About St. Joseph · Libertyville, Illinois
St. Joseph Catholic Church is a large Archdiocese-of-Chicago parish in downtown Libertyville, Illinois, founded in 1905 on the ashes of the earlier 1886 mission of SS. Peter and Paul. Its current 1966 Neo-Expressionist sanctuary seats up to 1,000 and serves more than 3,300 registered families (Clio reports over 15,000 parishioners overall), supported by a K-8 Catholic school (est. 1926), a parish food pantry, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, and over 100 ministries. The parish is led today by Pastor Father Jacque (Jake) Beltran (appointed July 1, 2024) with Associate Pastor Father Emanuel Torres-Fuentes, three priests in residence, and three deacons.
- Established
- 1905
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Father Jacque (Jake) Beltran
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Chicago
Why belong here
St. Joseph offers the rare combination of a large, well-resourced suburban parish with the personal warmth of a downtown Libertyville community — five weekend Masses, two daily Masses, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, and a robust confession schedule make daily life of faith easy to live here. Families benefit from the on-site St. Joseph Catholic School (over 420 students, currently celebrating 100 years), a Children's Faith Formation program serving 500+ young disciples, and the parish's nationally recognized Social Justice & Service outreach, which has built and donated over 3,000 beds for children in need, feeds hundreds of families each month through its Food Pantry, and contributes more than $250,000 annually to local and international anti-poverty work. With over 100 ministries, a strong music program, three deacons, multiple priests in residence, and a clear discipleship vision built around Following Jesus, this is a parish designed for people who want to belong, serve, and grow.
Mass times at St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (or by appointment: 847-362-2073)
Adoration times
- Thursday 3:00–4:00 PM (extended to 7:00 PM on the third Thursday of the month, including family adoration)
About St. Joseph Catholic Church
Founded in 1905 and rooted in an even earlier 1886 mission, St. Joseph Parish in downtown Libertyville has served Lake County Catholics for over a century. Today it is home to more than 3,300 registered families (Clio reports over 15,000 parishioners overall) and is led by Pastor Father Jacque (Jake) Beltran and Associate Pastor Father Emanuel Torres-Fuentes. The parish mission is to 'give our all to love God, love our neighbor, and make disciples,' lived out through four key dimensions of discipleship — Serve, Worship, Connect and Invite, and Learn and Grow.
- Founded 1905; rooted in 1886 mission of Fr. Charles Halin
- 3,300+ registered families
- Pastor: Fr. Jacque (Jake) Beltran (since July 1, 2024)
- Associate Pastor: Fr. Emanuel Torres-Fuentes
- Three priests in residence and three deacons
- Over 100 ministries
Parish History
Catholic life in Libertyville began in 1886 when Fr. Charles Halin established a mission and built SS. Peter and Paul Church (1888). After a fire destroyed the frame church on June 19, 1904, the brick St. Joseph Church on East Maple Avenue was dedicated on July 2, 1905. A rectory followed in 1910 and the parish school in 1926, staffed by the Sisters of Mercy. By the 1950s the parish had outgrown the brick church, and under Monsignor Harry Koenig the present 1,000-seat Neo-Expressionist sanctuary was completed in 1966; the 1905 church was then demolished. The 21st century has seen expansion of the food pantry, the school, and the new Parish Center / Koenig Center campaign.
- 1886: Fr. Charles Halin begins mission
- 1888: SS. Peter and Paul Church built on N. First Street
- 1904: Frame church destroyed by fire (June 19)
- 1905: Brick St. Joseph Church dedicated July 2 ($15,000)
- 1910: Rectory built at 121 E. Maple
- 1926: School opens at 131 E. Maple; Sisters of Mercy arrive
- 1959: New school addition completed under Msgr. Koenig (498 students)
- 1966: Current Neo-Expressionist sanctuary completed
- 2024: Fr. Jacque Beltran installed as pastor
- 2025–2026: 100th anniversary of St. Joseph Catholic School
Architecture & Sanctuary
The 1966 sanctuary is a striking Neo-Expressionist semi-circular (fan-shaped) building with curved walls of large stained-glass windows. It was designed so no worshipper sits more than thirteen pews from the sanctuary and seats up to 1,000 people, a deliberate move toward post-Vatican II liturgical intimacy. The peaked metal roofs above the larger windows were removed sometime after the mid-1970s. The 1905 brick church, which once stood opposite what is now Sunrise Rotary Park, was demolished to make way for the present building.
Livestream
The 8:30 AM daily Mass and the Saturday 8:30 AM and Sunday 9:00 AM Masses are livestreamed on the parish's YouTube and Facebook channels, allowing homebound parishioners and those traveling to stay connected to parish worship.
- Livestream URL: stjoseph-libertyville.org/live
- Daily 8:30 AM, Saturday 8:30 AM, Sunday 9:00 AM
Clergy & Staff
Pastor Father Jacque (Jake) Beltran leads the parish with Associate Pastor Father Emanuel Torres-Fuentes. Three priests — Fr. Conrad Espino, Fr. Kevin Feeney, and Fr. John Kartje — serve in residence, while three deacons (Dan Coughlin, Dennis Mudd, and George Kashmar) assist with liturgy and ministry. The parish staff includes a Director of Music, Director of Social Justice & Service, Director of Technology, Operations Director, Facilities Manager, Faith Formation coordinator, Youth Ministry co-directors, and Communications team.
- Pastor: Fr. Jake Beltran
- Associate Pastor: Fr. Emanuel Torres-Fuentes
- Priests in Residence: Fr. Conrad Espino, Fr. Kevin Feeney, Fr. John Kartje
- Deacons: Dan Coughlin, Dennis Mudd, George Kashmar
Pastoral Succession
Father Charles Halin began the mission in 1886. Father Edward Loughry led the parish from 1931 for roughly three decades, retiring the school debt through the Depression and launching the $263,000 pledge for the new school. Monsignor Harry Koenig served as pastor from 1959 to 1974, overseeing the 1959 school expansion and the 1966 sanctuary; he later directed Cardinal Stritch Retreat House and served as Vicar of Lake County. Rev. John E. Hennessey succeeded as pastor until his retirement (d. June 14, 2026). Father John Trout served 13 years (2011–2024) before being appointed to St. Anne, Barrington. Father Jacque Beltran was appointed pastor effective July 1, 2024.
- Fr. Charles Halin (1886–)
- Fr. Edward Loughry (1931–c. 1960)
- Msgr. Harry Koenig (pastor 1959–1974)
- Fr. John E. Hennessey (retired)
- Fr. John Trout (2011–2024)
- Fr. Jacque (Jake) Beltran (2024–present)
Liturgical Ministries
The parish offers a comprehensive set of liturgical ministries that allow laypeople to participate in the Sacred Liturgy. Children in 4th grade and up may serve as Altar Servers after receiving First Eucharist. The Adult Altar Servers minister primarily at the early Sunday Mass and at funerals and special Masses. The Music Ministry provides adult choirs, a youth choir, hand bell choir, song leaders, and the Resurrection Choir for funerals. Other ministries include Welcoming (Greeters), Proclaimers (Lectors), Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Sacristans, and Environment & Art (which prepares the worship space for each liturgical season). Children's Liturgy of the Word offers an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word for children in Grades PK–2 during Mass.
- Children Altar Servers (4th grade +)
- Adult Altar Servers
- Children's Liturgy of the Word (PK–2)
- Music Ministry (Adult, Youth, Hand Bell, Resurrection Choirs)
- Proclaimers (Lectors)
- Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
- Sacristans
- Environment and Art Ministry
- Welcoming Ministry
Prayer Ministries
St. Joseph's prayer ministries accompany parishioners through every stage of life. The Bereavement Ministry helps families plan funeral Masses and coordinates the annual All Souls' Mass and the Mass for the Innocents. The Ministry of Care visits the homebound, hospitalized, and those in area nursing homes with Holy Communion (training and archdiocesan mandation required). The Ecumenical and Interreligious Ministry fosters shared prayer with other Libertyville congregations. Eucharistic Adoration is offered every Thursday (with extended hours on the third Thursday for families), the Legion of Mary meets regularly, and the Prayer Shawl Ministry gathers on the second Monday of each month to knit and crochet prayer shawls for those in need of comfort.
- Bereavement Ministry
- Ministry of Care
- Ecumenical & Interreligious Ministry
- Eucharistic Adoration (Thu 3 PM; 3rd Thu extended)
- Legion of Mary
- Prayer Shawl Ministry
St. Joseph Catholic School
St. Joseph Catholic School has served Libertyville since 1926 and currently educates more than 420 students in grades K-8. Originally opened by the Sisters of Mercy with 150 pupils, the school expanded through the decades — a major new wing was added in 1959 under Monsignor Koenig — and is now poised to grow further with a new addition as part of the Parish Center campaign. The 2025–2026 school year marks the school's 100th anniversary, celebrated with a special Mass and a Koenig Center reception with alumni-led catering. A parent-run Parent Association (SJSPA) supports school spirit, volunteerism, and Catholic identity.
- Founded 1926; Sisters of Mercy first teachers
- 420+ students enrolled
- 100th anniversary celebrated 2025–2026
- New school wing coming via Parish Center campaign
- Parent Association (SJSPA) supports community & Catholic identity
Children's Faith Formation & Youth Ministry
The Children's Faith Formation program guides more than 500 young disciples each year as they encounter Jesus and prepare for the sacraments. Youth Ministry is co-directed and includes a Prayer & Worship Coordinator who helps integrate teens into the parish's liturgical and devotional life. Middle and high school students also serve in leadership roles in Children's Liturgy of the Word and other ministries.
Social Justice, Service & Food Pantry
St. Joseph's Social Justice & Service Commission coordinates a remarkable portfolio of outreach. The parish Food Pantry, located at 112 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Mil Park Plaza, is operated by the Knights of Columbus and parish volunteers and serves Lake County residents and people experiencing homelessness. Open six days a week, it partners with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to provide basic food items, fresh produce, and dairy; every $1 donated purchases about $8 of groceries. The parish has built and donated more than 3,000 beds for children in need and invests more than $250,000 annually in local and international organizations dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty — including a new partnership with the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, Philippines, supporting Catholic education abroad.
- Food Pantry at 112 N. Milwaukee Ave (six days/week)
- Operated with Knights of Columbus
- Northern Illinois Food Bank partner ($1 = $8 of groceries)
- 3,000+ beds built/donated for children in need
- $250,000+ invested annually in anti-poverty work
- Partnership with Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, Philippines
Sacraments
The parish prepares members for and celebrates the seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist (First Communion), Confirmation, Marriage, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders (discernment support), and Funeral Liturgies. The Bereavement Ministry assists with funeral planning, and the Ministry of Care brings Communion to the homebound and hospitalized. Families interested in sacramental preparation should contact the parish office at 847-362-2073.
Contact
Parish Office: 847-362-2073. Food Pantry: 847-990-1211 / [email protected]. The parish can also be reached via its official website and social channels; livestream Masses are available on YouTube and Facebook.
- Phone: 847-362-2073
- Food Pantry: 847-990-1211
- Website: stjoseph-libertyville.org
- Livestream: stjoseph-libertyville.org/live
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Charles Halin1886–
Sent from Chicago to start the Catholic mission in Libertyville; first met in Town Hall, then built SS. Peter and Paul church (1888).
- Father Edward Loughry1931–c. 1960
Led the parish for ~3 decades; retired the school debt through the Depression; launched the $263,000 pledge drive for the new school.
- Monsignor Harry Corcoran Koenig1957–1974 (pastor 1959–1974)
Came to St. Joseph in 1957; oversaw new school addition completed 1959 (498 students); directed construction of the present 1966 Neo-Expressionist sanctuary; later Cardinal Stritch Retreat House director and Vicar of Lake County (d. 2002).
- Rev. John E. Hennessey
Pastor until retirement; concluded his active ministry at St. Joseph in Libertyville (d. June 14, 2026, age 84); previously pastor of St. Isaac Jogues, Niles.
- Father John Trout2011–2024 (13 years)
Long-tenured pastor; departed June 2024 for St. Anne Parish, Barrington; oversaw parish vision 'Community for the Kingdom.'
- Father Jacque (Jake) BeltranJuly 1, 2024–present
Current pastor; previously Vice-Rector, Dean of Formation and Director of Admissions at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake; former pastor of Most Blessed Trinity, Waukegan; former U.S. Navy Chaplain.