Rev. Dennis Spies via IPF Video Screengrab / Vimeo
CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis this week appointed Rev. Dennis E. Spies to be an auxiliary bishop who will serve with Bishop Ronald Hicks, in the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois.
A news release from the Diocese of Joliet stated that the episcopal ordination will take place on November 6.
Bishop Hicks expressed his gratitude for the appointment, saying that Bishop-elect Spies “will be a great help to him.”
“Father Dennis is a wonderful priest who has already worn many hats in his priesthood including pastor, seminary leader and the Vicar for Clergy. He is hardworking, prayerful, and ‘down to earth’ with a very relatable manner,” Bishop Hicks stated.
“But most importantly he will share his many gifts with this large and active Diocese of Joliet in Illinois,” Bishop Hicks added. “Together we will continue our mission in the Diocese with a shared focus on catechesis, evangelization and putting our faith into action. How blessed we are to welcome Father Dennis as our new Auxiliary Bishop.”
Bishop-elect Spies is currently the Vicar for Clergy in the Diocese of Joliet, a role he was appointed to on July 1.
He was born in 1968 and raised in Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture-Business Economic from Southern Illinois University. He then served with the missionary group National Evangelization Team (NET) as a team leader.
Before entering the seminary, Bishop-elect Spies operated a soybean business on his family’s farm. He attended Mundelein Seminary at University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, and was ordained on June 1, 2002.
Bishop-elect Spies has since served as assistant pastor and pastor for various parishes in the Diocese. He also served on the formation faculty as Director of Pre-Theology and Internship at Mundelein Seminary at University of St. Mary of the Lake from 2016 to 2024. Bishop-elect Spies’ other ministries include serving at several retreats and as a spiritual director.
According to the website, Bishop-elect Spies’ life goal is to be known as “one who loved and taught others to love.”
