Human Concerns Ministries

Individuals, families and friends who are active in the Human Concerns ministries, events and activities enjoy serving as God’s ears, hands and helpers. Feeding and clothing the less fortunate, visiting with the infirm or incarcerated, praying and nurturing others during difficult times — these ministries enable a response to Matthew 25:44. A joy of this ministry are flexible options of a one-time commitment to serving and responding on a regular schedule — with so many activities, it is easy to find several ministries that interest you. If you are interested in learning more about these ministries, click on the text to see more details and then contact the individual listed for more information.

• All Saints Meal Program

  “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matthew 25:35
  One of the ways we live that Bible verse at St. John Vianney is through the All Saints Meal Program. Join our group of volunteers to provide, prepare and deliver food to the poor. The meals are served the first and third Thursdays of the month at All Saints Catholic Church, 26th & Capitol Drive. Any level of participation is welcome. Find out how you also can live this Bible verse by signing up online:

  Chicken or Food Item – 1st Thursday of the Month Drivers and Servers – 1st Thursday of the Month

  Chicken or Food Item – 3rd Thursday of the Month Drivers and Servers – 3rd Thursday of the Month

  Debbie and Chuck Potter

  262-786-3651

  canddpotter77@gmail.com

• Angel Tree

  Be a Christmas Angel. Embrace the joy of Christmas giving by providing gifts to the innocent children of incarcerated parents. Angel Tree is a ministry fellowship whereby parishioners help match and deliver Christmas presents to appropriate-aged children in the Milwaukee area.

  Beth Dobrzynski

  262-844-3742

  bethdobrzynski@me.com

• Caregivers Support

  The Caregivers Support ministry is sponsored by Catholic Charities with the intention of providing support to those who are caretakers of spouses, family members or other loved ones suffering from illness. Meetings are held monthly and provide a support opportunity for those who are facing the challenges of providing care. Christian men and women who are looking for support and a monthly respite for several hours are welcome. Contact this ministry anytime for information

  Arlyne Jacoby

  262-792-1225

  ajlynn7@wi.rr.com

• Divorce Ministry (Single Again)

  A quad-parish support group for those in the process of divorce and beyond. It is open to men and women from any parish or none, does not require registration, and is free.

  Mary Janowak

  262-366-6125

  maryjanowak@gmail.com

• Elizabeth Ministry

  Ministry of women to women around all issues related to childbirth, pregnancy, infertility and loss of a child. Volunteers offer help to others based upon their own experience and ability.

  Amy Wucherer

  262-424-0350

  awucherer@wi.rr.com

• ERAs Senior Network

  Faith-centered non-profit organization serving Waukesha County residents in need due to age or disability. Help people stay in their homes through telephone reassurance, home visits, transportation, shopping and chores, help with forms and non-medical respite care. Training provided.

  Heather Uzowulu

  262-522-2404

  heather@eraswaukesha.org

• Faith Seeking Healing

  Everyone is welcome to join us and receive and feel the healing power of prayer. On a weekly basis, those who would like to pray over others or need the support of additional prayers for healing gather to pray for any kind of spiritual, physical, or emotional prayer assistance. Meet in the church at 7:45 on Thursdays, immediately following the 7:00 a.m. Mass.

  Michael Reid

  262-827-9511

  dadxten@hotmail.com

• Firm Believers

  Join the “ultimate moving experience!” Firm Believers is a ministry of improving the body and fellowship amongst its members. All ages are welcome! Dance aerobics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Yoga on Tuesday and Zumba on Thursdays. You’ll find mothers dancing alongside daughters, husbands with wives, 80-year-olds dancing next to 3-year-olds. Class starts every weekday at 8:00 a.m. We close with a faith-filled reading every day while stretching and a prayer circle on Wednesdays. Stop in anytime! Noteworthy Quotes: “You can’t shake the Firm Believers!” “Most everyone in the Parish has stopped by, from time to time.”

  Debbie Strachota

  414-303-0083

  strachtalk@wi.rr.com

  Pam Lessiter

  262-786-8069

  lessitep@lesspub.com

• Funeral Reception Committee

  The Funeral Reception Committee ministers to grieving families by assisting in the set-up, serving, and clean-up at funeral receptions at SJV on a flexible, as-needed basis. Training is provided.

  Mariann Van Winkle

  msvanwinkle24@gmail.com

• Grief Ministry

  Give support to parishioners who have lost a loved one. Contact the grieving family and provide the offer for prayer and support. A special 4-week series is offered periodically to those who are grieving, and there are periodic events in the quad parishes.

  Mariann Van Winkle

  msvanwinkle24@aol.com

• Homebound Ministry

  Take Eucharist to and visit those unable to attend Mass. Eucharistic visits to include the sharing of fellowship and friendship with our homebound parishioners.

  Helen Fliss

  262-860-0945

  h.fliss.wi@gmail.com

• Human Concerns Standing Committee

  Promote service and social action in the parish and beyond. Study current issues in light of Catholic social teaching.

  Marian Williams

  marianostrowski80@gmail.com

  262-957-0714

• Outreach Committee

  Researches organizations and awards grants that meet the needs of direct service, justice education, empowerment and advocacy. Meets quarterly.

  Tim Warner

  262-785-0996

  twpatcher@gmail.com

• Parish Social

  Offer parishioners a chance to socialize and meet one another. Set up and provide coffee, donuts and juice for parishioners on the second Sunday of each month after the 9 and 11 AM Masses. Free-will offering accepted.

  Leni Kahler

  262-786-7874

• Prayer Shawl Ministry

  A ministry to give prayer support to those in our community and surrounding areas who are suffering through illness, grieving, or any hardship. Knitters and crocheters gather four times a year to discuss their projects and attend a mass to bless their finished prayer shawls. Pattern may be provided as well as yarn, but creativity is welcome. Each shawl is as unique as the people who make them and those who receive them.

  Shelagh Roell

  262-784-3554

  Shelaghroell@yahoo.com

• Respect Life Committee

  Regular meetings for planning and formation on the full spectrum of life issues, opportunities for prayer, education and action. Monitor legislative and community developments that affect the dignity of human life.

  Respect Life >>

  Maria Schloemer

  262-717-9626

  mschloemer@sbcglobal.net

• Ronald McDonald House Brunch

  We know it’s horrible having a sick child, but having a very sick child in the hospital is a parent’s worst nightmare. Here at Saint John Vianney Parish we have a ministry that offers a nutritious meal to families at the Ronald McDonald House. Once a month we serve between 50-80 people a hot, delicious meal. (Food donations are welcome.) For more information or to see how you can be involved, please call Debbie or Chuck – it is a very rewarding ministry.

  Debbie and Chuck Potter

  262-786-3651

  canddpotter77@gmail.com

• Saint Dismas Jail Ministry of Waukesha County

  “I was in prison and you came to me.” Mt 25:36

  The purpose of this ministry is to help people and their families who struggle with the justice system, yet seek the light of Christ. For more information, see our St. Vincent de Paul website>>

  Jail Ministry Helpdesk

  262-547-2726

• Saint Hyacinth’s Food Pantry

  At the pantry, volunteers help sort and distribute food, clothing, and hygiene items which are then distributed to the needy on the south side of Milwaukee. St. Hyacinth’s Food Pantry is located at 1414 West Beecher Street. Milwaukee, WI 53215. If you are interested in sharing in this ministry, please contact Bev Luther.

  Bev Luther

  414-322-1853

  j.luther@att.net

• Saint Vincent de Paul Meal Program

  Jesus said to feed the poor. In answering the call, parish members purchase, make and serve food at a meal program. Help is needed preparing, delivering and/or serving food.

  Learn more about the Meal Program here.

  Dick Fedler

  262-814-0288

  rfedler@aol.com

• Saint Vincent de Paul Society

  The St. Vincent de Paul Society is an international Catholic lay organization that leads men and women to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in the tradition of its patron, St. Vincent de Paul. SVDP members, known as Vincentians, strive to see the face of Christ in those served, and to reflect the face of Christ to them. Vincentians visit the homes of needy persons in order to provide food, friendship, and financial help. The SJV conference maintains a food pantry at the parish supported by regular “reverse collections” and financial contributions from parish members. SJV Vincentians also serve meals to the poor at SVDP meal programs in Milwaukee and Waukesha, provide holiday food baskets to families, and collect clothing and household goods for its Waukesha area stores. These stores help support SVDP ministries to the poor in the Waukesha area. Conference members meet twice per month for spiritual growth and to discuss how to respond to requests for assistance.

  To volunteer, please contact:

  Mike Lechtenberg

  262-786-8960

  michael.lechtenberg@gmail.com

  Donate Securely to St. Vincent de Paul (SJV)

  If you need assistance, please contact St. Vincent de Paul (SJV) by calling (262) 796-3940, ext. 1308.

• SJV Rosalie Center Baby Shower

  Rosalie Center of Pathfinders is a Catholic charity that helps unwed mothers with their newborn babies. SJV helps them out by collecting new and used clothing, bedding, blankets, pacifiers, baby furniture, strollers, diapers, and all things needed for a newborn. They also appreciate maternity clothes, socks for moms, sample packets of shampoo, etc. If you have items to donate, please contact Debbie Potter to arrange a pick-up.

  Debbie and Chuck Potter

  262-786-3651

  canddpotter77@gmail.com

• YARD

  YARD (Young Adults’ Religious Development) is a program designed to meet the spiritual needs of persons with developmental disabilities. Through the experience of one-to-one relationships within a small group setting, volunteer catechists help people with special needs realize their faith, hope, and gifts.

  Rose Wegner

  262-798-9139

  rsmrwegner@yahoo.com

• Summer Service Series

  Offers individuals and families various opportunities to participate in hands-on service ministry with a wide variety of organizations in the greater Milwaukee community. Volunteers may organize, lead or participate in a variety of offerings. For more information on the overall ministry, visit the Summer Service Series ministry page.

  Summer Service Series >>

  John Thompson

  262-796-3940

  johnt@stjohnv.org

• Twinning – International – Santisimo Sacramento, Peru

  Organizes and coordinates activities and events with our sister parish in Peru, Santisimo Sacramento, including mission trips to Peru and supporting the people there.

  Sister Parish Peru >>

  Mission Trip Endowment Grant Application >>

  Sandra Becker

  262-780-1012

  becker0762@sbcglobal.net

• Twinning – Local – Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz

  Help build a sister relationship with our twinning parish, Prince of Peace. Many activities have been undertaken: multicultural faith sharing groups, school/Christian Formation collaboration, joint prayer/worship opportunities, service projects, exploring immigration issues, and person-to-person and family-to-family connections. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, Hispanic adult English as a Second Language classes are provided with financial and teaching resources from our parish.

  Prince of Peace >>

  John Thompson

  262-796-3940

  johnt@stjohnv.org

• Veterans’ Group

  To give veterans and their families and friends a chance to talk with each other about their experiences in the military and to support one another. Meet monthly at the Parish Social to socialize, share information and swap stories.

  Edward & Elizabeth Tyre

  262-797-7953

  ednliz2@sbcglobal.net

• Young At Heart

  Young at Heart is a parish ministry dedicated to serving the senior (50+) members of St. John Vianney Parish in the areas of fellowship in a faith community, development of interests, and growth in spirituality. They meet September through May (except for January and February) on the second Monday of the month from 12:30 to 2:30 PM in the Church Hall. Bulletin announcements occur twice before each meeting detailing the special events of that month. Events are based on the voting of the members and may include a variety of speakers, musical entertainment, an ice cream social, a variety of luncheons and outside cultural events. Participation by the members is greatly emphasized and expected. Current dues are $10 a year.

  Josefina Gardinier

  262-786-2391

  Francis Swietlik

  262-782-5136