Giving Societies

Established in 2008, the Deo Gratias Society is a leadership giving society in support of the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal. “Deo Gratias” is Latin for “thanks be to God,” which is appropriate as the society wishes to seek those who give thanks to God for all He has given them while supporting the needs of the Church. Members pledge to become partners in a shared vision for the future of the Diocese of Joliet.

Members help ensure vital ministries can help shine the light of Christ on individuals, families and parishes throughout our seven-county diocese. In addition to spiritual benefits, membership in the Deo Gratias Society includes these recognition benefits to convey Bishop Hicks’ gratitude for your support:

Queen of Peace Circle ($25,000 or more annually)

Members will receive:

• Reserved seating to special diocesan Masses celebrated by Bishop Hicks
• An invitation to the annual Bishop’s Circle Dinner
• A special gift from Bishop Hicks
• Recognition in our annual publication for Deo Gratias Society members
• An invitation to our annual Mass and reception with Bishop Hicks 

Xavier Circle ($10,000 – $24,999 annually)

Members will receive:

• A statue of St. Francis Xavier, the Diocese of Joliet’s patron saint, to welcome you as a new member of the Xavier Circle
• An invitation to the annual Bishop’s Circle Dinner
• A special gift from Bishop Hicks
• Recognition in our annual publication for Deo Gratias Society members
• An invitation to our annual Mass and reception with Bishop Hicks

Bishop’s Circle ($5,000 – $9,999 annually)

Members will receive:

• An invitation to the annual Bishop’s Circle Dinner
• A special gift from Bishop Hicks
• Recognition in our annual publication for Deo Gratias Society members
• An invitation to our annual Mass and reception with Bishop Hicks

Patron Circle ($2,500 – $4,999 annually)

Members will receive:

• A special gift from Bishop Hicks
• Recognition in our annual publication for Deo Gratias Society members
• An invitation to our annual Mass and reception with Bishop Hicks

Sponsor Circle ($1,000 – $2,499 annually)

Members will receive:

• Recognition in our annual publication for Deo Gratias Society members
• An invitation to our annual Mass and reception with Bishop Hicks

The Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) Legacy Society is a charitable giving program for benefactors who share in the future vision of the Diocese of Joliet by making a planned gift or estate plan commitment. "Lumen Christi" is Latin for "Light of Christ," as gifts given through this society will provide continued support of the work of the Church for generations to come.

By creating a charitable gift through a will or estate plan, you can support and secure the future of the Diocese of Joliet while building a legacy that will last forever.

For more information about joining the Lumen Christi Legacy Society with a planned gift or an estate plan commitment, please contact Jane Lagger, chief development officer, at [email protected] or 815-221-6190.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha converted to Catholicism at 19 and is known as the patroness of the environment. She was a member of the Iroquois nation, which carefully managed the fields, forests and wildlife. As a “child of nature”, St. Kateri often spent time in the woods, making crosses out of sticks and talking to God. Hoping to convert others, she became a living bible — joyfully sharing stories from scripture and telling of God’s plan for humankind and His love and mercy.

The St. Kateri Tekakwitha Society recognizes benefactors who support the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal through monthly giving. These continuous, automatic gifts through bank account withdrawals or credit card payments are environmentally friendly and also provide a stable source of income for essential ministries of the diocese.

To join the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Society, click the donate button on this page and choose the recurring giving option. For more information about joining the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Society through recurring giving, please contact Kimberly Bruining, manager of development and stewardship, at [email protected] or 815-221-6193.

In 2012, the Diocese of Joliet launched the Consortium Fidelis Program to invite businesses to support the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal and assist in our efforts to support our communities. “Consortium Fidelis” is Latin for “faithful partner”, as our shared vision of helping our neighbors is most achievable if we combine our efforts and work together as one.

For more information about joining the Consortium Fidelis Program, please contact Kimberly Bruining, manager of development and stewardship, at [email protected] or 815-221-6193.