Map Established as a Diocese by Pope John XXIII, January 28, 1961, The Diocese of Allentown comprises the five counties of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill situated in east central Pennsylvania. Catholic population is 272,640. Total population is 1,161,932.   Catholic Total Berks 73,306 373,638 Carbon 13,723 58,802 Lehigh 68,334 312,090 Northampton 77,288 267,066 Schuylkill 40,270 150,336 "All through the 19th century, vast numbers of Catholics poured into the five-county area of this Diocese in a steady flow of immigration from Ireland, Germany, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean shores. They came seeking a new livelihood, new freedom, both political and religious. Those faithful Catholic immigrants were already fused in the solidarity of their Catholic faith and in the warmth of the charity of Christ which burned in their hearts. Tenaciously, they have adhered to this sacred legacy through the generations. . ." Bishop Joseph McShea April 11, 1961 Statistics Statistical Information Parishes 151 Priests 291 Diocesan 220 Religious 71 Permanent Deacons 117 Sisters 370 Brothers 11 Diocesan Seminarians 17 In College 9 In Theology 8 Catholic Pre-School/Day Care Programs 70 Enrollment 2,462 Catholic Elementary Schools 48 Parish 24 Regional 24 Special Education 3 Byzantine Rite 1 Enrollment 10,543 Catholic High Schools 8 Enrollment 3,801 Catholic Colleges 2 Enrollment 6,075 Enrollment in Parish Religious Programs 16,850 Elementary 16,782 Secondary 68 Baptisms 3,158 Marriages 986 Catholic Population 272,921   Total Population 1,161,932 Post Office Box F  •  Allentown, PA  •  18105-1538 Copyright 2003 The Catholic Diocese of Allentown Disclaimer and Terms of Use