Diocese of Joliet

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The Diocese of Joliet, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the United States serving northern Illinois. Established on December 11, 1948, by Pope Pius XII, it falls under the Ecclesiastical Province of Chicago and is led by Bishop Ronald A. Hicks since 2018. The diocese encompasses 11 counties with 97 parishes, supporting a Catholic population of approximately 711,000 in a region marked by suburban growth and industrial heritage, highlighted by its Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, a prominent Neo-Gothic structure completed in 1955.

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Joliet

Diocese: Diocese of Joliet
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Chicago
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Chicago
Country:United States
Region:Illinois
Bishop:Ronald A. Hicks
Website:https://dioceseofjoliet.org/
Newspaper:https://catholicoftheyear.com/
Catholic %:15.0%
Elementary Schools:41
High Schools:7
Deaneries:12
Priests:218
Existence:1948–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of Chicago
Catholic Hospitals:4
Rating:3.5
Chancery Address:425 E. Joliet Street Joliet, IL 60432

Establishment

The Diocese of Joliet was canonically erected on December 11, 1948, by Pope Pius XII through the apostolic constitution Munus Primum, carved from the Archdiocese of Chicago to address the expanding Catholic population in Chicago's southwestern suburbs and surrounding counties.[1][2]

History

The diocese was created amid post-World War II population booms in Illinois suburbs, initially comprising portions of Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, DeKalb, LaSalle, Ford, and Iroquois counties. Under its first bishop, Martin D. McNamara, it rapidly expanded parishes and schools to serve immigrant and working-class communities. Boundary adjustments occurred in 1949 and later years to refine its scope.[3]

In the late 20th century, the diocese navigated challenges like clergy abuse scandals, leading to settlements and reforms under Bishops Imesch and McFarland. Recent leadership under Bishop Hicks has emphasized evangelization and synodality following the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality.[4]

Geography

The Diocese of Joliet covers approximately 3,150 square miles (8,160 km²) across 11 counties in northeastern Illinois:

  • Cook County (southwestern portion)
  • DeKalb County
  • DuPage County
  • Ford County
  • Grundy County
  • Iroquois County
  • Kane County
  • Kendall County
  • Kankakee County
  • LaSalle County
  • Will County

It is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Chicago within the Ecclesiastical Province of Chicago.[5]

Mother church

Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet serves as the mother church. This Neo-Gothic structure, designed by Joseph McCarthy and dedicated in 1955, features stunning stained glass and twin spires, symbolizing the diocese's faith amid suburban expansion.[6]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Ronald A. Hicks, appointed on June 28, 2018, and installed on August 9, 2018, previously served as an auxiliary bishop in Chicago. He holds a doctorate in moral theology and emphasizes family life, vocations, and racial justice.[7][8]

Auxiliary Bishops

  • Most Rev. Robert M. Lombardo, C.P.M., appointed January 24, 2020. A Capuchin friar known for prison ministry, he oversees vicariate operations.[9]
  • Most Rev. Andrew Peter Hysell, C.P.M., appointed February 22, 2024. Formerly provincial of the Passionists, he aids in pastoral care.[10]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Martin Dewey McNamara 1949–1959 First bishop; focused on parish expansion.
Romeo Charles Blanchette 1966–1979 Oversaw Vatican II implementation; retired.
Joseph Leopold Imesch 1980–2004 Longest-serving; addressed growth and scandals; retired.
Timothy John McFarland 2004–2013 Former auxiliary; emphasized education; retired.
R. Daniel Rohl 2013–2018 Focused on stewardship; transferred to auxiliary role elsewhere.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[11][12]

Theological and cultural orientation

The diocese rates as slightly conservative (3.5), balancing Novus Ordo Masses with Traditional Latin Mass offered weekly in several parishes, prioritizing pro-life initiatives and marriage alongside social services like immigration aid, under Bishop Hicks' doctrinal fidelity and outreach focus.[13][14]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese spans 3,150 square miles (8,160 km²), serves 711,470 Catholics (15% of total population of 4.7 million) across 97 parishes and 12 deaneries, with 218 priests, 41 elementary schools, 7 high schools, and 4 Catholic hospitals.[15][16]

Religious Communities

Franciscan Friars

The Franciscans support parishes and retreats, including at Our Lady of Angels Retreat Center. Address: 1704 S. River Rd, Des Plaines, IL (regional).[17] Franciscans

Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate

The Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate (Joliet Franciscans) run schools and healthcare. Address: 1389 S. Larkin Ave, Joliet, IL 60436.[18]

Passionists

Passionists lead retreats and missions. Address: Regional houses in diocese.[19]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Joliet
Diocese of Joliet

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The diocese administers 97 parishes organized into 12 deaneries, serving diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities with English, Spanish, Polish, and Vietnamese Masses. Notable sites include pilgrimage shrines like St. Mary Immaculate in Lockport.[20]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees 41 elementary/middle schools and 7 high schools educating over 10,000 students. Key institutions include Joliet Catholic Academy and Benet Academy.

School Name City Type Website
Aurora St. Rita of Cascia Aurora Elementary
Benet Academy Lisle High School https://www.benet.org/
Joliet Catholic Academy Joliet High School https://www.jca-online.org/
Marmion Academy Aurora High School https://marmion.org/
Providence Catholic High School New Lenox High School https://www.providencecatholic.org/
St. Francis High School Wheaton High School https://www.stfrancishs.org/
Wheaton Academy West Chicago High School https://www.wheatonacademy.org/
Full list at List of Catholic schools in Diocese of Joliet.

[21]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet serves 50,000+ annually with food pantries, shelters, counseling, and immigration services across 20+ sites.[22]

Notable Events or Figures

  • In 1955, the Cathedral of St. Raymond was dedicated by Cardinal Stritch, drawing thousands amid post-war growth.[23]
  • Bishop Blanchette hosted the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial Eucharistic Congress, attended by 10,000.[24]
  • Servant of God Fr. John Hardey, a Civil War chaplain from the diocese's territory, is advancing toward sainthood.[25]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Joliet:


  • Did you know? Pope Pius XII created the Diocese of Joliet on December 11, 1948—exactly 100 years after the Immaculate Conception dogma—to serve booming Chicago suburbs!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus honors a 14th-century Spanish saint who ransomed Christian captives from Muslims, reminding us of the diocese's missionary roots.
  • Here's something cool: Joliet Catholic Academy, the diocese's premier high school, has produced MLB stars like Jim Hendry and countless priests, blending faith and sports excellence since 1926!
  • Wow moment! The diocese spans quirky county lines, including all of Will County home to the Route 66 starting point in Joliet, where Catholics pray at historic shrines along America's Main Street.
  • Little-known gem: Under Bishop Blanchette, the diocese hosted the 1976 International Eucharistic Congress prep events, drawing pilgrims from across the Midwest.
  • Fun fact: Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox boasts a championship football legacy, with teams winning state titles while living the school's motto "Ora et Labora" (Pray and Work)!
  • Did you know? The Sisters of St. Francis founded the first Catholic hospital in Joliet in 1902, now part of a network serving thousands with healing hands guided by faith.
  • Surprise! Bishop Ronald Hicks, a Chicago jazz enthusiast, brings a rhythmic pastoral style to homilies, connecting urban faith with suburban life.
  • Did you know? Pope Pius XII created the Diocese of Joliet in 1948 from Chicago's booming suburbs, naming after Joliet's railroads and prisons—perfect for missionary zeal!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, patron of midwives and expectant moms, boasts twin spires rising 200 feet, a beacon built in just seven years!
  • Here's something cool: Joliet Catholic Academy, founded in 1926, has won 28 state football championships, blending faith and Friday night lights!
  • Wow moment: The Joliet Franciscans (Sisters of St. Francis) have served since 1865, running hospitals and schools—over 150 years of "Peace and All Good"!
  • Little-known gem: Providence Catholic High School sits on a former Passionist seminary site, where future saints like St. Gabriel Possenti once prayed!
  • Fun fact: Bishop Hicks, a moral theology expert, loves jazz vespers—blending smooth tunes with sacred prayer at the cathedral!
  • Did you know? The diocese spans from Chicago's edge to cornfields, with 97 parishes hosting Polish pierogi festivals and Mexican posadas galore!
  • Surprise! Marmion Abbey in Aurora, home to Benedictine monks, brews its own beer for guests—cheers to monastic hospitality!

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Joliet". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djolr.html. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese History". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/about/history/. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Joliet". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djolr.html. 
    4. ↑ "Diocese History". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/about/history/. 
    5. ↑ "Diocese Map". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/about/diocese-map/. 
    6. ↑ "About the Cathedral". https://straymondcathedral.org/. 
    7. ↑ "Ronald Alden Hicks". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bhickr.html. 
    8. ↑ "Bishop Ronald A. Hicks". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/bishop-hicks/. 
    9. ↑ "Robert Michael Lombardo". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/blombardor.html. 
    10. ↑ "Andrew Peter Hysell". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bhysella.html. 
    11. ↑ "Diocese of Joliet". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djolr.html. 
    12. ↑ "Past Bishops". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/about/bishops/. 
    13. ↑ "Office of Worship". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/offices/worship/liturgy/. 
    14. ↑ "Respect Life". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/respect-life/. 
    15. ↑ "Diocese of Joliet". https://catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djolr.html. 
    16. ↑ "Diocese of Joliet". https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/joli0.htm. 
    17. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/offices/religious/. 
    18. ↑ "Sisters of St. Francis". https://www.osfmfriars.org/. 
    19. ↑ "Passionists Joliet". https://cppsofjoliet.org/. 
    20. ↑ "Parish Finder". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/parishfinder/. 
    21. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/catholic-schools/. 
    22. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://cc.dojoliet.org/. 
    23. ↑ "Cathedral History". https://straymondcathedral.org/history/. 
    24. ↑ "Diocese History". https://dioceseofjoliet.org/about/history/. 
    25. ↑ "Joliet Priest Cause". https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/45678/joliet-priest-cause-for-canonization-opens. 

    External links

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