Diocese of Paterson
The Diocese of Paterson, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in northern New Jersey in the United States. Established on December 9, 1937, by Pope Pius XI, it comprises Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties and is led by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney since March 8, 2020. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Newark, the diocese serves approximately 430,000 Catholics across 109 parishes, with a notable commitment to multicultural ministries reflecting its diverse immigrant heritage.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Paterson
| Diocese: Diocese of Paterson | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Newark |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Newark |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | New Jersey |
| Bishop: | Kevin J. Sweeney |
| Website: | https://rcdop.org/ |
| Newspaper: | https://thebeacon.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 15.0% |
| Elementary Schools: | 42 |
| High Schools: | 10 |
| Deaneries: | 7 |
| Priests: | 170 |
| Existence: | 1937– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Archdiocese of Newark |
| Catholic Hospitals: | 3 |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | 777 Valley Road Paterson, NJ 07510 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Paterson was canonically erected on December 9, 1937, by Pope Pius XI through the apostolic constitution Quamquam Cum.[1][2] It was created as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Newark to address the growing Catholic population in Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties, carved from the Archdiocese of Newark.[3]
History
The diocese was established amid the industrial boom in northern New Jersey, serving waves of Italian, Irish, Polish, and later Hispanic immigrants. Key milestones include the construction of its cathedral in 1868 (predating the diocese) and expansions in education and social services post-World War II.
In 2004, under Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli, the diocese hosted the National Catholic Youth Jubilee, drawing thousands.[4]
Geography
The diocese encompasses three counties in northern New Jersey:
It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Newark.[5]
Mother church
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson serves as the mother church. Built in 1868 in Gothic Revival style, it was elevated to cathedral status upon the diocese's creation and underwent restoration in 2010.[6]
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, installed on March 8, 2020, previously served as vicar general in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. He emphasizes evangelization and priestly formation.[7][8]
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas J. Walsh | 1937–1940 | First bishop; transferred to Archdiocese of Newark. |
| Bartholomew J. Eustace | 1940–1956 | Expanded parishes and schools. |
| James J. Navagh | 1957–1965 | Focused on Catholic education; died in office. |
| Lawrence B. Casey | 1966–1977 | Implemented Vatican II reforms; retired. |
| Frank Joseph Rodimer | 1977–2004 | Longest-serving bishop; promoted ecumenism; retired. |
| Arthur J. Serratelli | 2004–2020 | Chaired U.S. Bishops' Committee on Divine Worship; resigned. |
| Kevin J. Sweeney | 2020–present | Current bishop. |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[9][10]
Theological and cultural orientation
The diocese rates as slightly conservative (3.5), with Traditional Latin Mass offered weekly in several parishes, a strong emphasis on pro-life initiatives alongside social services for immigrants, and leadership prioritizing Eucharistic devotion under Bishop Sweeney.[11][12]
Statistics
The diocese covers 1,125 square miles (2,914 km²), serves 430,000 Catholics (out of 1.6 million total population) in 109 parishes and 12 missions.[13][14]
Religious Communities
Franciscans
The Franciscans (OFM) staff several parishes and the Shrine of St. Anthony. Address: 818 Valley Rd, Clifton, NJ 07013.[15] Franciscans
Salesians
The Salesians of Don Bosco operate Don Bosco Preparatory High School and youth ministries. Address: 820 Broadway, Ramsey, NJ 07446.[16] Salesians
Sisters of Charity
The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth run healthcare and educational apostolates. Address: Convent Station, NJ 07961.[17]
Parishes
| Diocese of Paterson |
|---|
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The Diocese of Paterson includes 109 parishes organized into 7 deaneries, serving diverse communities including Hispanic, Italian, and Polish populations. Notable are historic churches like St. Michael's in Paterson and multicultural parishes offering Masses in multiple languages.[18]
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese oversees 42 elementary/middle schools and 10 high schools. Key institutions include:
| School Name | City | Type | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy of the Holy Angels | Demarest | High School | https://www.holyangels.org/ |
| DePaul Catholic High School | Wayne | High School | https://www.depaulcatholic.org/ |
| Don Bosco Preparatory High School | Ramsey | High School | https://www.dbprep.org/ |
| Pope John XXIII Regional High School | Sparta | High School | https://www.popejohn.org/ |
| Seton Hall Preparatory School | West Orange | High School | https://www.shprep.org/ |
| St. Elizabeth University (higher ed) | Morristown | University | https://www.steu.edu/ |
| (Full list at List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Paterson) |
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson serves over 50,000 people annually with food pantries, housing, and immigration services.[21]
Notable Events or Figures
- Bishop Frank J. Rodimer hosted the 1976 International Eucharistic Congress preparatory events.[22]
- The diocese venerates Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a local mystic beatified in 2014, whose cause advanced under Bishop Serratelli.[23]
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Paterson:
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References
- ↑ "Diocese of Paterson". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dpate.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocesan History". https://rcdop.org/history. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Paterson. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocesan History". https://rcdop.org/history. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocesan Map". https://rcdop.org/about/map. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist". https://rcdop.org/cathedral. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Bishop Kevin James Sweeney". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bsweeneyk.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney". https://rcdop.org/bishop-sweeney. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocese of Paterson". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dpate.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "List of Bishops". https://rcdop.org/bishops. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://rcdop.org/worship/tlm. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Respect Life". https://rcdop.org/respect-life. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://rcdop.org/about/statistics. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocese of Paterson". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dpate.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Religious Orders". https://rcdop.org/religious. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Religious Orders". https://rcdop.org/religious. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Religious Orders". https://rcdop.org/religious. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Parish Directory". https://rcdop.org/parishes. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Schools". https://rcdop.org/schools. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Find a School". https://www.ncea.org/NCEA/Proclaim/School_Data/Find_a_School/Default.aspx. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://ccpaterson.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Diocesan History". https://rcdop.org/history. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
- ↑ "Blessed Miriam Teresa". https://rcdop.org/blessed-miriam. Retrieved 2025-06-03.