Bishop Dennis Spies, our Apostolic Administrator, appointed Fr. Michael Groth as our next pastor beginning July 1, 2026. Technically, while we wait in prayer for a new bishop, Fr. Groth will be our Parochial Administrator and appointed as pastor after the designation of our next bishop. He currently serves as the Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet.

Born and raised in Bourbonnais, Fr. Michael is the only child of Todd and Deb Groth. He grew up attending St. Martin of Tours Parish in Kankakee, where he also attended grade school. He graduated from Bishop McNamara Catholic High School in 2011 and continued his studies at Kankakee Community College, pursuing a degree in accounting with the intention of transferring to the University of Illinois. However, the Lord had other plans. Fr. Michael entered priestly formation and graduated from St. John Vianney College Seminary in 2016. He completed his theological studies at Mundelein Seminary, graduating in 2020. He was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ by Bishop Pates on June 20, 2020.

Following his ordination, Fr. Michael served for two years as parochial vicar at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville, while also serving as chaplain at Benet Academy in Lisle. He was then assigned for one year as parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Downers Grove. Most recently, he served a three-year term as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, with his first year there also including an assignment as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Joliet.

Fr. Michael is a founding member of the Companions of Christ, a priestly association in the Diocese of Joliet established in 2020. The central hallmark of the association is priestly community, prayer, and support while serving in their respective parish assignments and ministering to the faithful entrusted to their care. In addition to his parish ministry, Fr, Michael serves as a police chaplain for the Downers Grove Police Department, a role that has opened unique opportunities for pastoral care and presence. He also currently serves the Diocese of Joliet as chairman of the Presbyteral Council and as a diocesan Master of Ceremonies.

Fr. Michael looks forward with great joy to getting to know each of you, your families, and the parishioners of St. James. His deepest desire is to help lead all those he serves to know, love, and adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus more deeply in this life, so that we may one day share in that love eternally in heaven. He has been praying for you since the day of his appointment and humbly asks for your continued prayers as well.