New pastor for Assumption, Immaculate Conception

The Diocese of Joliet has named a new priest to oversee Coal City’s Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church and Immaculate Conception Parish in Braidwood.

The Rev. Read Bader began his new assignment on Wednesday, July 1. He replaces Rev. Robert Noesen who was reassigned to serve as pastor of Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Itasca.

Noesen served the Coal City community for 11 years and was pastor of Immaculate Conception for the past three years. During his time in Coal City he led the renovation and expansion of the church, as well as the purchase and renovation of the parish center.

Bader comes to the community from St. Mary Parish in Mokena where he served as pastoral vicar. He also served as parochial vicar at St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Hinsdale.

Originally from Jordan, Bader grew up in a Catholic family, the youngest of seven children—four boys and three girls.

“My faith has grown because of my Catholic education and being able to help the priests and nuns by working in church growing up. They planted in me a great loyalty and love for the Catholic Church,” Bader said in an introduction provided to the members of the parishes.

He notes much of his free time was spent helping the church.

“All of these things have stayed in my heart and mind my whole life,” Bader said.

He has been an ordained priest for the past 10 years and in that time he said, “Many doors have opened for me and opportunities to serve the Lord and his Church.”

Bader noted he is looking forward to serving as pastor of the neighboring churches.