Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Fr. Tom Wilson
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The diocese was established by the Vatican in 1850 (originally Minnesota and the Dakotas), and elevated to archdiocese 38 years later. Now comprising a 12 county area, the Archdiocese has 222 parishes and is home to over 800,000 Catholics (roughly 25% of the population). During the past ten years, 100,000 new members have joined the Archdiocesan Catholic family. Approximately 12,000 infants and 300 adults are baptized annually in Archdiocesan parishes.
Mass is celebrated in eight different languages each Sunday within Archdiocesan parishes. Within the area are six Catholic nursing homes, two Catholic hospitals, ten retreat centers, and six monastic communities. Currently, 295 priests, 1,400 religious sisters, brothers, deacons, and thousands of lay personnel and volunteers serve in the parishes and in many other ministries Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis provides a framework for Catholic youth and their adult leaders. The framework is connected very closely within the structure of the Renewing the Vision document as promoted by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. The goals of this youth ministry are as follows: 1) To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; 2) To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community; and 3) To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. These goals are written as stated in the Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, United States Catholic Conference, 1997.
