Pope Francis Names New Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Joliet

Today the Vatican announced that Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Dennis E. Spies as the new Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois. Most recently, Father Dennis has been serving as the Vicar for Clergy in the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois. The episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Spies will take place at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois on November 6, 2024.

Bishop Ronald A. Hicks said, “I am sincerely grateful to Pope Francis for the joyful news of this appointment. Father Dennis is a wonderful priest who has already worn many hats in his priesthood including pastor, seminary leader and the Vicar for Clergy. He is hardworking, prayerful, and ‘down to earth’ with a very relatable manner. As a new auxiliary bishop, he will be a great help to me. But most importantly he will share his many gifts with this large and active Diocese of Joliet in Illinois. Together we will continue our mission in the Diocese with a shared focus on catechesis, evangelization and putting our faith into action. How blessed we are to welcome Father Dennis as our new Auxiliary Bishop.”

Bishop-elect Spies was born in 1968 to Rose Mary and Vincent Spies (deceased 2009). He was raised in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Ashkum, Illinois where he attended Ashkum Elementary School and Clifton Central High School. He attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture-Business Economics, graduating in 1990.

Following college, Bishop-elect Spies served as team leader with National Evangelization Team (NET) and then returned to Ashkum to farm and run a soybean business on his family’s farm. In the fall of 1997, Bishop-elect Spies entered seminary formation at Mundelein Seminary at University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois where he majored in Sacred Liturgy and graduated with a Master’s degree in Divinity in 2002.

Bishop-elect Spies was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Joliet on June 1, 2002, by Bishop Joseph L. Imesch at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois. Following ordination, Bishop-elect Spies ministered for many years in the Diocese, including as associate pastor at St. Walter’s Parish in Roselle (2002-2005), associate pastor at St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield (2005-2008), pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Gibson City, St. George in Melvin, and Immaculate Conception in Roberts (2008-2011). His next pastor assignment included St. Liborius in Steger, Mother Teresa Catholic Academy in Crete, and St. Mary Parish in Park Forest (2013-2016). In 2010, following a three-year program, Bishop-elect Spies attained his Sacred Theology degree and license (STL), with a focus on spirituality of the diocesan priest, from the University of St. Mary of the Lake.

From 2016 – 2024 Bishop-elect Spies served on the formation faculty as Director of Pre-Theology and Internship at Mundelein Seminary at University of St. Mary of the Lake. On July 1, 2024, he was appointed as the Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese of Joliet by Bishop Ronald A. Hicks.

Over the past 18 years, Bishop-elect Spies has given his time and offered ministry in a number of other roles including Diocesan Presbyteral Council (as member and then chairman from 2006 – 20011), Dean of the Will County Deanery of parishes and priests (2013 – 2016), Institute of Priestly Formation spiritual director (2016 -2023), Cursillo weekend retreats and spiritual leader (2003-2024), and Be Healed weekend retreats and spiritual leader (2020 – 2024).

Throughout his various ministries, Bishop-elect Spies values the ability to meet and connect with people in a way that allows others to better know Jesus Christ. His life goal is to be known as “one who loved and taught others to love.”

Clergy, staff and parishioners around the Diocese of Joliet are elated to work with Bishop-elect Spies as our new Auxiliary Bishop. Please join Bishop Hicks in warmly welcoming Bishop-elect Spies to his new and important role within our Diocese.