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 suspended. Celebrate Mass with us virtually by reviewing our live stream schedule.  Click here for detailed liturgical modifications during this time. Tentative return to weekend liturgies is May 30/31st. Live Stream Weekend Masses will continue. Daily Masses will continue to be available via live stream only.
• With the suspension of public Masses and 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? While the order is extended to May 26, it could be replaced with another order. 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 Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM. It is also open for Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. There are capacity limits for the chapel and social distancing protocols need to be met. Detailed information on the Chapel can be found here.

Tentatively, public Mass will resume at St. John Vianney at 25% capacity with the following procedures:

1. In celebration of Pentecost, public Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 PM Saturday, May 30; 8:30 AM & 11 AM Sunday, May 31. Livestream Mass will be recorded at the 8:30 AM Mass. Remember, the dispensation to attend Mass has been waived until July 5th.
2. Only the main parish doors under the canopy will be open for entry – they will open 30 minutes prior to the start of Mass.
3. 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.
4. Vulnerable groups & those who are ill, are asked to stay home and join in the live stream Mass experience.
5. Face masks are strongly encouraged.
6. 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.
7. 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