A Catholic Community Striving for Deeper Holiness, Greater Communion, and Wider Service

In our challenging times and busy lives of ever changing demands, our hearts crave a sense of direction and a group of people to share this with. We need a practical guide for living the abundant life that God has given us.

Across our country, the CoVOD19/Coronavirus is causing disruptions we could not have anticipated. This leaves some feeling a bit uncertain; however, per the guidance of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, as well as the Department of Health Services, we have prayerfully made decisions regarding the programs and activities that occur within the St. John Vianney community.

As we move forward in these unchartered waters, be assured our leadership team is working closely together. While our buildings are closed, there are select ministries continuing to serve our most vulnerable in the community. Select staff is available and working remotely and our school continues with virtual learning.

Each parish priest, including Fr. Alex and myself, will continue to celebrate Mass each day, but without an assembly. Our archdiocese will be adopting the recommendations from Rome that the celebrations of Holy Week not be public. We are discussing what we will offer and how. We will keep you updated, as we get closer.

We pray that this pandemic and safer-at-home order will be lifted real soon.

Peace,

Very Rev. Edwin Kornath
Pastor

Serving Others During This Time

Please remember that WE are the Church- we, together, help make our church what it is.

As disciples, each of us can make Christ known to those right here in our St. John Vianney community who are particularly lost or lonely during this time. Please consider the following:

• Helping a senior citizen in our community or in your neighborhood get groceries
• Assisting with childcare for those with less flexible, essential jobs (e.g. nurses, doctors, police officers, etc.)
• Sharing job opportunities for those who are looking for work
• Supporting small businesses, in whatever was possible (e.g. buying gift cards, making future appointments)
• Reaching out to family members and friends regularly to check in and connect
• Being alert and responding to our community requests regarding need (food pantry, etc.)

Timeline of Updates from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and St. John Vianney

• Wednesday, March 25: Fr. Ed addresses the Parishioners of St. John Vianney in a letter as well as a video.
• Tuesday, March 24: Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki cancels all events, celebrations and Mass including Holy Week, and Easter Sunday throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. 
• Tuesday, March 17th: The Archdiocese of Milwaukee publishes, “Guidence on Employee Compensation During Coronavirus Closures”
• Tuesday, March 17th: The Archdiocese of Milwaukee publishes FAQ in regards to schools closing. 
• Monday, March 16h: The Archbishop suspends Mass, activities and meetings throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee until April 3rd. See the official Letter to the Faithful on the Archdiocese website.
• Friday, March 13th at 11:30AM: Principal Mr. Brian Shimon and Fr. Edwin Kornath make the decision to suspend classes and move to virtual learning until further notice. See Mr. Shimon’s letter to our SJV families here. 
• Thursday, March 12th: The Archbishop announced a dispensation of all Catholics of their Sunday Obligation for two weeks.
• Thursday, March 5th: The Archdiocese of Milwaukee comes out with Liturgical and Pastoral suggestions in the event of a viral COVID-19 outbreak. 

  For all updated from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee please see their COVID-19/Coronavirus Updates page.

How can you help prevent the spread of this virus?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

  Taken directly from the CDC website 

Resources and Education Materials

• Center of Disease Control Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Page
• Center of Disease Control How to Protect Yourself Page
• World Health Organization Coronavirus Main Page
• World Health Organization Advice for the Public
• World Health Organizations Coronavirus Myth Busters
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 Information Page

Protocol for Ongoing Updates

Going forward, we will communicate additional updates here on this website, as well as to parishioners via e-mail (sign up here).

For encouragement and ideas, follow us on our Facebook page or check into our Youtube channel. Together we will get through this!