Announcements and Updates

Willow Street Project Continues with Diocesan Approval

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, four representatives for the Willow Street Project presented the project proposal and plan to the Buildings and Properties Committee of the Diocese of Joliet: Fr. Sunny Castillo (pastor), Mary Marten (business manager), Adam Ferguson (school principal) and David Heise (chair of the Buildings and Grounds Commission). 

The Diocese approved all aspects of the proposal with congratulatory remarks for a well-thought out and excellently prepared presentation.  The Willow Street Project proposal and plan continues to receive approvals in all stages of the implementation. 

After this approval, we are set to begin a Capital Campaign for the project.   Fr. Sunny has announced to the parishioners the result of the diocesan approval with a remark that he is hoping for a wide range of participation, cooperation and support from parishioners, as this project will indeed unify our campus and provide a much safer environment and operation for the parish. 

Thank you for your support and continued cooperation and generosity.  God bless St. Michael Parish!  

Safety and Security Initiatives are Underway at St. Michael

Security and safety protocols are being prioritized in our parish.  Since two months ago, Fr. Sunny has been working with Maribeth Spittler on prioritizing safety protocols.  They were able to convene a small core team to work on jumpstarting the initiative: Maribeth Spittler, Mary Ellen Kripp and deacon Dan Simmet. 

Together with the parish staff, and after presenting to the Parish Council, the checklist for safety protocols has commenced implementation.  This is an ongoing task in our parish, as this initiative will eventually give birth to a safety and security ministry.  We are leveraging all communication channels to disseminate information and updates on these topics.  

Leadership Vision Meeting #2

Fr. Sunny is inviting all volunteers, leaders, staff and parish organizations to attend the biannual Leadership Vision Meeting on Saturday, September 27.  The meeting begins with the usual 8:00 parish mass, followed by breakfast and the meeting. 

Agenda of this meeting includes reports on the following: 

  1.  Update and General Expectations for Ministries and Leadership Teams, especially in areas of communication and collaboration.  

  2. State of the Parish Annual Report

  3. Safety and Security Measures

  4. Evangelization Plans for the Parish

  5. Conversations Regarding New and Upcoming Ministries and Initiatives

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS 2025-2026

2025

July 1 New Fiscal Year begins Aug 9 Parish Picnic Aug 15 Assumption of the BVM Aug 19 First Day of School Aug 23 Mike Doerries’ Ordination Aug 23 Back-to-School Socials Sept 1 Labor Day Sept 15-18 Priests’ Convocation Sept 25 Lancer Dash Sept 27 Leadership Vision Weekend Sept 29 St. Michael Feast Day

Oct 5 Pet Blessing Oct 13 Columbus Day Oct 25-26 Blessing of First Communicants Nov 1 All Saint’s Day Nov 2 Fall Back (DST Ends) Nov 11 Veterans Day
Nov 23 Christ the King Nov 27 Thanksgiving Day
Nov 30 First Sunday of Advent

Dec 7 Second Sunday of Advent Dec 8 Immaculate Conception Dec 12 OL Guadalupe Feast Day Dec 14 Third Sunday of Advent Dec 14 Lessons & Carols Dec 19 Simbang Gabi Dec 24 Christmas Eve Dec 25 Christmas Day Dec 28 Holy Family

2026

Jan 1 New Year - Mater Dei Jan 19 Martin Luther King Day Jan 23 St Mike School Gala Jan 25 Catholic Schools Week Feb 16 Presidents Day Feb 18 Ash Wednesday Feb 28 RE First Reconciliation

Mar 7 Holy Fire in Wheaton Mar 14 Leadership Vision Meeting Mar 14 New Church 20th Anniv. Mar 15 Lenten Mission Day 1 Mar 16 Lenten MIssion Day 2 Mar 18 SMP 20th Dedication Anniv. Mar 29 Palm Sunday Mar 30 Chrism Mass

Apr 2 Holy Thursday Apr 3 Good Friday Apr 4 Easter Vigil Apr 5 Easter Sunday Apr 12 Divine Mercy Sunday Apr 23-24 8th Grade Musical Apr 25-26 RE First Communion May 2 School First Communion May 10 Mother’s Day / May Crowning
May 12-13 Confirmation
May 20 8th Grade Brunch / Graduation May 25 Memorial Day May 28 Last Day of School June 6 Joliet Priest Ordination June 30 Fiscal year Ends