Our Parish!
We, the family of St. Joseph Parish, redeemed by Christ’s death and resurrection and strengthened by His Sacraments and Gospel, accept our calling to follow Him and let His light shine through us to all.
Religious Education Registration 2025–2026
We are now accepting registrations for the 2025–2026 Religious Education program! Our parish offers faith formation for children from Kindergarten through Confirmation, helping them grow in their relationship with Christ and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. Classes begin in September. Please register early to ensure your child’s placement.
For more information and to register online, click or tap below.
MAKE Disciples: A Call to Renew Our Faith Together
The Diocese of Joliet has invited all of us to embrace a new vision for discipleship through the MAKE Disciples initiative — a heartfelt effort to awaken, renew, and strengthen our call to follow Jesus more deeply. Rooted in the words of Christ to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), this movement invites every parish, family, and individual to rediscover what it means to live and share our faith with joy.
At St. Joseph Catholic Church, we welcome this call as an opportunity to grow together as a community of intentional disciples. Through prayer, study, and service, we are reminded that discipleship begins in our own hearts — in daily encounters with Christ, in the love we show one another, and in our willingness to reach out to those who are searching for hope and belonging.
MAKE Disciples encourages us to listen to the Holy Spirit and to one another, helping our parish become a place where faith is nourished, relationships are strengthened, and every person feels invited to take part in Christ’s mission. It is a journey of renewal — not just for programs or ministries, but for the heart of our Church family.
We invite you to learn more about this diocesan initiative and join us in living out its mission here at St. Joseph. Together, let us answer the call to be true disciples — people who love, serve, and share the Good News in every corner of our lives.
October 28 - Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles (Feast)
Saints Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddeus were among the Twelve Apostles personally chosen by Jesus. Though little is known about them from Scripture, tradition holds that they preached the Gospel as far as Persia, where they were martyred for the faith.
Simon, once a political zealot, and Jude, remembered for asking Jesus why He would not reveal Himself to the world, show how Christ calls people from all backgrounds to unity and mission. Jude is also traditionally invoked as the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes, a source of hope for the desperate.
As Apostles, they were among the first bishops of the Church, entrusted with spreading the Gospel and administering the sacraments. Their courageous witness reminds us to remain faithful, even amid uncertainty or opposition.
Patron Saint of: Saint Jude—Hopeless causes, desperate situations
The Catholic Roots of Halloween: A Holy History Behind the Holiday
Halloween began as All Hallows’ Eve, the Catholic vigil before All Saints’ Day, and was part of the Church’s Hallowtide celebration. Medieval Catholics practiced souling—going door to door praying for the dead in exchange for “soul cakes,” which evolved into trick-or-treating. Early costumes depicted saints, angels, and souls in purgatory, reminding the faithful of heaven and prayer for the departed. Though now largely secular, Halloween’s roots are deeply Catholic, celebrating the communion of saints and the hope of eternal life.
November 1: Solemnity of All Saints
November 1st is the Solemnity of All Saints and we honor all the saints in Heaven—those officially canonized by the Church and the countless others known only to God. This solemnity celebrates their heroic virtue, unwavering faith, and the glory they now share in eternal life. From martyrs and mystics to teachers, servants, and hidden souls, the saints reveal the diverse paths to holiness and offer us powerful examples to follow.
Rooted in early Christian veneration of martyrs, this feast gradually expanded to include all holy men and women. It reminds us that sainthood is our common calling and encourages us to seek deeper union with God, inspired by those who’ve already run the race and won the crown.
May the prayers and example of all the saints help us on our journey to Heaven.
The obligation is abrogated since it falls on a Saturday.
Fra Angelico: The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs | 1420s AD
November 2: Commemoration of All Souls
On November 2nd we remember and pray for the faithful departed who died in God’s grace but still await full purification before entering Heaven. This “final purification,” known as Purgatory, is an act of God’s mercy, preparing souls for the Beatific Vision.
All Souls’ Day calls us to two things: first, to offer prayers, especially the Holy Mass, for these souls who can no longer pray for themselves; and second, to reflect on our own call to holiness. The saints remind us that the journey to divine union with God—through daily conversion, virtue, and surrender—is our ultimate mission in life.
Let us pray fervently for the souls in Purgatory and commit ourselves to the path of sanctity, that one day we too may join the saints in eternal glory.
St. Joseph Catholic Church Annual Turkey Dinner
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Church Basement Hall, 207 South Main Street, Manteno, Illinois
Join us for a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings! Enjoy turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes, and bread.
Cost: $13.00 per dinner
Bring your family and friends for great food and fellowship at our annual community tradition!
Vatican Recognizes Eucharistic Miracle in Vilakkannur, Kerala
On May 9, 2025, the Vatican officially recognized a Eucharistic miracle that occurred in 2013 at Christ the King Church in Vilakkannur, Kerala, India. During Holy Mass, an image resembling the face of Jesus appeared on a consecrated host. The miraculous host was preserved and later sent to Rome for investigation. After years of careful examination, the Vatican declared it a true Eucharistic miracle. The announcement was made by Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, marking Vilakkannur as one of the few places in the world blessed with such a profound sign of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
This event joins a list of documented Eucharistic miracles from around the world, many of which were compiled by St. Carlo Acutis. To explore more of these extraordinary signs, visit The Eucharistic Miracles of the World.
The Value of Holy Communion
As the National Eucharistic Revival enters its final year, we reflect on a passage from the 1957 Marian Helpers Bulletin, highlighting the spiritual losses that come from missing Holy Communion. These include missing a personal encounter with Jesus, sanctifying grace, the remission of venial sins, spiritual protection, and eternal rewards. The article asks: "Will a few extra minutes of sleep repay you for all these losses?" A powerful reminder of the immeasurable graces received in the Eucharist.
First Fridays Devotion: Honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The First Fridays Devotion is a Catholic practice inspired by Jesus' revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. Jesus promised blessings to those who honor His Sacred Heart by attending Mass and receiving Communion on the first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months. This devotion expresses love and seeks reparation for sins against His heart.
She wrote the following about Jesus’ revelation to her about First Friday: “I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that Its all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on nine first Fridays of consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they will not die under My displeasure or without receiving their sacraments, My divine Heart making Itself their assured refuge at the last moment.”
How to Practice the Devotion
- Attend Mass and Receive Communion: On nine consecutive first Fridays.
- Pray and Reflect on Jesus’ Sacred Heart: Offer prayers and acts of love.
- Make Reparation for Sins: Pray for those who don’t know or love Jesus.
This devotion invites us to grow in faith, trust, and love for Jesus, drawing closer to His heart each month.
The First Saturdays Devotion: A Path to Reparation and Spiritual Renewal
In response to Our Lady of Fatima’s requests, the Devotion of the Five First Saturdays holds a special place in Catholic spirituality, offering believers an opportunity for grace and renewal. As directed by Our Lady during her apparitions to Sister Lucia of Fatima, this devotion is a powerful means of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Origins and Purpose of Devotion
The First Saturdays Devotion stems from the message of Our Lady at Fatima. In one of her appearances, she revealed her Immaculate Heart encircled by thorns, symbolizing the blasphemies and ingratitude of humanity. Our Lady requested this devotion as an act of reparation and offered a promise of grace and assistance at the hour of death to those who faithfully practice it.
The Five Requirements of the Devotion
- Confession
Go to confession within twenty days before or after the First Saturday, with the intention of making reparation. - Receiving Holy Communion
This should be done on the First Saturday itself, offering it in reparation for offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart. - Recitation of the Rosary
Five decades of the Rosary are prayed while meditating on its mysteries. - Fifteen-Minute Meditation
In addition to the Rosary, participants spend an extra 15 minutes reflecting on one or more of the Rosary mysteries with the intention of reparation. - Intentions for Reparation
All actions performed during this devotion must be carried out with the sincere intention of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
“Behold, my daughter, my heart encircled with thorns, with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. Give me consolation, you at least; and make known on my behalf that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all who on the First Saturday of five consecutive months: 1. Confess their sins, 2. Receive Holy Communion, 3. Recite five decades of the rosary, and keep me company for 15 minutes meditating on the mysteries of the rosary, with the purpose of making reparation to my Immaculate Heart.”
Why Five Saturdays?
The number five was chosen due to the five main types of blasphemies committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:
- Blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception.
- Blasphemies against her Perpetual Virginity.
- Blasphemies against her Divine and Spiritual Maternity. These involve offenses against her role as the Mother of all humanity and the rejection of her maternal care.
- Blasphemies involving dishonoring her images.
- Blasphemies leading to the neglect of instilling knowledge and love for Mary in the hearts of children.
May every Hail Mary we pray pull a thorn from her heart.
Homebound Ministers of Holy Communion
We have openings for additional Eucharistic Ministers to help with the Homebound Ministers of Care Program that provides Holy Communion to our homebound parishioners. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Mary Burczak at 815-549-3644.
Join family and friends to Pray the Rosary and experience the peace of prayer together!
Schedule:
- Weekdays: After morning Mass
- Saturdays: 5 PM
- Sundays: 8:30 AM
- Wednesday Evenings: 6:00 PM (at the Grotto, weather permitting)
(Concluding Rosary prayers here.)
Come and join us in prayer and community!
Join Us for Jesus Talks: Adult Scripture Study
We warmly invite you to be part of our weekly scripture study group, Jesus Talks! This adult faith gathering meets every Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the parish hall. Together, we reflect on the readings for the upcoming Sunday liturgy, share our faith journeys, and support each other in prayer and fellowship.
All are welcome!
For more information or to be added to the Jesus Talks email list, please contact the Parish Office at 815-468-3403. We look forward to growing in faith together!
Spiritual Direction
Hello. I am Kris Fisher and I have lived in the Kankakee area for over 40 years with my husband Marc. We have five adult children and 16 grandchildren. I am a nurse by education and worked in the field of community health. Over the past three years, I have been working in the ministry of Spiritual Direction and have received certification from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, in partnership with the Diocese of Joliet.
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is meeting with a trained director to reflect on how God is present and active in your life right now. Prayer is an essential component. Through the meeting, a relationship between the Holy Spirit, the director, and the directee is forged. Despite its name, the director is only a facilitator in the process of discovering how God may be calling you into a deeper relationship with Him. Nearly all the great saints of the Catholic Church had a spiritual director. Spiritual Direction is not psychotherapy or counseling. A spiritual director can help you look at life through a different lens, and often, that is all that is needed to progress along the narrow road to our ultimate goal of Heaven. If you are interested in meeting with a spiritual director, please call Kris at 815-735-5102.
Holy Mass Schedule:
Saturday @ 5:30pm | Sunday @ 9am
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday @ 7am
Communion Service:
Monday & Wednesday @ 7am
Reconciliation:
Sunday @ 8am | Tuesday 6-6:30pm or by appointment
Adoration:
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 6-7am | Tuesdays 6-8pm
Parish Office Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Thursday 8am-3pm
Friday 9am-12pm
ONLINE MASS
can be viewed "LIVE" Sunday at 9:00 am or
watch recorded version anytime after 10:00 am on Sunday.
St. Joseph Parish Wedding Anniversary Recognition
Mass Intentions
If you would like to request a Mass intention—whether for a loved one, a special occasion, or another intention—please call the parish office or email us at stjosephmanteno@gmail.com.
Please note:
- Do not use the online giving form to request Mass intentions at this time.
- Requested dates may not always be available, but we will do our best to accommodate your preferences.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
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