Meet the Staff
The St. Raymond Parish Staff is eager to serve our parishioners, visitors and guests. Most staff members can be reached through the rectory office at 815-722-6653.
Priests & Deacons
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Fr. Brad Baker (Rector)
Born in Joliet to Dick and Babe Baker. Fr. Brad attended Troy Public Schools and Joliet Catholic High School, graduating in the Class of 1982, and he received a B.A. in Marketing from Loras College in 1986.
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Fr. Jason Stone
Beginning June 18, Fr. Jason Stone has been assigned to our parish as Parochial Vicar. Fr. Jason was ordained a priest of our Diocese on Saturday, June 5.
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Fr. Joseph Tapella (Vicar General, in residence)
Fr. Joseph Tapella was born in Joliet, Illinois to George and Virginia Tapella. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Joliet and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Romeoville.
Continue reading Fr. Joseph Tapella (Vicar General, in residence) »
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Rev. Mr. Edwin Petak
With 25 years of serving the Cathedral Parish as Deacon, Ed Petak has served in many different capacities including sitting on the Parish Council and Worship Commission.
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Rev. Mr. James Dalton
Deacon Jim Dalton was ordained in the Cathedral on August 22, 2009. Besides assisting in the Mass, his ministry includes serving on the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Peace and Justice committee and leading the monthly St. Peregrine devotion.
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Rev. Mr. James Kinsella
Serving the Cathedral parish since his September 13, 2003 ordination to the diaconate, Deacon Jim served as chairperson of the art and environment committee for several years. Most recently, Deacon Jim was champion of the Heritage of Faith Project and continues to serve as the committee chair.
Staff Members
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Melissa Novak
Youth Minister
Melissa coordinates our junior high and high school youth programs.
p. 815-722-6653, ext 25
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Nick Thomas
Music Director
As Music Director, Nick provides music to enhance all of our liturgies at the Cathedral.
p. 815-722-7465
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Danielle Schumacher
Parish Records/Weddings/Bulletins
Danielle is responsible for maintaining and updating our parish records. She is also the primary contact for all weddings and she is the editor of our weekly bulletin.
p. 815-722-6653, ext. 12
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Pete Pluth
Business Manager
Pete is responsible for the stewardship of all financial operation of the parish.
p. 815-722-6653, ext. 14
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Christine Pershey
Director of Life Long Formation
As Pastoral Associate, Christine coordinates our Adult Faith Formation including RCIA, men’s and women’s retreats and lifelong catechesis. In addition she coordinates our baptism preparation program and administrates our Protecting God’s Children program. She also facilitates our Religious Education Program, grades 1-8.
p. 815-722-6653, ext 15
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Eileen Hooks Gutierrez
Director of Development
Eileen serves both the parish and the school as Director of Development. She is responsible for fundraising, stewardship and alumni relations. In addition, she advances and coordinates hospitality for all of the Diocesan events that are held here at the Cathedral.
p. 815-722-6653, ext 42
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Dr. Jennifer Groves
Principal
Dr. Groves is the administrator of our parish grade school.
p. 815-722-6626
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Patty Eggen
Bookkeeper
As bookkeeper, Patty is responsible for payroll, bill processing and our Automatic Offering System. She is also responsible for managing the parish calendar and administrates our Mass Intentions.
p. 815-722-6653, ext 13
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Sam Gentile
Maintenance Engineer
Sam is responsible for the maintenance, stewardship and security of the parish buildings.
Current rectory hours are:
- Mondays: 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays: 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
- Fridays: 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. until noon
- Sundays: Closed
The rectory is at the corner of Douglas Street and Raynor Avenue. Parking is available on the street in front of the rectory.