Missions
The Diocese of Joliet Office of Missions seek to assist followers of Christ in responding to God’s call to go forth into the world to “make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19). We connect missionaries to organizations and groups within the diocese and around the world and support them throughout their journey through catechesis, evangelization, and putting faith into action.
Missionary Cooperation Plan
The Missionary Cooperation Plan (MCP) supports the proclamation of the Gospel, the building of the Church and the work and witness of mission priests, religious Sisters, and Brothers, and lay pastoral leaders. These missionaries provide food, education, evangelization, and medical care to the most vulnerable communities in the Pope’s missions. Through their work, they reveal the compassionate heart of Jesus.
Learn more or apply to the MCP
Retreat
- Join the Diocese of Joliet Missions Community for a weekendretreat serving alongside the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in the West Humbodlt Park Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
- When: October 18th - 20th, 2024
- Cost $50
- Retreat will include:
- Service to the Poor
- Providing a Community Lunch
- Time for Prayer and Adoration
- Talks by the Franciscans
- Fellowship with the Community
- Sunday Mass with Bishop Bob Lombardo
- Housing & Meals are included
- For more information, click here!
- Questions? Contact Alex Buldak, Office of Mission Lead, [email protected] / 815-221-6256
2024 Mission Trips
The Diocese of Joliet will return to the Navajo Nation for a construction mission from June 1 to 14, 2024.
The Mission will be lead by Deacon Pat Lombardo of St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield. He and a loyal team have been serving on Mission at Our Lady of Fatima parish in Chinle, Arizona for the last 20 years. The team has developed a strong relationship with the natives there and strive uphold values of putting faith into action through intentional service and solidarity with the poor. He highlights:
What has impacted me as a member of the Navajo mission team, even beyond the material poverty, is the spiritual and emotional poverty I have seen. People who have been lied to, cheated, and oppressed seem to have lost hope. It has lead me to more empathy, concern and to recognize the need to brings God’s light and love to them and others I encounter in their need.
The mission team is looking for individuals ages 18 and older willing to help local area families with light construction work. No experience is necessary, but a heart willing to serve is required! Mission leaders are willing to help train any inexperienced workers.
Missionaries stay on the campus of Our Lady of Fatima. The day begins with breakfast and a meeting, then teams leave for job sites. After clean up and sharing a meal, there is time for formation, fun, and rest in the afternoon. Mass is celebrated on weekends only, due to the limited availability of a priest on the reservation. The trip will include a pilgrimage to the Loretto Chapel and its “miraculous staircase” in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Office of Mission will hold an informational meeting about the mission trip at 7 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Blanchette Catholic Center, 16555 Weber Road, Crest Hill, Illinois.
Details and Application
The Information Meeting Packet and Powerpoint files linked below include details such as the mission goals, details on the job site and training provided, as well as logistics (accommodations, itinerary, etc.). The application should be completed and emailed by March 13, 2024, to [email protected] and [email protected].
Information Meeting Powerpoint
Navajo Nation Application 2024
Questions?
Contact Alex Buldak, Mission Lead, at [email protected] or 815-221-6256.
A Brand New International Mission for the Diocese of Joliet, January 26 - February 4, 2025
It is with great joy and excitement that that we share with you our new mission site will be in Villavicencio, Colombia serving alongside La Hijas de la Madre de Dios – a religious community that has been serving at St. Mary’s in West Chicago for the past eleven years.
This first mission will consist of painting the school building the sisters use to teach and catechize their preschool students of the impoverished and unrecognized “Group B” neighborhood in Villavicencio. Along with painting, the building needs some interior maintenance and a new garden planted in a large one hundred square meter plot of land behind the building. The sisters have also provided us with many other needs that are fundamental to their mission of catechesis & evangelization in Colombia and beyond.
This mission is just the beginning of a great relationship of mutual love and service which is another way for the diocese of Joliet to put its faith into action!
Details and Applications
- Register for the Virtual Information Meeting where we will cover specifics of the mission trip. After October 30th, please email [email protected] for access to the recording.
- Take the first step by filling out this Application to be on the Mission team.
- Click here to download a flyer.
- Our Letter of Appeal. There are many needs for this mission and WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please read it and consider donating both prayerfully and monetarily.
- Our Story Booklet giving greater context to this mission.
If you have any questions please reach out to [email protected].
