About the Diocese of San José

 

The Diocese of San José in California serves all of Santa Clara County, forming missionary disciples and serving those in need across Silicon Valley. Established in 1981, the Diocese is centered at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph in downtown San José. From the establishment of Mission Santa Clara de Asís (1777) in the “Valley of the Heart’s Delight” to today’s Silicon Valley, our local Church accompanies a dynamic, diverse community across Santa Clara County amid the opportunities and challenges of rapid growth and innovation. We worship in 15 languages each Sunday and are advancing our pastoral plan for spiritual renewal—“Renewed in Christ, Together in Mission”—as we journey toward our 50th anniversary in 2031.

Footprint (at a glance)

      • General Populaton: just over 1.9 million
      • Catholic faithful: 513,000
      • Communities: 49 parishes • 3 missions • 1 pastoral center
      • Catholic schools: 27 elementary and 6 high schools serving 13,688 Pre-K to 12th grade students
      • 2024 sacraments: 4,784 Baptisms • 3,525 First Communions • 2,859 Confirmations • 611 Marriages
      • Employees (diocesan, parishes, and schools): 1,997
      • Other Catholic institutions: 2 cemeteries • 1 university • 1 social services agency • 1 home for the aged

Clergy & formation

      • Priests: 97 active diocesan • 172 religious • 19 extern • 41 retired
      • Permanent Deacons: 41
      • Religious: 28 brothers • 219 sisters
      • Seminarians: 6

Current Leadership

      • Bishop of San José: The Most Rev. Oscar Cantú
      • Auxiliary Bishop-elect & Vicar General/Chancellor: Andres C. Ligot, J.C.D.
      • Chief Operating Officer: Rosio Gonzales

Mission, Vision, and Values

 

Pastoral Plan Priorities

 

Statistics current as of Aug. 2025. Source: Kenedy Directory and Diocese of San Jose Impact Report.