Facts About The Diocese

Established: November 28, 1843

Diocesan boundaries: 75 counties (52,068 square miles) that make up Arkansas

Bishop: Bishop-elect Anthony B. Taylor (to be ordained June 5, 2008)

Retired Bishops: 1 (Bishop Andrew J. McDonald)

Diocesan Administrator: Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert (to serve until June 5, 2008)

Abbots in Diocese: 1 (Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB, Subiaco Abbey)

Catholic Population: 116,605 (Registered in Parishes)

Churches: 126 (including 88 Parishes and 38 Mission Churches)

Diocesan Priests (Active and Retired): 69

Religious Order Priests (Active and Retired): 47

Extern (From Other Dioceses) Priests: 24

Total Priests Serving in Diocese: 140

Seminarians: 22

Permanent Deacons: 88

Religious Sisters: 211

Religious Brothers: 32

Catholic Schools: 31 (Elementary, Junior High and Senior High Schools)

Catholic School Students: 7,705

Hospitals and Health Care Centers: 16

Retreat and Meeting Centers: 6

Religious Convents and Monasteries: 8

Retirement Centers: 26

Social Service Organizations: 4

Source: 2008 Official Catholic Directory