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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory in the southern coastal portion of California. The Archdiocese covers 8,762 sq. miles and comprises the counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. With over five million members, it is the single largest and most ethnically diverse archdiocese in the United States. The Archdiocese has a rich history, with the Diocese of California established in 1840, and the Los Angeles diocese elevated to an Archdiocese in 1936. The Catholic Church has a strong presence in the region, with numerous parishes, schools, and charities serving both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholics | Over 5 million |
| Territory | 8,762 sq. miles |
| Parishes | 287 |
| Seminary | St. John's Seminary, Camarillo, CA |
| High Schools | 26 |
| Colleges | 5 |
| Hospitals | 5 |
| Cemeteries | 3 |
| Diocesan Bishop | José Horacio Gómez Velasco |
| Episcopal Vicar of Our Lady of the Angels | Bishop Matthew G. Elshoff |
| Episcopal Vicar of San Fernando | Bishop Albert M. Bahhuth |
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What You'll Learn
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles
The history of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles dates back to the early 19th century when Pope Gregory XVI established the Diocese of California in 1840. This diocese encompassed a large territory, including what are now several U.S. states and a portion of Mexico. Over time, this diocese was split into smaller dioceses, and in 1936, the Diocese of Los Angeles and San Diego were separated to form the Diocese of San Diego and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. John Joseph Cantwell became the first Archbishop of Los Angeles, and he served in this role for 30 years.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, dedicated on September 2, 2002, is the current cathedral of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It replaced the former Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, which was damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The archdiocese is also home to several other notable churches and parishes, including the Queen of Angels Parish and the San Fernando Parish. The archdiocese hosts the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the largest annual event of its kind in the United States, with an attendance of approximately 38,000.
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The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
The cathedral is located in downtown Los Angeles and was dedicated on 2 September 2002, replacing the former Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, which had been damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The construction of the new cathedral was supervised by Father Richard S. Vosko, a liturgical design consultant and priest from the Diocese of Albany, who has overseen the design and renovation of numerous churches and cathedrals in the United States. The architect was Pritzker Prize-winning Spaniard Rafael Moneo, who used elements of postmodern architecture, featuring a series of acute and obtuse angles while avoiding right angles.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the single largest and most ethnically diverse archdiocese in the United States, with liturgies celebrated in 32 languages. It comprises the California counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, with over 50 high schools and five colleges within its jurisdiction. The current archbishop is José Horacio Gómez Velasco, who also serves as the metropolitan bishop of the suffragan dioceses within the Ecclesiastical Province of Los Angeles.
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Catholic schools in Los Angeles
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory or archdiocese of the Catholic Church located in the southern coastal portion of California, comprising the counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. With over five million members, it is the single largest and most ethnically diverse archdiocese in the United States.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has been committed to educating and supporting students within a vibrant, Christ-centred community since 1851. With more than 245 schools across three counties, it is the largest Catholic school system in the country. These schools emphasise strong Christian values and moral development and welcome students from all faith backgrounds. The Catholic schools in Los Angeles offer a diverse range of learning environments, from elementary to high school, providing rigorous and dynamic education, numerous athletic programmes, and a full spectrum of arts activities.
The Catholic high schools in Los Angeles offer a unique educational experience, combining academic excellence with spiritual growth. Students are encouraged to explore their talents and develop leadership skills, teamwork, and physical fitness through various athletic programmes. They also have the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with God and their peers through ministerial opportunities. Additionally, high schools within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles provide over 32 languages for weekly liturgies, catering to the diverse cultural backgrounds of their students and families.
Some notable Catholic high schools in Los Angeles include St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, St. Monica High School in Santa Monica, and Pomona Catholic High School in Pomona. There are also well-known elementary schools such as St. Genevieve Elementary in Panorama City, St. Jane Frances de Chantal in North Hollywood, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pasadena. These schools offer a strong academic foundation and provide students with a values-based education, instilling strong Christian values and a sense of community.
In addition to the high schools and elementary schools, there are also several colleges and universities affiliated with the Catholic Church in Los Angeles. These institutions provide higher education within a faith-based context, allowing students to continue their academic pursuits while staying connected to their religious community. Overall, the Catholic schools in Los Angeles offer a well-rounded and faith-centred education, fostering academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a sense of community for their students.
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Catholic hospitals in Los Angeles
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory or archdiocese of the Catholic Church. It is located in the southern coastal portion of California, comprising the counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the single largest and most ethnically diverse archdiocese in the United States, with over five million members.
The Catholic Church has a significant presence in the region, with numerous parishes, schools, and charitable organizations serving the community. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles includes the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, which is the mother church of the archdiocese and is located in downtown Los Angeles.
Within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, there are several Catholic hospitals serving the community. The exact number of Catholic hospitals in Los Angeles is not immediately clear, but it can be inferred from the available information that there are at least five Catholic hospitals in the region.
The region of Our Lady of the Angels, which covers downtown and central Los Angeles, is listed as having two Catholic hospitals. Meanwhile, the San Fernando region, covering the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys, has three Catholic hospitals. Additionally, the San Gabriel region, encompassing East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, also has three Catholic hospitals. These hospitals are likely affiliated with or supported by the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Some notable Catholic healthcare providers in Los Angeles include Providence St. Joseph Health, a national Catholic not-for-profit health system, and Dignity Health, the largest hospital provider in California. These organizations operate hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the region, providing quality care to patients from all backgrounds.
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Catholic charities in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to a significant Catholic population, with approximately 4.3 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as of 2022. This number accounts for around 40% of the total population of the archdiocese, which encompasses a large portion of Los Angeles County, making it the largest Catholic diocese in the United States by population. With such a sizable Catholic community, it is no surprise that there are numerous Catholic charities and organizations dedicated to serving those in need throughout the city.
One prominent Catholic charity in Los Angeles is the Catholic Charities of Los Angeles (CCLA). CCLA is the social service arm of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and has been serving the community for over 100 years. The organization offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at supporting individuals and families in need, regardless of their religious affiliation. CCLA's services include providing food and nutrition assistance, housing and homeless services, immigration and refugee support, senior services, and youth and family programs. They operate multiple centers across the archdiocese, ensuring that help is accessible to those who need it most.
Another notable Catholic charity in the city is the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Los Angeles. This organization, inspired by the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, focuses on serving the poor and marginalized through a variety of programs. They operate a network of food pantries and dining halls, providing meals and groceries to those in need. Additionally, they offer housing assistance, job training and placement services, and support for veterans and the formerly incarcerated. The Society's work is driven by the dedication of their volunteers, who believe in the inherent dignity of every person and strive to offer hope and opportunity to those struggling with poverty and injustice.
Beyond these larger organizations, there are numerous smaller Catholic charities and parishes in Los Angeles that make a significant impact through their dedicated service to the community. For example, the Los Angeles Catholic Worker offers hospitality and direct assistance to the homeless and those affected by poverty and injustice. Their services include a drop-in center, a free bookstore, and a community garden, all of which provide opportunities for relationship-building and mutual aid. Similarly, parishes across the archdiocese organize their own charitable initiatives, such as food drives, clothing donations, and outreach programs for the elderly and homebound.
The Catholic community in Los Angeles also comes together to support each other and those in need during times of crisis. For instance, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic charities and organizations mobilized to provide emergency assistance, ensuring that vulnerable communities had access to food, housing, and other essential services. This collective effort showcased the strength and resilience of the Catholic community in Los Angeles, as well as their commitment to living out the Gospel values of compassion and solidarity. Overall, the Catholic charities in Los Angeles play a vital role in supporting and uplifting the diverse communities that call the city home.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2015, 19% of adults in the Los Angeles metro area identified as Catholic. This percentage is likely in the millions.
There are 287 parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
There are 26 high schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
There is one seminary in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, CA.
As of March 2011, José Horacio Gómez Velasco is the Archbishop of Los Angeles. He is the first Hispanic to serve in this position.
