The Archdiocese of Baltimore is the oldest Roman Catholic archdiocese in the United States, established in 1789. It serves as the mother archdiocese for the Catholic Church in the U.S. and oversees numerous parishes, schools, and ministries in Maryland. The archdiocese is led by an archbishop and plays a significant role in the spiritual and social life of the community. The archdiocese is known for its historic churches, including the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was the first Catholic cathedral in the U.S. It also engages in various outreach programs, focusing on education, social justice, and community service.