The Diocese of Owensboro was established in 1937 and encompasses the western third
of the state of Kentucky. It includes thirty-two counties and covers approximately
12,500 square miles. According to a 1990 study by the Glenmary Research Center, the
diocese is fifty nine percent rural, and Catholics comprise about 6.2 percent of the
population, or 48,222 people (approximately 21,000 households). Church attendance rates here in the Diocese of Owensboro are among the highest in the nation with nearly 65% of registered members attending Mass on a typical Sunday.  A proposal for clustering parishes, with the intent to maintain or expand the Catholic presence in every county of the diocese, has been formulated and may be found by clicking here.

The Most Reverend John J. McRaith, appointed October 23, 1982, is the third and present Bishop of Owensboro.  The Diocese of Owensboro has grown, from thirty-three parishes and nineteen missions of Western Kentucky in 1937, to 79 parishes and two Newman Centers.

Most Reverend John J. McRaith, D.D., Bishop

600 Locust Street | Owensboro, KY 42301 | 502-683-1545