Minnesota

Bishop of Crookston: Most Reverend Victor H. Balke

The Diocese of Crookston, established December 31, 1909, comprises 17, 210 square miles of western Minnesota and 14 counties. The diocese now numbers 36,263 Catholics in a total population of 247,741. There are 69 parishes served by 30 diocesan and 2 religious priests. There are nine Catholic grade schools and one high school. The diocese is almost entirely rural in nature. Farming, logging, and tourism form its main industries.