The Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield, a corporation sole, is the civil corporate name for the Diocese of Springfield. The Bishop of Springfield is the head of the corporation. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, which was erected on June 14, 1870, operates under both civil law and canon law (the law of the Church). It is comprised of 79 parishes and 7 missions with more than 199,289 Catholics. There are 184 priests throughout the four western counties of Massachusetts (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire). The diocese educates over 2,500 students in 12 elementary schools, 2 high schools. There are also 2 Catholic college in the Diocese of Springfield. The diocese supports our laity and public with extensive services, such as providing homes for the aged, a hospital, and a health care center.