Faith Curious? Come and Ask

Faith Curious? Come and Ask

Are you interested in becoming Catholic, completing your sacraments, or exploring baptism as an adult? Or do you simply have questions about the Catholic faith?

Faith Curious? Come and Ask is an open and welcoming evening of conversation designed just for you—no lectures, no pressure, just honest conversation in a relaxed setting where your questions matter.

This month: What are Sacraments?

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 Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00 PM

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 St. Anne Room

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 Contact: Dr. Doug Muir — dmuir@smip.org

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 All are welcome!

Congratulations Bishop Dennis Spies!

Bishop Dennis E. Spies Appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Joliet

Joliet, Illinois — [February 6, 2026] — The Diocese of Joliet announces that Bishop Dennis E.
Spies has been appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Joliet, effective immediately.
Bishop Spies assumes this role in accordance with the norms of the Catholic Church, ensuring
continuity of leadership and pastoral care for the nearly half-million Catholics across the seven
counties of the diocese.

Bishop Spies, who has been serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet and Titular Bishop of Cenculiana,
brings more than two decades of pastoral, administrative, and formational experience to this
responsibility. Ordained to the priesthood in 2002, he has served the Diocese of Joliet as pastor,
seminary formator, and most recently as Vicar for Clergy, a role in which he has been widely
recognized for his pastoral sensitivity, collaborative leadership style, and deep commitment to the
well-being of priests and parish communities.

“I am humbled by the trust placed in me and remain committed to serving the people of God in the
Diocese of Joliet with faith, integrity, and hope,” Bishop Spies said. “Together, we will continue to
proclaim the Gospel, strengthen our parishes, and accompany one another as disciples of Jesus
Christ.”

As Administrator, Bishop Spies will oversee the day-to-day governance of the diocese until the
appointment of a new diocesan bishop. His responsibilities include supporting diocesan ministries,
guiding clergy, and ensuring the smooth functioning of pastoral and administrative operations.
Born in Clifton, Illinois, Bishop Spies earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois
University Carbondale before completing seminary studies at Mundelein Seminary. He was
appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet by Pope Francis in 2024 and ordained later that year at the
Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus.

The Diocese of Joliet asks the faithful to join in prayer for Bishop Spies as he undertakes this
important new role in service to the Church.

Ash Wednesday Schedule

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

Please note: to receive ashes, you must come to one of the services listed below, ashes will NOT be available via walk-up.

  • 6:30 am • English Mass in Church
  • 7:30 am • English Mass in Church
  • 9:00 am • School Mass in Church (Live Streamed)
  • 12:00 Noon • English Mass in Church
  • 2:00 pm • English Prayer Service with Ashes Distribution in Church
  • 4:00 pm • English Prayer Service with Ashes Distribution in Church
  • 6:00 pm • Misa en español en la iglesia
  • 6:00 pm • Polskie stacje Drogi Krzyżowej w Kanie
  • 8:00 pm • English Mass in Church
  • 8:00 pm • Servicio de oración con distribución de cenizas en Caná

Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal 2026

Pledge your gift to the CMAA

This is commitment weekend for the 2026 Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA). The appeal is a powerful way to put our faith into action.

This year’s theme is Beyond all Expectations: Faith that Elevates! When we care for those in need, we answer this call. Our parish joins with other parishes to serve the vulnerable, grow children in faith, and strengthen vocations. We cannot foster these ministries alone. This is a diocese-wide effort.

We receive 70% of any amount raised over our goal to reinvest in our parish.

Please prayerfully consider your gift and help our parish reach $216,700. Complete and return a pledge envelope in church today. Thank you for your support!

Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal

Haga su promesa de donativo a la CAMC

Este es el Fin de Semana de Compromiso para la Campaña Anual de Ministerios Católicos 2026 (CAMC). La Campaña es una manera poderosa de poner nuestra fe en acción.

El tema de este año es Más allá de todas las expectativas: ¡Fe que eleva! Cuando somos personas compasivas con quienes lo necesitan, respondemos a este llamado. Nuestra parroquia se une a otras parroquias para servir a los vulnerables, formar a los niños en la fe y fortalecer las vocaciones. No podemos fomentar estos ministerios solos. Este es un esfuerzo de toda la diócesis.

Recibimos el 70% de cualquier monto recaudado por encima de nuestra meta para reinvertir en nuestra parroquia.

Por favor, considere en oración su donación y ayude a nuestra parroquia a alcanzar $216,700. Complete y devuelva un sobre de promesa en la iglesia hoy. ¡Gracias por su apoyo!

Campaña Anual de Ministerios Católicos

School Principal Wanted

Providing Catholic Faith Formation and Superior Education

DOJ Catholic Schools…….

Are dedicated to enhancing the ongoing spiritual and educational development of students and staff by managing the curriculum to align with standardized methods that improve teaching, learning and faith formation.

St. Mary Immaculate is looking for a passionate principal for the 26-27 school year. With enrollment on the rise, a strong financial foundation, and a dedicated staff, this is your chance to lead a vibrant
community.

Start your application today here

Art & Environment Volunteers Needed

Do you like to decorate? Have a keen eye for design? We are looking to create a new team to keep the interior of our church looking reverent, festive and beautiful all year long. Your commitment can be weekly, monthly or seasonal. We need people all year long to water plants, change liturgical colors, put together plant orders, etc. We also would like to be able to have this group concentrate on the Church and Cana Hall as well as the Gym for Easter and Christmas Masses.

Please prayerfully consider helping us with any time you have to offer. Contact Denise Rowan (drowan@smip.org) in the parish office to discuss your interest level. 

Girl Scout Cookies Sale

Get ready to stock up on your favorite Girl Scout Cookies!
The SMI Girl Scout Brownie Troop 76004 will be selling cookies in the Commons on Sunday, February 15, from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

$6.00 per box

Cash, credit cards, and Zelle accepted
Support our SMI Brownies and treat yourself — Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts!

Incense Training

Tuesday, Feb 24, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

If you’ve ever seen the smoke, smelled the incense, or wondered how it all works—this training is for you! All altar servers who have been serving for at least six months are invited to attend this hands-on incense training.

During this session, servers will learn:

  • When incense is used during the Mass
  • How to properly handle the thurible and incense boat
  • What servers do during incensed and solemn Masses
  • How to serve confidently and reverently when incense is used

Altar Server Training

Thursday, February 26 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

This Altar Server Training class is designed to help servers grow in confidence and skill while serving at Mass. New servers and those looking for a refresher are encouraged to attend.

This hands-on training will cover:

  • Roles and responsibilities of altar servers
  • Proper movements and posture at Mass
  • Handling sacred items with reverence
  • Working together as a serving team
  • How to serve prayerfully, confidently, and respectfully

Please let us know if you plan to attend by contacting:

Bob Lighthiser
📞 630-965-1497
✉️ bob.lighthiser@iCloud.com

Hallow Pray40 Lenten Challenge

Lent Pray40

Join us in a journey to return to our Father this Lent, guided by honestly some my favorite people in the world: Sister Miriam, Mother Olga, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Mark Wahlberg, Chris Pratt, and of course the one and only Jonathan Roumie!

To really help bring the truths of this parable to life this Lent in Pray40, we’ll dive into the incredible book, in my humble opinion the greatest novel of all time, The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky!

Kids Lent: Miracle Hunters

Join the Kids’ Lent Challenge: Miracle Hunters! Follow Mia, Paul, Brad, and Grace as they set out to discover the truth about miracles and how God is always at work in our lives. Throughout the series, families will meet new friends, dive into Saints Alive-style saint stories, hear inspiring vocation journeys, play games, pray together, and enjoy episodes from the hit game show Holy Moly! Together we’ll see that even when miracles don’t happen the way we want or expect, God is still at work in His love for us. This series is perfect for kids aged 6-12.

Teen Lent: The 180

Join Mark Hart, Sr. Josephine, Fr. Frankie Cicero and more for The 180, a Lent challenge for teens presented by Life Teen International. Designed for busy schedules, this challenge features short, 180-second sessions all designed to help you make a 180-degree turn towards Christ. Reflect on the daily Gospel readings, learn about the lives of the Saints, and take on a new fasting challenge each week. This Lent, don’t just give something up—take a step closer to Christ every day.

Cuaresma 2026: El Regreso (Spanish Lent)

Únete al reto de Cuaresma de Hallow, “El Regreso” y vuelve al Padre en esta Cuaresma. Inspirados en la parábola del Hijo Pródigo, nos adentraremos en las profundidades espirituales de Los hermanos Karamázov de Fiódor Dostoyevski. Comenzamos el Miércoles de Ceniza, 18 de febrero.

Este camino nos invita a mirar de frente el corazón humano inquieto y la misericordia que lo espera. A través de la Escritura, la literatura y la oración, reflexionaremos sobre el pecado y la responsabilidad, la libertad y la fe, la humildad y el amor, escuchando la invitación silenciosa a soltar aquello que nos aleja de Dios, dejarnos restaurar y empezar de nuevo. Muy pronto compartiremos más anuncios emocionantes sobre los guías y mucho más.

For information on how to sign up for the app with our parish’s discount and to join the challenges, go to smip.org/hallow.