St. Joseph Decree

As part of an on-going, three-year restructuring process within the Diocese of Joliet, on January 25, 2024, Bishop Hicks decreed the extinction of four parishes in Joliet: St. Joseph, St. Anthony, St. Bernard, and St. Mary Magdalene. Specifically, these four parishes were merged into one parish, with St. Joseph and St. Mary Magdalene churches remaining as active and vibrant worship sites for all parishioners. St. Joseph parishioners petitioned Bishop Hicks to revoke or amend the decree. Bishop Hicks rejected the request on February 9, 2024. Following procedures for checks and balances in the Catholic Church and provisions of canon law, parishioners submitted a petition for hierarchical recourse to the Dicastery for Clergy in Rome. On September 10, 2024, Bishop Hicks received the decision from the Dicastery which has revoked his decree of January 25, 2024.

At this time, no decisions have been made about the next steps. The canon law of the Catholic Church provides the Bishop with various options, including an appeal to a higher court within the Vatican. The Bishop and his restructuring team will consider the options available and determine the best path forward for St. Joseph Parish and the Diocese of Joliet.

Bishop Hicks commented, “Parish restructuring efforts are emotional and challenging. We have operated in good faith and the process for change within the Catholic Church promotes fairness for all concerned. Our hope remains that careful and thoughtful restructuring will allow the Diocese of Joliet to thrive and continue to grow as a Universal Church. We are all in this together. May the Holy Spirit lead and guide our process and next steps.”