pastoral planning; transferred to Tucson. |
| Paul Dennis Etienne | 2012–2016 | Emphasized stewardship; transferred to Anchorage. |
| Andrew Eugene Bellisario | 2016–2023 | Served until appointment as Coadjutor Archbishop of Anchorage-Juneau. |
According to diocesan records and Vatican appointments.
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.5), offering traditional liturgical elements alongside contemporary outreach programs suited to Alaska's unique cultural context, with leadership prioritizing both doctrinal fidelity and community service.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 35,000 square miles (90,650 km²), serves around 7,000 registered Catholics across 11 parishes, and has a total regional population of approximately 70,000.
Religious Communities
Jesuits
The Jesuits have historically supported education and parish ministry in the region.
Parishes
| Diocese of Juneau |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Juneau encompasses 11 parishes and missions spread across the southeastern Alaska panhandle, serving both urban centers and remote villages with a focus on sacramental life and community support.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese manages a small number of Catholic schools focused on elementary education.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities and local parish programs provide support for families, the elderly, and those in need throughout the remote communities.
Notable Events or Figures
- The diocese was erected to address the pastoral needs following World War II growth in Alaska.
- Bishop Robert Dermot O'Flanagan, the founding ordinary, navigated the challenges of establishing Church structures in frontier conditions.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Juneau:
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Associated saints
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Diocesan photos
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