From the Pastor's Desk - 2/15/2026

    You may have already noticed—the 2026 Annual Diocesan Ministry Appeal has begun. This annual appeal began in 1985 here in our diocese. It was founded with the intent of enabling Catholics to provide direct financial support to the work of the diocese and limit increases in parish assessments. Most dioceses in the United States conduct an annual appeal to help fund the work of their ministries, departments, agencies, offices, and other services. Without the appeal, all services provided by the Diocese of Joliet would be totally funded through a monthly assessment that all parishes pay to the diocese.

     The appeal provides an opportunity to reflect upon the fact that every Catholic is part of a local church and the universal Church. Each of us is responsible not only for our own parish, but also for the well-being of the Church throughout our diocese and throughout the world. We are one community of believers.

     This past week Bishop Hicks became Archbishop of New York. Rome has appointed Auxiliary Bishop, Dennis Spies, our Apostolic Administrator until an Ordinary is appointed to our diocese.

 Peace…….Fr. Jeff