Archdiocese - St. Paul / Minneapolis: The diocese was established by the Vatican in 1850 (originally Minnesota and the Dakotas), and elevated to archdiocese 38 years later. Now comprising a 12 county area, the Archdiocese has 222 parishes and is home to over 750,000 Catholics (roughly 25% of the population). Mass is celebrated in eight different languages each Sunday within Archdiocesan parishes. Within the area are six Catholic nursing homes, four Catholic hospitals, ten retreat centers, and six monastic communities. Currently, 495 priests, 1,400 religious sisters, brothers, deacons, and thousands of lay personnel and volunteers serve in the parishes and in many other ministries.

Quality Catholic education is a high priority within the Archdiocese. There are 95 elementary and 13 secondary schools which serve a total Catholic student enrollment of over 37,000. Approximately 60,000 children and youth are enrolled in parish religious education programs.

Through various forms of social outreach, Archdiocesan agencies help those in urgent need by providing nearly 3 million meals a year, over 5,000 places to sleep for the homeless, a home for troubled children, and 2,000 low-income housing units. Archdiocesan support programs serve and provide advocacy support for the poor, the handicapped, persons with AIDS, the divorced and separated, people in prison, refugees, and others with special needs.

Minneapolis:

The host city within the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for the 2008 National Convention is Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a city of amazing contrasts and combinations. Where down home people meet uptown style. It’s a place where sophisticated theater, world-class architecture and museums mingle with fun attractions, and professional sports. With the unique combination of stylish spaces and natural beauty, it’s no wonder why Frommer’s Travel Guidebook ranks Minneapolis among the world’s 12 most unique and enticing destinations for 2007!

Downtown Minneapolis Maps

Convention Highlights:

Several meetings, events and activities are planned for your enjoyment at the 2008 National Convention. See the tours page for details!

Minneapolis Skyways

Seem a little quiet on the street? Minneapolis and Saint Paul are both home to a unique system of glass "tunnels" one story above ground. We call them skyways. You can just call them convenient. Downtown Minneapolis' 8-mile system and downtown Saint Paul's 5-mile system can get you almost anywhere in climate-controlled bliss.

So ditch the coat in the hotel room and go exploring in this lively thoroughfare filled with specialty shops, restaurants, services, and, yes, even an annual golf tournament

"Where are all the people?" you ask. Look up. You may be missing something.

Maps and Information on the Minneapolis Skyways

Downtown Minneapolis Maps