On April 23, 1847, Pope Pius IX established the Diocese of Buffalo and appointed the Very Rev. John Timon as our first bishop. At the time, the diocese covered an expansive 20 counties and had just a handful of priests to serve a rapidly growing population. Today, in eight counties, there are 163 parishes, 34 Catholic elementary schools, over 350 priests, over 500 women religious; 129 permanent deacons; and a wealth of lay leaders and committed volunteers who serve God’s people every day. The social, pastoral, and ministerial works of our diocese provide spiritual support and outreach services to more than 500,000 people in need, of all faiths and backgrounds, each year.