As a separate legal entity from the Diocese of El Paso, the Catholic Foundation is not affected by the recent reorganization of the Roman Catholic Diocese of El Paso. We remain committed to our core purpose of raising funds necessary to sustain the parishes, schools, ministries, and charities that continue the teachings of Jesus Christ in our Diocese. All monies raised through the Catholic Foundation are only used for the parishes, programs, services, and ministries for which they are designated. No gifts are used to satisfy legal fees or settlement costs associated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of El Paso’s reorganization.

Now more than ever, we are counting on the community to help us fulfill that mission. Our hearts and prayers remain with the victims and their families.

Catholic Diocese of El Paso Counts More Than 77,000 Faithful Attending Catholic Churches
Catholic Diocese of El Paso Counts More Than 77,000 Faithful Attending Catholic Churches

The Diocese of El Paso conducted a Mass Attendance Count in all parishes on the weekend of October 15 and 16, 2016. This new initiative counted how many parishioners are attending Mass, including all Masses held that weekend in English, Spanish, and bilingually.

According to Karina Sandoval, the Stewardship Coordinator for the Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso, the total number of parishioners attending Mass over the weekend was of 77,096 in 65 churches throughout the 10 counties of the Diocese of El Paso. A total of 40,386 parishioners attended Mass in Spanish, 27,018 in English, and 9,692 attended bilingual Masses or Masses held in a different language.

The Mass Attendance Count is being coordinated by the Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso under the Office of Stewardship. According to Sandoval, the Mass Attendance Count will become an annual practice in the diocese and will help churches and the diocese plan for the future and improve services provided to families.

For more information or to request Stewardship resources, please contact Karina Sandoval at 915.872.8412 or ksandoval@elpasodiocese.org elpasodiocesefoundation.org.

Photo: Joe Najera, Diocese of El Paso