Diocese of Charleston: Difference between revisions

{{Diocese

  |Country=United States

  |AdministrativeSubdivision=South Carolina

  |Rite=Latin

  |EcclesiasticalProvince=Province of Atlanta

The Diocese of Charleston was established on July 11, 1820, by Pope Pius VII to serve the Catholic population in the Carolinas and Georgia, initially covering a vast region. It was created to address the growing needs of Catholic immigrants and missionaries in the southeastern United States. The diocese was formed without a direct predecessor, as it was one of the first Catholic jurisdictions in the region.[](https://charlestondiocese.org/)[](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchas.html)

Founded in 1820 under Bishop John England, the diocese initially included South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. England, a charismatic leader, established the first Catholic newspaper in the U.S., the *United States Catholic Miscellany*, to promote Catholic teachings. The diocese faced challenges due to the region’s Protestant dominance but grew steadily through missionary efforts.[](https://www.facebook.com/DioceseChas/)

In 1850, the Diocese of Savannah was created, reducing Charleston’s territory to South Carolina alone. The diocese saw significant growth in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with a notable increase in its Catholic population, as reported in 2024. Key developments include the construction of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the establishment of educational institutions.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Charleston)[](https://charlestoncathedral.com/join-us/)

The Diocese of Charleston spans the entire state of South Carolina, covering 46 counties, including:

* Charleston County

* Richland County

* Greenville County

* Horry County

* Aiken County

It is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Atlanta, aligning with other southeastern dioceses under the [[Archdiocese of Atlanta]].[](https://charlestondiocese.org/)

[[Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Charleston)|Cathedral of St. John the Baptist]] in Charleston, a Gothic Revival structure completed in 1907, serves as the diocese’s mother church. It is a central hub for worship and diocesan events, known for its historical significance and architectural beauty.[](https://charlestoncathedral.com/join-us/)

Jacques Fabre-Jeune has served as bishop since May 13, 2022. A Haitian-born priest, he emphasizes evangelization and community outreach, particularly among diverse populations.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Charleston)

There are currently no auxiliary bishops in the Diocese of Charleston.[](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchas.html)

| Founded the diocese; established *United States Catholic Miscellany*; died in office.

| Led during the Civil War; rebuilt after regional devastation.

| Became Archbishop of Atlanta.

| Strengthened diocesan administration; retired.

|}

[](https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchas.html)

The Diocese of Charleston maintains a somewhat conservative orientation (rating: 3.5). Latin Masses are offered regularly in several parishes, reflecting a traditional liturgical bent. The diocese emphasizes both traditional moral teachings, such as pro-life advocacy, and progressive outreach, including immigration support and poverty programs. Bishop Fabre-Jeune’s leadership balances these priorities, promoting unity and evangelization in a diverse region.[](https://charlestondiocese.org/)

The diocese covers 31,055 square miles (80,432 km²), serves approximately 200,000 registered Catholics across 96 parishes and 21 missions, and has a total population of about 5,200,000.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Charleston)

===[[Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia]]===

The Dominican Sisters operate schools and support catechetical programs. Address: 2431/2 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403. [https://nashvilledominican.org Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia][](https://charlestondiocese.org/)

===[[Franciscan Friars]]===

The Franciscans manage parish ministries and outreach programs. Address: 1204 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482. [https://franciscan.org Franciscan Friars][](https://charlestondiocese.org/)

The Diocese of Charleston serves 96 parishes and 21 missions across 7 deaneries, covering all of South Carolina. It includes culturally diverse parishes, with some offering Spanish-language Masses and one Maronite Rite parish.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Charleston)

| Charleston

| Charleston

| North Charleston

|}

[](https://www.charlestoncatholic.com/)

Catholic Charities of South Carolina provides food assistance, immigration services, and disaster relief to over 50,000 people annually.[](https://charlestondiocese.org/)

In 2024, the diocese hosted a Eucharistic Congress with over 2,000 participants, led by Catholic speaker Edward Sri, highlighting its commitment to Eucharistic devotion. Bishop John England, the founding bishop, is notable for his pioneering Catholic journalism in the U.S.[](https://www.facebook.com/DioceseChas/)

* {{Official website|https://charlestondiocese.org}}