Let us work together, stay calm and support each other during this time.
Please pray for those who have been impacted by this virus.

Updated as of: May 15, 2:30 PM

UPDATE: Archbishop Listecki has recently released the Catholic Comeback and the Catholic Comeback Matrix. These documents outline the times and protocols for the return to public Mass.

Dear Parishioners & Friends – 

Recently, Governor Evers issued a month-long “Safer at Home” Order to help slow the spread of COVID-19, to try to flatten the curve and to help save lives.  The order began March 25, and lasts through the deadline of his original Emergency Order, which is April 24 (you can read that full order here.) On April 16, the “Safer at Home” order has been extended to May 26, pending any superseding orders that could be issued (you can read that full order here). Recently, Archbishop Listecki released the Catholic Comeback detailing our return to the public celebration of Mass.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ST. JOHN VIANNEY?

• Public Masses will continue to be limited to 25% capacity. Public Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 PM Saturday and 8:30 AM & 11 AM Sunday. Livestream Mass will be recorded at the 8:30 AM Mass. Remember, the dispensation to attend Mass has been waived until September 6th. Celebrate Mass with us virtually by reviewing our live stream schedule.  Click here for detailed liturgical modifications during this time. Live Stream Weekend Masses will continue. Daily Masses are now in person without a livestream. Monday – Friday, 7 AM and 8 AM, Saturday – seating is limited seating to 25% capacity.
• With Masses with limited capacity obviously comes the lack of offertory giving. Parishioners are encouraged to make use of our online giving through FaithDirect, electronic transfer of funds, or simply mail in your offertory, to assist the existence of our parish at this time of crisis.
• Parish Operations have transitioned to accommodate the safer-at-home order.  We will have select staff available and working remotely.  All Directors, Teachers, and Leadership staff will be available by email only. Voicemails on church phone lines will be periodically checked. 
• Essential Ministries who serve the most vulnerable in our community will continue but with modifications.  Because of the building closures, access is limited and should be coordinated with your ministry leader and staff liaison. Social distancing is always needed.
• Virtual Learning will continue for our school students as we’ve been doing.  Precious photos of our wonderful teachers and students are posted regularly on our Facebook page.

When Will Masses and Activities Resume at Full Capacity? We do not know at this time if churches, businesses and schools will be able to reopen once the order lifts. We will update you as our state, local and religious leaders provide that direction.  Please sign up with your email for updates and key communications. Preparations are underway to prepare for the return of public masses consistent with The Catholic Comeback program of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

The Chapel is open for private prayer Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. It is also open for Eucharistic Adoration is available after daily Mass until 4 PM Monday through Friday. There are capacity limits for the chapel and social distancing protocols need to be met. Detailed information on the Chapel can be found here.

Public Mass – both daily and weekend Mass – has resumed at St. John Vianney at 25% capacity with the following procedures:

1. Public Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 PM Saturday and 8:30 AM & 11 AM Sunday. Livestream Mass will be recorded at the 8:30 AM Mass. Remember, the dispensation to attend Mass has been waived until September 6th.
2. Pubic Daily Masses are Monday – Friday at 7 AM and Saturday at 8 AM.
3. Only the main parish doors under the canopy will be open for entry – they will open 30 minutes prior to the start of Mass.
4. Reserved seats make up about one third of the attendance (a bit more at the 8:30 AM). Reserved seats will only be accepted for 100 seats, then parishioners are encouraged to reserve a seat at a different Mass time or to come early for the 1st come-1st served seats. To reserve a seat, they just need to send an email to SaveYourSeat@stjohnv.org by noon on Friday.
5. Seating will be every other pew and on a “first come, first served” basis. Households will need to sit with a 6′ distance between. When capacity limits are reached, the church will be considered full. All others will be asked to leave the building and participate in our live stream Mass experience, or return for a different Mass.
6. Vulnerable groups & those who are ill, are asked to stay home and join in the live stream Mass experience.
7. Face masks are strongly encouraged.
8. Please bring hand sanitizer for use before & after communion. NOTE: Archbishop Listecki has directed that Holy Communion during this time of pandemic will be distributed only in the hand (click here for the directive). Please wear your face mask as you approach the sanctuary and as you return to your pew.
9. At the end of Mass, you will be able to use all exits. Note that the priests will not be able to shake hands but will wave from a friendly distance. At this time, there will not be the opportunity for private prayer as the church will need to undergo a stringent cleaning before the next Mass.

As a reminder, ALL non-essential activities, meetings, and church-related activities are canceled for the duration of this closure. As part of the order, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is asking all Wisconsinites to limit their contact to five people. This does not mean five people at a time, rather five people total. There should not be dinner parties, small group gatherings, play dates, etc.

With that said, you are encouraged to utilize technology, if possible, to maintain social and spiritual connections. Call your friends and family, check in with people via text, Facetime, do a Google Hangout. Turn to our live streamed Masses offered daily.  Staying connected while staying home is important. 

Please know that we are here to support you in whatever way we can through these challenging times. Although the church and parish offices will be closed, you may reach us by email just as you have in the past. We will also check phone messages, with the option for urgent calls to be forwarded.

Thank you to everyone for your support through this unforeseen and difficult time. Please pray for the health and well being of our parishioners and those in need. I keep you and your loved ones in my prayers.

Blessings,

Very Rev. Edwin Kornath
Pastor