History

20 +
Years of faith,
history and legacy
Our Patron Saint
St. Francis Xavier was born on April 7, 1506 in the family castle of Xavier, near Pamplona, Spain. He was sent to the University of Paris in 1525, secured his licentiate in 1528, and met Ignatius Loyola, who reminded St. Francis Xavier of Jesus’ words from Sacred Scripture, “What will it profit a man to gain the whole world and to lose his own soul?” and convinced St. Francis Xavier to be one of the first seven Jesuits. St. Francis Xavier became a great missionary, preaching and baptizing in Mozambique, India, and Japan. He converted tens of thousands to Christianity. Before being able to reach China, St. Francis Xavier died on December 3, 1552.
He was canonized in 1622 and after being proclaimed patron of all foreign missions and of many dioceses, including the Diocese of Joliet. In the 450th year following his death, St. Francis Xavier would be declared the patron of the newly established parish in Plainfield/Joliet.

An Abridged History
2006 Church Construction
Parish Leadership

Fr. Karl Langsdorf
2015 - today

Fr. Matthew Pratscher
2012 - 2015

Fr. Kevin Spiess
2009 - 2012

Fr. Dennis Lewindowski
2002 - 2009