The season of Lent invites us as Catholics to step back, take an honest look at our lives, and make space for God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Join Bishop Dennis Spies in journeying through Lent as we let these practices gently reshape our hearts and our relationship with Jesus in anticipation of the promise of Easter.
Bishop
Eastertide is the fifty-day season in which Catholics celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, from Easter Sunday through Pentecost. It highlights Christ’s transformative victory over death and invites us to deepen our joy, hope, and renewal as Easter people. Join Bishop Dennis E. Spies in celebrating Eastertide and exploring how we can carry the message of the Resurrection into the world with renewed faith and purpose.
Sunday, April 5, 2026
"The Lord participated in Easter Sunday to let us know that he has power over life and death."
April 19, 2026
“When Jesus shows up and says, peace be with you, he really wants you to live in his peace.”
April 26, 2026
“He knows you and he knows you by name. And he likes to call you by name.”
May 10, 2026
“Every time we get a chance to go love somebody, we get to experience the person of God.”
May 17, 2026
“Sometimes I think we forget that when we experience the challenges in our lives, that we too get to experience (Christ’s) resurrection.”
May 24, 2026
“Not only is the Holy Spirit in union with your heart while you're here on earth, though all eternity he’s going to be in union with you.”
Bishop Spies Homily for Confirmation Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Ash Wednesday
"Whatever we're doing for Lent, let it serve our relationship with the Lord Jesus."
Sunday, February 22, 2026
"Our identify in the Lord Jesus makes us who we are, and that's where our dignity comes."
Mass Readings
Sunday, March 1, 2026
"Jesus is inviting us to be more than we ever thought we could be, that we may experience this transfiguration in our own hearts in our own minds as we grow through our life."
Sunday, March 8, 2026
“Jesus reveals himself in such a manner that the woman at the well realizes that she just needs him!”
Sunday, March 15, 2026
“This is the kind of impact that God wants to make in your life—as if we are blind and cannot see—he wants us to invite him in and give him permission to allow us to grow in our faith.”
Sunday, March 22, 2026
“He’s going to call us to grow. He’s going to call us to go from whatever area of our life is dead to being fully alive.”
Sunday, March 29, 2026
"Whenever we see Jesus on the cross in your home, please see His love for you and that He loves you to death."
Week of March 30, 2026
"All those times when you've heard people talk about Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the vigil on Saturday, please don't say, someday I'll go. Please say, I'm going to try to go this year."
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.
