News Releases

Families looking for a high school experience that prepares students not only for college, but for a life of faith, purpose, and service, are invited to attend the Catholic High School Admissions Fair on Wednesday, September 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Benedictine University in Lisle. The event will bring together Catholic high schools from across the region to showcase the unique benefits of a Catholic college preparatory education. Sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet and Benedictine University in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago and Diocese of Rockford, the fair provides families with an opportunity to meet school representatives, learn about admissions and financial aid, and discover how Catholic high schools help students grow intellectually, spiritually, and morally.

On July 20 and July 22, 2026, two lawsuits were filed in Will County by a plaintiff identified as John Doe against the Diocese of Joliet. The lawsuits allege sexual abuse by three priests who served within the Diocese of Joliet between 1967 and 1974. The Diocese of Joliet acknowledges the seriousness of all allegations of sexual abuse and the lasting impact abuse has on survivors and their families. The Diocese does not comment on pending litigation and looks forward to a full resolution in court.

Families choosing Catholic education in the Diocese of Joliet can be even more confident in their decision, as all diocesan elementary schools and two high schools are accredited through the Western Catholic Educational Association - a nationally recognized accrediting body that evaluates Catholic schools based on academic quality, Catholic identity, leadership, and long-term sustainability.

The Diocese of Joliet joyfully welcomed 275 new Catholics into the Church during the 2026 Easter Vigil, representing a 48% increase from the previous year and continuing a multi-year pattern of growth in those seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.

Chesterton Academy students from across the U.S. kicked off a 10-day pilgrimage to Italy with Pope Leo XIV’s general audience in St. Peter’s Square March 18. About 240 students from the Chesterton Schools Network, which includes over 70 classical, Catholic high schools in the U.S. and abroad, are taking part in the trip, visiting churches and pilgrimage sites in Rome, Florence and Assisi. Nora Kennedy, a student from the Chesterton Academy of the Holy Family in Illinois, described being in Rome as “the best experience” of her life.

The Catholic Education Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Carbery, CFA, as Executive Director. Carbery joins the foundation with extensive leadership experience in finance, banking, fundraising, and education. He most recently served as Senior Director of Development at DePaul University, where he helped strengthen philanthropic partnerships and advance major institutional initiatives.

The Diocese of Joliet has appointed Gregory N. Porod as Superintendent of Catholic Schools, effective June 29, 2026. A veteran educator and administrator with more than four decades of experience in both public and Catholic education, Porod will lead the Diocese’s 47 Catholic elementary schools and high schools in advancing their mission of forming disciples and delivering academic excellence.

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.

On Monday, January 12, 2026, a lawsuit was filed by a John Doe against a former priest within the Diocese of Joliet, John Barrett. Fr. Barrett passed away in 2014.  The Diocese does not comment on pending litigation; however, we want to assure the people of the diocese that the litigation does not involve any of our living priests.

Joliet, Illinois, December 18, 2025 — The Vatican announced today that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ronald A. Hicks as the 11th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York. Archbishop-designate Hicks will be installed on Friday, February 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.