The Diocese of Bridgeport includes more than 460,000 registered Catholics in Fairfield County, Connecticut, representing 51 percent of the total population.

In addition to its 87 parishes, the Diocese sponsors 33 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 nine Bishop Curtis Homes for the elderly in Bethel, Danbury, Greenwich, Stamford, Fairfield, and Bridgeport; and a multitude of charitable institutions, including 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 program offices throughout the county, provides the largest private network of social services in southwestern Connecticut.

The Diocese of Bridgeport was established on August 6, 1953, as an offshoot of the Diocese of Hartford. There have been four Bishops of Bridgeport to date: His Eminence, Lawrence Cardinal Shehan, D.D. (1953-1961; d. 1984); the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, S.T.D. (1961-1988; d. 1997); and His Eminence, Cardinal Edward M. Egan, D.D., J.C.D. (1988-2000); and the Most Reverend William E. Lori, S.T.D., appointed by the Holy Father on January 23, 2001. Bishop Lori's installation took place on March 19, 2001.

The Seal of the Diocese of Bridgeport contains the Bishop's mitre and shield. The latter reflects the name, geography, and See designation of the host city: a cross; a bridge; and wavy bars, the heraldic representation of water.

Offices of the Diocese of Bridgeport are based at The Catholic Center, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606. Telephone: (203) 416-1340.