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Contact: Patricia M. Chivers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Communications Director Tuesday, August 16, 2011
(678) 480-6865
pchivers@archatl.com

Grand Opening of Catholic Chancery in Smyrna

SMYRNA —The Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta, welcomes members of the community and the media to the Grand Opening of the Catholic Chancery on Wednesday, August 24, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Chancery, located at 2401 Lake Park Drive, S.E., Smyrna 30080, is the administrative office of Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory serving people of the Archdiocese of Atlanta with the mission of encouraging all towards a deeper love of Jesus Christ. Expanded Chancery offices were needed due to the tremendous growth of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Atlanta in recent years. There are 87 parishes, 10 missions, 22 Catholic schools and 5 Catholic hospitals in the sixty-nine counties served by the Archdiocese. 4,384 people are employed by these Catholic churches and schools.

The Diocese of Atlanta was established in 1956 and elevated to the status of Archdiocese in 1962, becoming the center of an Ecclesiastic Province which included the states of Georgia, North and South Carolina and Florida. That year, the Catholic population of the diocese numbered 32,000 out of a total population of 2,152,000. Currently, the Catholic population of the Archdiocese has risen to over 950,000 with a total population of 6,998,399.

An exhibit of photographs by the award-wining photographer, Michael Alexander, will be on display on the terrace level of the Chancery during the Grand Opening. Michael is the staff photographer for The Georgia Bulletin. His photographs capture not only Catholics in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, but also document the diverse history and rich cultural heritage of the archdiocese. From church buildings to parish events and liturgical celebrations, Michael's lens sees a vibrant and beautiful Catholic community in north and middle Georgia.

Media is welcome to this event beginning with a ribbon-cutting at 2:00 p.m.

For more information or interview requests for Kathy Wood, Ph.D., contact Pat Chivers at pchivers@archatl.com or 678-480-6865.

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