WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Pope Francis has appointed Father Dennis Spies, vicar for clergy of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, as an auxiliary bishop of the diocese.
The appointment was publicized in Washington Sept. 27 by Christophe Cardinal Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
An Illinois native, Bishop-designate Spies, 56, has served as vicar for clergy for the Diocese of Joliet since July 1. Before that he was a member of the formation faculty at Mundelein Seminary as director of the pre-theology and parish internship program from 2016 to 2024.
His episcopal ordination will take place at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet Nov. 6.
“I am sincerely grateful to Pope Francis for the joyful news of this appointment. Father Dennis is a wonderful priest who has already worn many hats in his priesthood,” including pastor, seminary leader and vicar for clergy, Joliet Bishop Ronald A. Hicks said in a statement. “He is hardworking, prayerful, and ‘down to earth’ with a very relatable manner. As a new auxiliary bishop, he will be a great help to me. But most importantly he will share his many gifts with this large and active Diocese of Joliet in Illinois.”
“Together we will continue our mission … with a shared focus on catechesis, evangelization and putting our faith into action,” he said, adding that the diocese is “blessed … to welcome Father Dennis” as auxiliary bishop.
Bishop-designate Spies was born March 5, 1968, in Clifton, Illinois, to Rose Mary and Vincent Spies (who died in 2009). He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture-business economics (1990). He received a master of divinity degree in theology and a licentiate of sacred theology from Mundelein Seminary (2002).
After his ordination to the priesthood on June 1, 2002, his first assignment was as associate pastor at St. Walter’s Parish in Roselle from 2002 to 2005, when he became associate pastor at St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield, serving there until 2008. He was then named pastor of three Illinois parishes, Our Lady of Lourdes in Gibson City, St. George in Melvin and Immaculate Conception in Roberts. He also has served as pastor at St. Liborius Parish in Steger and St. Mary Parish in Park Forest.
In 2010, following a three-year program, Bishop-elect Spies attained a licentiate in sacred theology, with a focus on spirituality of the diocesan priest, from the University of St. Mary of the Lake.
He has served the diocese in other roles, including as a member then chairman of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council (2006-2011), spiritual director of the Institute of Priestly Formation (2016 -2023), and spiritual leader of Cursillo weekend retreats (2003-2024) and of “Be Healed” weekend retreats (2020-2024).
Throughout his various ministries, Bishop-designate Spies “values the ability to meet and connect with people in a way that allows others to better know Jesus Christ” said a diocesan news release announcing his appointment. “His life goal is to be known as ‘one who loved and taught others to love.'”
The Diocese of Joliet comprises seven Illinois counties, covering 4,218 square miles. Out of a total population of about 1.97 million, there are 501,292 Catholics.