Welcome To
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH
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.
Schedule Change for Tuesday, August 12
Please note that Fr. Thomas will be out of town on Tuesday, August 12. There will be a Communion Service at 7:00 AM in place of Holy Mass.
There will be no Adoration prior to the service and no Confession at 6:00 PM that evening. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
Save the Dates: Virtual Pilgrimage – Jubilee Year Event
Join us for a two-part virtual pilgrimage exploring the sacred sites of Rome, Vatican City, Assisi, and Florence. Deepen your faith and enjoy fellowship through this visual journey of Catholic history and tradition.
- July 31: Rome & Vatican City – Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Catacombs, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica
- August 7: Assisi & Florence – Basilicas of St. Clare & St. Francis, St. Mary of the Angels, Duomo, Accademia, Church of Santa Croce
Refreshments provided. All are welcome!
The Transfiguration of the Lord – August 6
Celebrated on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord recalls the moment Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on a high mountain. Radiating light and conversing with Moses and Elijah, Jesus was confirmed by the voice of the Father: “This is my beloved Son… listen to him.”
This revelation came just days after Jesus foretold His suffering and death—a difficult message for the disciples. The Transfiguration offered hope and strength, reminding them (and us) that the path to glory passes through the Cross.
Occurring forty days before the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, the Transfiguration prepares us for the trials of discipleship by showing us the promise of resurrection. As we carry our own crosses, may this feast renew our courage and fill us with the hope of sharing in Christ’s eternal victory.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – August 15: Holy Mass at 7am & 7 pm
On August 15, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. This dogma, proclaimed in 1950, teaches that Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life.
While the Church has not defined whether Mary died or was taken up alive, it teaches with certainty that her body never experienced decay, a grace flowing from her Immaculate Conception. Like her Son’s Resurrection, her Assumption points to the destiny promised to all the faithful.
Mary’s Assumption reminds us that she now reigns in Heaven, interceding for us with a mother’s love. As we honor her today, may we seek her prayers and follow her example of perfect discipleship, trusting that we too are called to share in Christ’s victory.
Painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Pieter Fransz de Grebber | oil on canvas | 1648 AD
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 Blessed 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.
Parish Picnic
SAVE THE DATE!
St. Joseph’s Parish Picnic
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025
Join us for a day of fun, food, and fellowship with our parish community!
- Planning Meeting
August 4th at 6:00 PM
St. Joseph’s Church Basement
We welcome all helping hands and ideas to make this year’s picnic a success!
For more information, please contact:
Camille Carlson at 815-954-6186
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
First Friday Devotion: Honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The First Friday 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)
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
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
Friday, August 15th @ 7am & 7pm
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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