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 272,300. Total population is 1,161,932.   Catholic Total Berks 74,346 373,638 Carbon 14,577 58,802 Lehigh 64,731 312,090 Northampton 79,221 267,066 Schuylkill 39,425 150,336 "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 104   Priests 271 (active and retired) Diocesan 208 (active and retired) Religious 63 Permanent Deacons 108   Sisters 350   Brothers 12   Diocesan Seminarians 14 In College 5 In Theology 9   Catholic Pre-School/Day Care Programs 77 Enrollment 2,400   Catholic Elementary Schools 45 Parish 24 Regional 21 Special Education 3 Byzantine Rite 1 Enrollment 9,485   Catholic High Schools 8 Enrollment 3,641   Catholic Colleges 2 Enrollment 6,117   Enrollment in Parish Religious Programs 16,456 Elementary 16,250 Secondary 206   Baptisms 3,160   Marriages 935 Catholic Population 272,300   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