Office Of Catholic Schools

“Our diocese serves over 22,000 students at 63 schools, including 47 parish elementary schools and seven high schools. Our students achieve at a high level. Most of our students enroll at college-preparatory high schools, graduate from college at a rate higher than their counterparts and graduate on time. Our benefactors make Catholic education possible for thousands of young people at a time when the message of the Gospel and the values it instills could not be more important for our Church and our world.”

“Without your generosity, the mission of the Church is limited. Your gift to the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal not only continues the work of Catholic schools, but also contributes to our society and our Church by developing leaders for the future.”

-Rev. John Belmonte, S.J., Ph.D.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Vocations

“My Office handles vocation promotion, screening, and ongoing formation of our seminarians–our future priests. Currently, the diocese supports 29 men studying in our seminaries. A portion of the Annual Appeal funds about 90 percent of my budget; so when you give to the Annual Appeal, your donation has a direct impact on the future of the diocese. The role of our priests– and what we’re trying to shape in the young men who will be our future priests–is to point people to Jesus Christ, the one who said, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand.’ The priests’ role is to bring people to Jesus and bring Jesus to people.”

“On behalf of my brother priests and our seminarians in formation, I’d like to thank all of those who generously donate to our appeal. Through your generosity, we’re able to follow this call that God has given us as priests and to be formed in the image of Jesus at our wonderful seminaries. We rely on your continued generosity for the future of the Church.”

-Fr. Burke Masters
Director of Vocations

Religious Education

“Our place in the life of the diocese is to support the faith formation ministries in parishes serving our children and adults. Roughly 50,000 children (and their parents) are catechized in religious education programs across our seven counties! Having a chance to be at the service of our parish leaders in this large and diverse diocese is a privilege and really exciting. And knowing that we make a difference on such a large scale is extraordinarily satisfying!”

“Nothing could be more important than sharing the Good News of God’s saving love as revealed in Jesus Christ. This is what our office is all about, helping our children and adults know this truth and live joyfully in God’s love. As Catholics then, we must proclaim to the world that the kingdom of God is at hand. We are commanded by Christ to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to love and serve one another, especially those in greatest need. This is the true work of the diocese, to proclaim and to serve in the name of Jesus Christ.”

“I frequently think about you, our parishioners and benefactors. Our work happens because of your support, which comes in the form of contributions, prayers, and your personal involvement in ministries in our parishes. This is a truly wonderful diocese! I’m profoundly grateful for the privilege I have to serve our common mission. And this is all made possible through the generosity of Catholics like you. Thanks so very much!”

-Tom Quinlan
Director of Religious Education Office

Catholic Charities

“Our mission at Catholic Charities is to provide services to people in need and call on others of good will to do the same. In taking care of the poor and those suffering through various staged of their lives, we are doing what Jesus taught us to do we are serving God. For me, it’s really that we’re all in this together, all brothers and sisters in Christ. In this country on one should have to go without the basic necessities of life.”

“Thank you for hearing God’s message to serve those less fortunate in our community. You will receive back many times what you have given, not only in self gratification, but in a better society. Charity builds the kingdom of God.”

-Glenn Van Cura
Catholic Charities, Executive Director

Hispanic Ministries

“The Catholic Church is trying to help every human being. Our ministry promotes greater participation by Hispanic Catholics in the Diocese of Joliet on all levels and communicates the needs of Hispanic Catholics to all their brothers and sisters. Whatever your spiritual needs or material needs are, we, the Catholic Church are going to help you. That is our mission.”

“We appreciate everything you are doing to support the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal, and we are praying fro your generosity. We are here not just to ask, but also to support knowing we can help with our time and talents.”

-Miguel Moreno
Director of Hispanic Ministry