Parish Staff

Raised in Manteno

BA, Philosophy, Immaculate Conception Seminary

MA, Divinity, St. Meinrad School of Theology

Ordained to the priesthood Nov. 25, 1972

"I am excited about being pastor of St. Joseph in Bradley because it gives me the opportunity to minister in the area in which I grew up. This allows me to give back to this community and county some of the blessings and wisdom I have received in my years of priesthood."

BA, Philosophy

MA, Divinity

Ordained to the priesthood May 25, 1963

Father John is a chaplain at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He resides at St. Joseph Parish and celebrates daily and weekend Masses, presides at weddings and funerals and hears confessions on a regular basis. 

Ordained in 1988

Deacon Leon’s love of children makes it easy to involve the small ones in the sacraments, asking them to hold the candle, or the white garment for their younger brother or sister being baptized.

Ordained Aug. 22, 2009

"I was ordained to the ministry of service, and I want to be of service to all who call upon me. I only pray that I may fulfill this challenge with a humble and sincere heart, and that through my ministry, others may feel the call to serve their God."

"I like St. Joseph Parish because it is an active, vibrant parish where the parishioners seem friendly and welcoming. I enjoy serving the people and getting to know them better. God has blessed me by sending me here to this parish." 

BA, Music Education, Benedictine University

BA, Performance Voice/Piano, Benedictine University

Since she began her ministry at St. Joseph Parish, Jeanine has noticed "the face and heart of Jesus shining forth" from the musicians at the parish. "That's why I continue to do what I do and love it."

BS, Art Education

MA, Pastoral Studies

Liturgy Certification through Diocese of Joliet

"I am grateful for the opportunity to minister here with the good people at St. Joseph Parish. Working together, centered in Christ, all things are possible."

Raised on a farm near Paxton, Ill.

BA, Psychology, Governors State University

MA, Theology, St. Norbert College

"I love ministering to the people of St. Joe's. What I enjoy most here is that we minister to each other. It feels like God is at work. And, that's as it should be. The Lord has done great things for me and so I want to offer myself generously in service to others as my way of saying, 'Thanks.' " 

Raised in rural Ohio

BA, Sociology, BA, Education, St. Francis College

MA, Private School Administration, University of San Francisco.

"I certainly love my ministry at St. Joseph Parish. The staff and the students are wonderful and the parents are so supportive. You really feel the presence of God here."

BA, Theology, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College

Started teaching in 1967

A director of religious education since 1988

"I have been ministering as the director of Religious Education at St. Joseph Parish since 1998, and I'm looking forward to developing new programs with adults in the parish."

A life-long member of St. Joseph Parish

Devoted wife and mother of three

Involved in parish Religious Education for 15 years

Melissa has been inspired by those who share their faith with the young students. "I've continued in this ministry because I know how vital it is to the youngest members of our parish. They are the future of the church and they are growing up in a world that doesn't always lead them toward a relationship with Jesus."

Associates, Arts and Science, Illinois Central College

BA, Philosophy, Illinois State University

Certificates, Youth Ministry, Life Teen/Franciscan University, Cultivation Ministries, Center for Ministry Development. 

"I want to give every young person the opportunity to have a close, personal encounter with Christ."

A long-time member of St. Joseph Parish

BA, Journalism, Western Illinois University

A former religion reporter

"I want to do whatever I can to enhance the ministries of this parish and let others know about the great and holy things that are going on here."