Bishop Hicks' Column

When you see a good, faith-based movie which you enthusiastically give two thumbs up, I encourage you to recommend it to your family and friends. Your endorsement may be a simple way for you to evangelize and help spread the good news of our faith.

Astoundingly, this year’s Super Bowl commercial, which was broadcast to millions throughout the world, just might have been the voice of the Holy Spirit whispering with a megaphone to each one of us!

The Holy Land holds a powerful place in our hearts and in salvation history. It is where Jesus was born, grew up, taught, prayed, performed miracles, suffered, died, and was resurrected. In solidarity, let us join Cardinal Pizzaballa’s call for an end to the violence and for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land as we turn to God with prayer, obedience, and love.

I am delighted that the Diocese of Joliet has partnered with Catholic Extension to publish a 2024 Anniversary Calendar for our 75th Jubilee. These calendars are so beautiful and informative, serving as a keepsake for years to come.

With faith and trust in God, I look forward to walking on this all-connected journey with you ahead.

As they say, “diamonds are forever.” This celebration gives us the opportunity to honor our past, commemorate our present, and look forward to the future with hope.

I left the convocation with a smile on my face, deeply grateful to God for the time and space to renew our minds, bodies, and souls as a presbyterate. My gratitude bubbled over for our priests, and all the clergy, religious, and laity who make this Church so vibrant and wonderful.

This summer I celebrated my “milleversary” here in the Diocese of Joliet. September 29 will mark three years since I was installed as your bishop.

“What I Did This Summer” is usually the first essay of the school year for students. My own essay would include a trip to El Salvador, staying at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Spanish for “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”).

As Catholics, we are reminded that while we embrace the downtime of summer, there is no need to take a break from God! In fact, it’s a wonderful time to invite Jesus Christ into your summer experience. For like I was told in the narthex after Mass, we need the month of July! This is the perfect month to refresh and recharge our spiritual lives.