Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau at 601 South Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806-3143 US - Facts About Our Diocese

 





 

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau was founded in 1956.  The 9 regions of the diocese cover more than 25,000 square miles which includes thirty-nine counties in southern Missouri.  Within the regions, 66 parishes and 18 missions serve the 66,000 Catholics of southern Missouri.  The Diocese has two cathedrals: Cathedral of St. Mary in Cape Giradeau, Missouri and Cathedral of St. Agnes in Springfield, Missouri.  

The Diocese continues to grow in many ways.  The diverse heritage and culture continue to bind the faith community and provide the strength for future growth.  A copy of the recent diocesan CARA report provides a more in-depth look at the faithful of our diocese. 

Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau

Established:
     August 24, 1956

Patron Saints:
     St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, The Lady of Mercy
     Feast Day:  November 18

    St. Pope Pius X, Pope of the Blessed Sacrament
     Feast Day:  August 21

Past and Present Bishops:
     First:    The Most Rev. Charles H. Helmsing, D.D.
     Second:  The Most Rev. Ignatius J. Strecker, D.D., S.T.D.
     Third:    His Eminence William Cardinal Baum, S.T.D.
     Fourth:  His Eminence Bernard Cardinal Law, D.D.
     Fifth:    The Most Rev. John J. Leibrecht, D.D., Ph.D.
     Sixth:   The Most Rev. James Vann Johnston, Jr., J.C.L.

Territory:    
     25,719 square miles - 39 counties

Population:        
     1,226,079 (in the year of 2000) 
Catholic Population:        
     68,147 (in the approx. year of 2008)

Parishes:     
     66
Missions: 
     18
Chapels:    
     2   

School System:     
     23 elementary schools, 3 high schools

Oldest Parish:     
     Immaculate Conception Parish in New Madrid - est. 1789
Newest Parish:
     St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Nixa - est. 2004