Recalling Black Bishops in the United States

This month the Archdiocese of Washington celebrated the installation Mass of Bishop Robert Boxie III and Bishop Gary Studniewski. The ordination of Bishop Robert Boxie was of particular recognition as he is the first African American to be ordained a bishop in almost a decade. He is also now the youngest bishop in the United States. During the 237 years that Catholic dioceses have existed in the United States, there have been a total of 29 Black bishops. Read more about their stories below.

The 2026 Statistical Overviews of Lay, Deacon, and Priestly Formation is available now!

These summaries provide relevant data on enrollment for lay, diaconate, and priestly formation. Includes:

• Information on high school, college, pre-theology, and theology level programs

• Diocesan programs for the formation of permanent deacons

• Diocesan-sponsored lay programs as well as programs affiliated with universities, seminaries, and schools of theology

Class of 2026: Ordinands to Priesthood

This report presents findings from a national survey of seminarians scheduled for ordination to the priesthood in 2026. The report is a part of collaboration between the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations and CARA. The purpose of this report is to compile information regarding men who are ordained to priesthood in the United States, within a particular year. CARA has conducted this research annually with the USCCB since 2006.

An example of findings from this years report (left) show the trends in the relationship between Catholic education and ordination. Catholic schools, parish-based religious education, and schooling in a Catholic home are all contributing. Read the full report by clicking below: