Ethnic Ministry
By embracing our differences and cultural backgrounds, we become one diocese and one church, and it’s through connection and cultural awareness that we gain understanding of the many people who make up the Diocese of Joliet. The Office of Pastoral Outreach serves as a resource to help parishes welcome all ethnic communities.
Resources
Please see below for a list of organizations and programs the Diocese of Joliet recommends as resources for a variety of Catholic ethnic communities. Please contact Renata Cichowicz for additional information on how to support and welcome these communities.
Simbang Gabi 2023 Mass Schedule
In the
This nine-day celebration symbolizes God’s desire to be human and the Filipino’s joy for that humanness. These are festive celebrations with Christmas carols sung before Mass, faith sharing, and, of course, lots of food afterward — a sample of Filipino food and refreshments is usually served at a reception following Mass. People dress in their finest Philippine barongs and dresses.
Simbang Gabi is a religious festival for all: Filipino and non-Filipino. But no matter the language or dress, when you pray and sing during the Simbang Gabi, you realize how truly universal the Christmas spirit is. This is one of many cultural activities everyone can participate in and enjoy as a preparation for Christmas.
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The Very Rev. William Dewan serves as the chaplain for the Black Catholic Ministry in the Diocese of Joliet. Fr. Dewan is the pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Joliet, as well as the rector of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet.
Very Rev. William Dewan
Phone: (815) 221-6019
[email protected]Black Catholic Resources
The National Association of African Catholics in the United States (NAACUS)
National Black Catholic Congress
USCCB African American Affairs
Institutions for Theological Study with Black Catholic Programs
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- Hungarian Catholic Mission
- Croatian Franciscan Parishes in the United States and Canada
- Irish Apostolate USA
- Italian American Catholic Apostolate (Italian Catholic Federation)
- Lithuanian Catholic Parishes
- National Polish Apostolate Committee
- Slovenian Catholic Apostolate
- Ukrainian Catholic Parishes in the U.S.
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- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Hispanic/Latino Affairs
- V Encuentro
- El Movimiento de Cursillos Nacional
Deacon Manuel Perales
Spanish Cursillo Spiritual Director/Supervisor
[email protected]