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.
November 9: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
On November 9th we celebrate the dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, the Pope’s cathedral and the mother church of the world. Dedicated in 324 A.D., it reminds us of the sacredness of every church building—and of our own souls, where God dwells most intimately.
As the first public Christian church after centuries of persecution, Saint John Lateran stands as a sign of the Church’s triumph and unity. On this feast, we pray for the pope, the Church, and our own growth in holiness, remembering that the most important temple is the one within.
“Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Rome” by Livioandronico2013 — licensed under CC BY‑SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
November 23: Solemnity of Christ the King
The liturgical year concludes with the great Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Quas Primas, the feast reminds us that Christ is not only the King of Catholics, but of all creation—ruling over individuals, families, societies, and nations. The Church introduced this solemnity amid the rise of secularism, communism, and fascism, as a bold proclamation that Christ alone is the source of true peace, liberty, and order.
Though Christ's Kingdom is not of this world, it is already present through those who follow Him in faith and obedience. Jesus did not impose His authority politically during His earthly ministry; instead, He invited all to freely submit to the will of His Father. True participation in His Kingdom begins within each soul when we, like Christ, seek not our own will but the will of the One who sent us.
Christ must first reign in our hearts. Only then can families, communities, and societies be transformed. As Pope Pius XI emphasized, society will find “real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony” only when Christ is acknowledged as King.
This solemnity also points us to the glorious future, when Christ will return at the end of time to fully establish His eternal Kingdom—uniting Heaven and Earth forever. On that day, as we profess in the Creed, “His Kingdom will have no end.”
As we celebrate this final Sunday of the Church year, recommit yourself to Christ the King. Let Him reign in your heart, your home, and your actions. In doing so, you help make His Kingdom more present here and now, until He comes again in glory.
“Jesus Christ the King of Ecuador” — Author unknown. Public domain (faithful photographic reproduction of a two‑dimensional public domain artwork).
November 28: Saint Catherine Labouré (Feast)
Saint Catherine was born in Burgundy, France, into a large devout Catholic family. After the death of her mother when Catherine was nine, she entered the community of the Daughters of Charity, where she served faithfully, especially ministering to the elderly and sick.
On July 19, 1830, Catherine experienced a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary who entrusted her with a mission. In a subsequent vision, Mary appeared standing on a globe, rays of light streaming from her hands, surrounded by the words:
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
Mary asked Catherine to have this image made into a medal (later known as the Miraculous Medal), promising “great graces” to those who would wear it.
Catherine spent the rest of her life in humble service. After her death, her body was found incorrupt.
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.
Follow Us
Keep up with our latest news
Upcoming Events
St. Joseph Parish Communications
We are in the process of revising our communication system in an effort to better communicate with YOU, our parishioners.
