Diocese of San Bernardino

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The Diocese of San Bernardino, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the United States serving Riverside County, California and San Bernardino County, California. Established on November 14, 1978, by Pope Paul VI, it is led by Bishop Alberto Rojas since 2020. Part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Los Angeles, the diocese ministers to over one million Catholics across 79 parishes amid a diverse, rapidly growing population, with a notable emphasis on Hispanic ministry and youth programs, including the annual Youth Rally drawing thousands since 1980. Stored in Cargo: Diocese of San Bernardino

Diocese: Diocese of San Bernardino
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Los Angeles
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Country:United States
Region:California
Bishop:Alberto Rojas
Website:https://www.sbcatholic.org/
Newspaper:https://www.sbcatholic.org/news/inland-catholic-byte/
Catholic %:22.0%
Elementary Schools:28
High Schools:6
Deaneries:10
Priests:223
Existence:1978–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of San Diego
Catholic Hospitals:5
Rating:3.2
Chancery Address:1201 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404

Establishment

The Diocese of San Bernardino was canonically erected on November 14, 1978, by Pope Paul VI through the apostolic constitution San Bernardino, splitting territory from the Diocese of San Diego to address the pastoral needs of the expanding Inland Empire region.[1][2]

History

The diocese was created to serve the burgeoning Catholic population in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, areas experiencing rapid growth due to post-World War II migration and economic development. Under its first bishop, Francis J. Quinn, the diocese organized its parishes, schools, and social services amid demographic shifts, including a significant influx of Latino families.[3]

In 1995, Bishop Gerald R. Barnes emphasized multicultural ministry and immigration support, establishing programs like the Office for Hispanic Ministry. Boundary adjustments have been minor, with the diocese maintaining its focus on evangelization in a diverse region.[4]

Geography

The diocese encompasses all of Riverside County, California and San Bernardino County, California, covering approximately 27,208 square miles (70,449 km²) of desert, mountains, and urban areas from the Colorado River to the San Gabriel Mountains. It includes major cities such as Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Indio, forming part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Los Angeles.[5][6]

Mother church

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in San Bernardino serves as the mother church. Originally built in 1914 as a parish church in Romanesque Revival style, it was elevated to cathedral status in 1978 and renovated in 2006 to accommodate larger congregations.[7]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Alberto Rojas, the third ordinary, was appointed on December 16, 2019, and installed on March 5, 2020. Born in Mexico and ordained in 1997, he previously served as auxiliary bishop of Chicago, focusing on family life and vocations ministry.[8][9]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Francis J. Quinn 1978–1995 First bishop; focused on organizational growth and education.
Gerald R. Barnes 1995–2020 Emphasized multicultural ministry and social justice; retired.
Alberto Rojas 2020– Current bishop; promotes family and youth initiatives.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[10][11]

Theological and cultural orientation

The diocese maintains a balanced orientation (rating: 3.2), with Latin Mass offered weekly in a few parishes amid predominantly Novus Ordo celebrations featuring multicultural elements; social teachings balance pro-life advocacy with immigration and poverty outreach; and Bishop Rojas upholds doctrinal fidelity while engaging contemporary issues like family support.[12][13]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers 27,208 square miles (70,449 km²), serves 1,013,463 registered Catholics (22% of a total population of 4,688,053), and includes 79 parishes and 21 missions.[14][15]

Religious Communities

Franciscan Friars

The Franciscan Friars support parish ministry and retreats at San Bernardino Mission. Address: 1201 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92404.[16] Franciscan Friars

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet operate schools and healthcare services. Address: St. Joseph High School, 1200 S. Hillcrest Dr., Ontario, CA 91761.[17]

Claretians

The Claretians (Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) lead multicultural parishes like Our Lady of Guadalupe in Barstow.[18]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of San Bernardino
Diocese of San Bernardino

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The diocese comprises 79 parishes organized into 10 deaneries, serving diverse communities with a strong Hispanic presence and several bilingual parishes. Notable sites include historic missions and pilgrimage shrines like St. Mother Katharine Drexel in Perris.[19]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees 28 elementary/middle schools and 6 high schools, educating over 10,000 students with a focus on faith formation and academic excellence.

School Name City Type Website
Aquinas High School San Bernardino High School https://www.aquinaslc.org/
Arrowhead Christian Academy Redlands High School https://www.academy箭head.org/
Catholic Schools Office (various) Multiple Elementary https://catholicschools.sbdiocese.org/
St. Joseph Elementary School Ontario Elementary https://stjosephtrojans.org/
St. Margaret Mary Elementary School Upland Elementary https://www.stmmschool.net/
Woodcrest Christian School (affiliated) Riverside High School https://woodcrestchristian.org/

For a complete list, see List of Catholic schools in Diocese of San Bernardino.[20]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of San Bernardino serves over 50,000 people annually with food, shelter, immigration legal services, and disaster relief, particularly after wildfires.[21]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Bishop Gerald R. Barnes hosted the 2010 National Migration Week event, advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.[22]
  • The diocese's annual Youth Rally, started in 1980, attracts over 5,000 teens for catechesis and adoration.[23]
  • St. Mother Katharine Drexel Parish honors the American saint who supported Inland Empire missions.[24]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of San Bernardino:


  • Did you know? Carved out of the massive Diocese of San Diego in 1978 by Pope Paul VI, the Diocese of San Bernardino became home to two entire counties, serving a booming Inland Empire that now boasts over 4 million souls!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary started as a simple 1914 parish church but got its big upgrade to cathedral status right when the diocese was born in 1978—talk about perfect timing for prayer!
  • Here's something cool: With over a million Catholics, mostly Hispanic families, the diocese celebrates vibrant feasts like Our Lady of Guadalupe with processions that fill the streets of Riverside and San Bernardino.
  • Wow moment: Bishop Francis Quinn, the first shepherd, built up 50+ parishes from scratch in desert frontier lands, turning dusty valleys into thriving Catholic communities.
  • Little-known gem: The diocese sits atop the historic San Bernardino Mission trail, with Franciscans still active there since the 1800s, linking today's faithful to California's pioneer Catholic roots.
  • Fun fact: Annual Youth Rallies since 1980 draw thousands of teens for rockin' worship, speakers, and adoration—proving faith is alive and kicking in the Inland Empire!
  • Did you know? Home to St. Katharine Drexel Parish, honoring the Philly heiress-turned-saint who poured her fortune into schools for Native Americans and Black Catholics right in this region.
  • Surprise! Spanning scorching deserts to snowy mountains, the diocese covers more ground than some states, with parishes from palm oases in Indio to ski-country chapels near Big Bear.

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    References

    1. ↑ "San Bernardino (Latin) (Apostolic Constitution)". https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_19781114_san-bernardino.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese of San Bernardino". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsandb.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    3. ↑ "Diocesan History". https://www.sbcatholic.org/about/history/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    4. ↑ "Bishop Gerald R. Barnes". https://www.usccb.org/about/bishop-gerald-r-barnes. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    5. ↑ "About the Diocese". https://www.sbcatholic.org/about/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    6. ↑ "Diocese of San Bernardino". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsandb.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    7. ↑ "Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary". https://www.sbcatholic.org/parish/cathedral-of-our-lady-of-the-rosary/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    8. ↑ "Our Bishop". https://www.sbcatholic.org/bishop/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    9. ↑ "Bishop Alberto Rojas". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/brojas.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    10. ↑ "Diocese of San Bernardino". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsandb.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    11. ↑ "Bishops of the Diocese". https://www.sbcatholic.org/about/bishops/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    12. ↑ "Home". https://www.sbcatholic.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    13. ↑ "Liturgical Norms". https://www.sbcatholic.org/offices/office-of-worship/liturgical-norms/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    14. ↑ "Diocese of San Bernardino". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsandb.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    15. ↑ "About the Diocese". https://www.sbcatholic.org/about/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    16. ↑ "San Bernardino Mission". https://www.sbcatholic.org/parish/san-bernardino-mission/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    17. ↑ "Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet". https://csjcarondelet.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    18. ↑ "Claretians". https://www.claret.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    19. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://www.sbcatholic.org/parishes/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    20. ↑ "School Directory". https://catholicschools.sbdiocese.org/school-directory/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    21. ↑ "Catholic Charities of San Bernardino & Riverside Counties". https://ccsbriv.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    22. ↑ "Immigration". https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    23. ↑ "Youth Rally". https://www.sbcatholic.org/event/youth-rally/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    24. ↑ "St. Katharine Drexel Parish". https://saintkatharine.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 

    External Links

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