Father John J Joyce

THE REVEREND JOHN J. JOYCE , 70 , Pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers, Illinois and St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville, Illinois, passed away at 8:51 am, Friday, April 8, 2016 at Hicke-Sense Home for Retired Priest, Belleville, Illinois.

Fr. Joyce was born in New York City on November 16, 1945, the son of the late Gregory and Margaret (nee Dunn) Joyce. He was raised in St. Brendan’s Parish in the Bronx, New York and is a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School (1964), The Cathedral College (Manhattan 1966), Conception Abbey Seminary (Conception, Missouri, B.A. 1970) and The University of St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein, IL M. Div. 1988). He was ordained for the Diocese of Belleville on June 3, 1989 by the Most Reverend James P. Keleher.

Fr. Joyce served in many parishes throughout the Belleville Diocese. His first assignment was a parochial vicar of St. Peter’s Cathedral from 1989-90, followed by appointment as parochial vicar of St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Carmel from 1990-1991, parochial vicar of St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Belleville  from 1991-1993, Administrator for St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ruma & St. Leo Catholic Church in Modoc and Chaplain to the Sister Adorers of the Blood of Christ  from 1993-1998, Pastor of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Evansville and St. Pius Catholic Church in Walsh from 1998-2009, Pastor of St. Barbara Church in Okawville from 2009-2011, Pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers and St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville from 2011 – till present and Special Sacramental Minister to St. Andrew Parish in Christopher and St. Mary Parish in Sesser from 2010-2011. From 2000-2004, Fr. Jack also served as Catholic Chaplain to the inmates at Menard Maximum Security Prison and, in 2006, as Catholic Chaplain at the Chester Mental Health Center.

Fr. Joyce is survived by his brother, Stephen Joyce of Bronx, NY and his dear friend and colleague, Fr. Steven F. Poole of the Belleville Diocese and granddog - Colin. He was preceded in death by his parents.

It was Fr. Joyce wishes to be cremated.

A Graveside Service was held at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Ruma, Illinois.

In your charity, please pray for the repose of Father's soul. Additional Masses will be greatly appreciated.