The Diocese of Grand Rapids was established May 19, 1882 and originally consisted of much of the northern and western parts of the Lower Peninsula. Since 1971 the diocese comprises 11 counties of Western Michigan: Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa. The Diocese of Grand Rapids currently serves over 191,000 Catholics, 82 parishes, and 29 schools (including three high schools, one private high school, 25 elementary schools and one Catholic college) located within its 11-counties.