Welcome to the Archdiocese of Atlanta
The Archdiocese of Atlanta is a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community, serving about 1.2 million Catholics.
Our archdiocese encompasses the central and northern part of Georgia, covering 21,445 square miles and 69 counties.
This history of the Archdiocese of Atlanta dates back to the 1700s. Originally part of the Diocese of Savannah, Atlanta was made a diocese in 1956 and an archdiocese in 1962.
Quick Facts
- 104 parishes and missions
- 290 diocesan and religious priests
- 324 deacons
- 35 men in formation for the permanent diaconate
- 35 seminarians for the priesthood
- 99 religious sisters
- 22 religious brothers
- 16 archdiocesan Catholic schools
Mission Statement
We, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, are a people of prayer, love and joy who are dedicated to the salvation of all. As disciples and believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we proclaim the good news and grow in faith, hope, love and service to others. We are unified in our commitment to sacramental life, pastoral care and life-long formation in our Roman Catholic faith. We express our love through evangelization, fellowship, Catholic education, social services and charity in the full pursuit of effective discipleship.
The Province of Atlanta
When the Diocese of Atlanta became the Archdiocese of Atlanta on February 21, 1962, the ecclesiastical Province of Atlanta was created. The Archbishop of Atlanta holds the ex officio title of Metropolitan of the Province of Atlanta.
Dioceses of the Province (Provincial Sees)
- Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina
- Diocese of Savannah, Georgia
- Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina
- Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina
Ecclesiastical Provinces
The largest territorial division of the Latin Church, an ecclesiastical province is an administrative district comprising several dioceses. It is united under the presidency of an archbishop or metropolitan who holds this position as a result of his diocesan see as the metropolitan see (an archdiocese).
The other sees are called suffragan or subordinate sees, each governed by its respective bishop. An ecclesiastical province answers directly to the Holy See.
