Diocese of Sioux Falls
The Diocese of Sioux Falls, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing the eastern portion of the state of South Dakota (all territory east of the Missouri River) in the United States. Erected on November 12, 1889, by Pope Leo XIII from the Vicariate Apostolic of Dakota, it is led by Bishop Donald Edward DeGrood since his installation in 2020. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the diocese serves a Catholic community in the prairie heartland with a rich heritage of missionary work among Native American peoples and strong emphasis on discipleship and evangelization. A notable aspect is its historic role in ministering to the Sioux (Lakota/Dakota) people and its continued commitment to vocations and Catholic education.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Sioux Falls
| Diocese: Diocese of Sioux Falls | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of Saint Paul and Minneapolis |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | South Dakota |
| Bishop: | Donald Edward DeGrood |
| Website: | https://sfcatholic.org/ |
| Newspaper: | https://sfcatholic.org/bishopsbulletin/ |
| Catholic %: | 16.7% |
| Priests: | 110 |
| Existence: | 1889– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Vicariate Apostolic of Dakota |
| Rating: | 3.8 |
| Chancery Address: | 523 North Duluth Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Sioux Falls was established on November 12, 1889, by Pope Leo XIII, comprising all of South Dakota at the time. It was erected from the Vicariate Apostolic of Dakota, with Bishop Martin Marty, O.S.B., as its first ordinary. In 1902, the western portion of the state was detached to form the Diocese of Lead (now Rapid City).
History
The Catholic presence in the region dates to the 19th century with missionary efforts among Native American peoples. The Vicariate Apostolic of Dakota was established in 1879 under Bishop Marty, who focused on evangelization of the Sioux. After statehood in 1889, the diocese was created. Subsequent bishops expanded parishes, schools, and institutions amid economic challenges and growth. Key developments include the construction of St. Joseph Cathedral and ongoing ministry to rural and indigenous communities.
Geography
The diocese covers eastern South Dakota east of the Missouri River, approximately 35,091 square miles (90,885 km²), including major cities such as Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown, Mitchell, and Yankton. It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Mother Church
St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, dedicated in 1919, serves as the mother church. Designed by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, it is a prominent landmark and center of worship for the diocese.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop Donald Edward DeGrood has served since February 13, 2020. Born in Minnesota and a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, he emphasizes spiritual renewal, discipleship, and being "Happy, Healthy, and Holy."
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Marty, O.S.B. | 1889–1895 | First Bishop; transferred to Saint Cloud |
| Thomas O’Gorman, C.S.P. | 1896–1921 | Oversaw growth and cathedral dedication |
| Bernard Joseph Mahoney | 1922–1939 | Served during economic challenges |
| William Otterwell Brady | 1939–1956 | Transferred to Saint Paul |
| Lambert Anthony Hoch | 1956–1978 | Implemented Vatican II reforms |
| Paul Vincent Dudley | 1978–1995 | Focused on ecumenism and pro-life work |
| Robert James Carlson | 1995–2004 | Coadjutor then bishop; transferred to Saginaw |
| Paul Joseph Swain | 2006–2019 | Retired |
| Donald Edward DeGrood | 2020–present | Current Bishop |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced to slightly conservative orientation (rating approximately 3.8), emphasizing traditional teachings, vocations, pro-life ministry, and outreach to families and rural communities alongside discipleship initiatives.
Statistics
The diocese covers 35,091 square miles (90,885 km²) and serves approximately 108,000 registered Catholics (about 16.7% of the total population) across roughly 119 parishes as of recent data.
Religious Communities
Various religious orders, including Benedictines and others, support education, healthcare, and Native American ministry. Consult the diocesan website for current listings.
Parishes
| Diocese of Sioux Falls |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese includes numerous parishes and pastorates serving urban, rural, and reservation communities.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools including O'Gorman High School, Roncalli schools, and others, along with higher education at Mount Marty University.
Community Outreach
Programs focus on evangelization, family life, youth ministry, and service to the poor.
Notable Events or Figures
- Bishop Martin Marty, known as the "Apostle of the Sioux," advanced missions among Native Americans.
- The diocese has a strong record of vocations and commitment to lifelong discipleship.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Sioux Falls:
These stories highlight the vibrant faith alive in eastern South Dakota, from pioneering missionaries to today's joyful disciples. The Diocese of Sioux Falls continues to nurture the Gospel in the heartland. Come discover more about our diocese and visit one of these historic sites or parishes soon!
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