At the time of its creation in 1962, there were an estimated 329,000 Catholics among the East Bay’s population of 1.3 million people. Within its 1,467 square miles, the current estimated population of Alameda and Contra Costa counties is over 2.7 million people with a Catholic population projected 590,000. As of 2015, Serving the needs of the faithful, are 349 priests, 114 deacons and 481 religious brothers and sisters in 84 parishes, 16 pastoral centers and other diocesan offices. Including religious education programs, there are nearly 50,000 students under Catholic instruction in the Diocese at 46 elementary schools, nine high schools, two Catholic colleges and several schools of religious formation. The Catholic Church throughout the diocese offers a range of service ministries assisting the elderly, the young, the poor, and the oppressed. As such the Church is the largest provider of social services in the East Bay, delivering shelter, meals, counseling, education and other critical services free of charge to over 500,000 people of all faiths each year.