CATHOLIC PRIEST COUNT

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County has 52 parishes to which 164 priests are assigned. Seminarians (those studying for the priesthood) are given the title priest once they are ordained. Priests are assigned to a parish by the diocese, usually for a three- or four-year stint. A priest rarely switches dioceses during his lifetime, but can move from parish to parish within the diocese.

Newly Catholic Diocese Ordained Year Population Priests Seminarians Priests 1988 453,937 164 111 3 1987 448,937 149 110 2 1986 430,017 159 105 5 1985 417,590 155 115 3 1984 415,393 152 113 6 1983 413,393 138 105 6 1982 408,200 130 82 3 1981 365,004 127 73 3 1980 347,737 119 57 2 1979 338,023 117 57 4 1978 332,044 113 70 N/A 1977 333,576 120 73 N/A 1976 329,855 125 83 N/A

N/A: Not available

Note: Seminarians are students studying for the priesthood.

Source: Diocese of Orange County