About the Diocese
Our History
The Diocese of Sioux Falls was established on Nov. 12, 1889, by Pope Leo XIII and comprised all of South Dakota. Since 1902, it comprises that part of the state of South Dakota east of the Missouri River.
The Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls is a significant presence in eastern South Dakota. For 125 years, it has not only spread the message of the Gospel, but has lived the message through its ministries and parishes. Through spiritual and sacramental outreach, educational endeavors and a commitment to service, the Church has made a difference in the lives of the people of South Dakota. We are striving to continue this tradition by making our diocese an even better place to live, learn, work and worship. The family of God in the Sioux Falls Diocese, headed by Most Rev. Donald E. DeGrood, numbers over 120,000 baptized members.
The diocesan administrative offices are located in the Pastoral Center, which is located directly north of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in central Sioux Falls.
The Shepherd’s Flock
Current and past bishops of the diocese.
Rt. Reverend Martin Marty
- Appointed Vicar Apostolic of Dakota on Aug. 8, 1879
- Named first bishop of Sioux Falls on Nov. 12, 1889
- Transferred to the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota in 1894
- Died on Sept. 19, 1896
Rt. Reverend Thomas O’Gorman
- Named bishop of Sioux Falls on Jan. 24, 1896
- Died on Sept. 18, 1921
Most Reverend Bernard J. Mahoney
- Named bishop of Sioux Falls on May 22, 1922
- Died on March 20, 1939
Most Reverend William O. Brady
- Named bishop of Sioux Falls on June 10, 1939
- Transferred to the Archdiocese of St. Paul on June 21, 1956
- Died on Oct. 1, 1961
Most Reverend Lambert A. Hoch
- Named bishop of Sioux Falls on Nov. 2, 1956
- Resigned from office of bishop on June 13, 1978
- Died on June 27, 1990
Most Reverend Paul V. Dudley
- Named bishop of Sioux Falls on Sept. 26, 1978
- Resigned from office of bishop on March 21, 1995
- Died on Nov. 20, 2006
Most Reverend Paul F. Anderson
- Named auxiliary bishop of Sioux Falls on Aug. 12, 1982
- Died on Jan. 4, 1987
Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson
- Named coadjutor bishop of Sioux Falls on Jan. 13, 1994
- Named seventh bishop on March 21, 1995
- Transferred to Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan Feb. 24, 2005
- Named archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis on April 21, 2009
- Resigned from the office of the archbishop on June 10, 2020
Most Reverend Paul J. Swain
- Named bishop of Sioux Falls on Aug. 30, 2006
- Consecrated as bishop of Sioux Falls on Oct. 26, 2006
- Resigned from office of bishop on Dec. 12, 2019
- Died on Nov. 26, 2022
Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood
- Named ninth bishop of Sioux Falls on Dec. 12, 2019
- Consecrated as bishop of Sioux Falls on Feb. 13, 2020