The Diocese of Bridgeport was established on August 6, 1953, as an offshoot of the Diocese of Hartford. In addition to its 82 parishes, the Diocese sponsors 30 regional elementary schools and five diocesan high schools. These schools, along with three high schools directed by religious communities, educate nearly 12,000 youth. The Diocese also sponsors eight Bishop Curtis Homes for the elderly, a multitude of charitable institutions, The Cardinal Shehan Center for inner-city children and the Thomas Merton House of Hospitality in Bridgeport; and the New Covenant House of Hospitality in Stamford. Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, with 25 offices throughout the county, provides the largest private network of social services in southwestern Connecticut. The Diocese of Bridgeport includes more than 460,000 registered Catholics in Fairfield County, Connecticut, representing 51 percent of the total population. Our 5th and current Bishop is Bishop Frank Joseph Caggiano.