School Spotlight

Posted by Kelly Feng  

Not that the families of St. John Vianney needed additional motivation to donate, but Mr. Jared Ziegler and Mr. Dan Demeter recently pledged new hair styles if our school met the goal of 200 gifts/donations for Bids for Kids 2009 by December 19th.  Did it work?  As you can see, two SJV teachers now have new hairstyles. 

At left:  Music teacher Mr. Ziegler, minutes before his head is shaved!    

The SJV Biennial Auction (Bids for Kids 2009) raises funds that have afforded our students and staff such items as playground equipment, SMARTBoards, new books in the 4-K classroom, tables in the teachers lounge, microphones and risers in the Activity Center, set-up costs for second 5-K room, purchase of piano and Clavinova and landscaping improvements around our school.

The 2009 Bids for Kids Auction will focus on our school goals of enhancing our curriculum through integrating additional technology such as classroom SMARTBoards and an iMac media center in the lab, continuing to support and expand our specialty programs with updated equipment and instructional materials for art, physical education, library studies, Spanish and music, and improving the Fine Arts program with new equipment and items for the annual musical and variety show.

Our auction, themed this year as the Emerald Ball, will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2009.   The Acquisition Committee thanks everyone for a great effort.  Please continue to donate to ensure a successful auction! 

Below:  Green is his favorite color: a colorist dyes 6th grade teacher Dan Demeter's hair! 

Go raibh míle maith agat (That means Many Thanks in Gaelic)!

Green hair and no hair!

Thanks to Kathy Uy for the photographs!  

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School?   Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Visit the St. John Vianney School Website or contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Posted by Kelly Feng  

Advent, Christmas, and New Year's Day 2008-2009

for the Quad Parishes of St. Dominic, St. John Vianney, St. Joseph, and St. Mary's Visitation

St. Dominic   18255 West Capitol Drive Brookfield, WI 53045 262-781-3480 (www.stdominic.net)

St. John Vianney 1755 N. Calhoun Road Brookfield, WI 53005 262-796-3940 (www.stjohnv.org)

St. Joseph  12130 West Center Street Wauwatosa, WI 53222 414-771-4626

St. Mary Visitation  1260 Church Street Elm Grove, WI 53122 262-782-4575

Sacrament of Reconciliation

St. Dominic  Saturdays from 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

St. John Vianney  Saturdays after the 8:00 am Mass

St. Joseph  Saturdays from 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm

St. Mary's Visitation  Tuesdays from 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm,  Wednesdays after the 6:30 am Mass(on December 3, 10, 17, & 24) Saturdays from 8:45 am - 9:30 am

St. Dominic  Wednesday, December 24  4:30 pm and 10:00 pm (Prelude music begins at 9:15 pm)

Thursday, December 25 7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am

St. John Vianney  Wednesday, December 24 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm (Children's Choir prelude music begins at 5:30 pm), and 11:00 pm (Prelude music begins at 10:30 pm)

Thursday, December 25  7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am

St. Joseph  Wednesday, December 24 4:30 pm and 10:30 pm

Thursday, December 25 9:00 am and 10:30 am

St. Mary's Visitation  Wednesday, December 24 4:00 pm and 10:30 pm (Prelude music begins at 10:00 pm)

Thursday, December 25 7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am

St. Dominic  December 31 ~ 4:30pm (Vigil) January 1 ~ 8:30 am and 10:00 am

St. John Vianney  December 31 ~ 6:00 pm (Vigil) January 1 ~ 9:00 am

St. Joseph  December 31 ~ 5:00 pm (Vigil), January 1 ~ 10:30 am

St. Mary's Visitation  December 31 ~ 5:00 pm (Vigil), January 1 ~ 9:00 am

Posted by Kelly Feng  

In preparation for the inaugural 2009 Quad Parish Golf League, St. John Vianney will be offering an indoor golf school over Christmas break.  The purpose of the school is to create interest and introduce golf to the students. Classes will be taught by grades (1-2, 3-4-5, and 6-7-8) and each class will last 1 hour and 30 minutes. Eddie Teresa, Golf Professional at North Hills Country Club and Paul Mindel, owner of National Golf Center and golf professional, will conduct the 3 day school. The golf school will be held on December 29 and 30 and January 2 at St. John Vianney's cafeteria.

Topics to be covered include: full swing, short game, and putting. Additionally a portion of each class will include an introduction to rules, etiquette, and "How to Play." Handouts will be provided as a reminder to the students of the materials covered.

Children are welcome to bring their own golf equipment.  However, If you child does not have equipment, it will be provided at no charge. Classes will be limited to 24 students and reservations will be on a first come, first serve basis. For additional information please contact Paul Mindel at 262-662-1556 or via e-mail at paul@nationalgolfcenter.com,  Or visit SJV for more golf info and and registration.   

Posted by Kelly Feng  

Secret Santa Workshop, Friday, December 12, 2008, 9:00 - 2:30 pm, Hallway outside the Activity Center

Our children get the chance to select the perfect gift for someone they love!  It's always great to find these hand selected gifts under the tree on Christmas morning.  If you want to be a part of this magical day, volunteer here (right hand side).

SJV Christmas Concert, Tuesday December 22, 2008, 1:00 pm &  7:00 pm, Activity Center

A favorite of many SJV families!  A showcase of our children singing in our annual Christmas show.  In addition, come listen to the SJV and St. Dominics combined band and SJV Strings.  Tip:  The 1:00 pm show is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the show -- without having to search for a parking space. (This is also a great show for video taping or photographing)

 At right:  Becky and Haley Crow play Christmas piano at last year's concert.   

Written by Lisa Greco  

Is it too early to be thinking about the holidays?  Not if you are the St. John Vianney/St Dominic Grade School Jazz Band or Strings!  These two groups were honored recently by being asked to be involved in the Agape Community Center's innovative music CD with holiday hits.

Joan Lueneburg, director of the Jazz Band at St. John Vianney & St. Dominic was thrilled to be included this year, especially seeing as SJV was the only grade school invited. "What a great experience for our musicians, to be a part of this worthy endeavor. What a wonderful way for students, parents and friends to forever remember SJV and the Jazz Band." The members of the Jazz Band, led by Lueneberg and Strings Orchestra, led by Maria Gesiorek, recorded several "takes" until each track was "just right".

The professionally recorded CD is available for $15, plus postage by calling the Agape Community Center at  414.464.4440. All proceeds benefit Agape's Community Meal Program and will assist the organization and provide more than 1,000 hot meals to those who need it most.

Other organizations invited to record included choirs or bands from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Marquette University High School, All Saints Choir, the Milwaukee Choristers, Warren Wiegratz from the band Streetlife, the Heritage Chorale and soloist Cheryl McCrary. If you are looking for a uniquely Wisconsin gift for friends and family, consider this local CD for your gift giving this holiday season!

Posted by Kelly Feng

On Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 7:00 pm, the Saint John Vianney and St. Dominic's Strings and Band Orchestras will present the Second Annual Fall Fest. Like last year's show. this concert will highlight Halloween songs and college fight songs. Last year, realizing that advanced music students need to have the opportunity to perform more often, strings and band instructors Maria Gesiorek and Joan Lueneburg began considering a fall performance.  After learning St. John Vianney music teacher Jared Ziegler was teaching college fight songs to some of the same students, their idea of a Halloween-Football Fan themed concert resulted in the combined schools'  now second annual Fall Fest. Students will perform in Halloween costumes or their favorite college jerseys. 

This Halloween themed concert put students at ease last year as they showed off their costumes before the big day and performed in a family friendly environment.  The Strings, as well as the combined Bands (5-8th), will be playing three Halloween songs, the Jazz band one.  And music teacher Jared Ziegler will be back on tuba, an instrument he played in high school in addition to saxophone.  He will be joining the students in the Star Spangled Banner song, along with the fight songs from Michigan, Ohio, Northwestern and Wisconsin universities. 

Above: Joan Lueneburg with french horn student Maddie Keyes from the 2007 Fall Fest.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the music students to present without the pressure of a year-end recital or formal concert.  And with the dozen of so SJV and St. Dominic parents playing their own instruments along with these fight songs, this concert promises to be anything but formal!

Above right:  Parents/Flautists Lucy Clancy and Joanne Cekanor join in for the first annual!

Thanks to Christine Keyes for the photographs!

Posted by Kelly Feng

Ten SJV Eighth Graders participated in the Marquette University High School Math Competition last Sunday, October 13th. 

Congratulations to Chris Schuck and William McCloskey for winning the ribbons for the Gamma section of the competition!  SJV participants, pictured at right: 

Alex Cavalco, Logan Knapp, Matthew Gehringer, Elliot Yanasak, R.J. Greco, Jacob Geiger, Chris Schuck, Steven Shultz, and Alex Siy

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School?   Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Visit the St. John Vianney School Website or contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

St. John Vianney Parish, St. Vincent de Paul and Market Day are uniting again to sponsor the sixth annual Share-A-Pie donation program.  Purchase a Market Day pie or cheesecake to be donated to local food pantries for distribution over Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Order pies this weekend after Mass at the tables in the narthex or bring in a completed Market Day Share-A-Pie order form.  Below:  SJV students and volunteers from last year's Share-A-Pie program. 

This annual donation program of SJV's is a wonderful and timely service, especially this year, as many local food pantries see donations dwindling. 

Interested in volunteering for our Share-A-Pie program?  We are in need of volunteers after this weekend's masses.  Please contact Gina Tegge.

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School?   Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Visit the St. John Vianney School Website or contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

The cast of characters of Gilligan's Island paid a visit to Trivia Night last Saturday, October 4th, courtesy of Michelle and Kennan Syverson's table of friends.  Their table wasn't the only group that dressed up...just check out the Indian Table below.   

The best decorated table went to Gilligan's Island (above), but these Indians are a close second if you ask me.   

The finalists from a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.  Don Czaplicki (far right) was the winner, taking in more than $200.00 (which he graciously donated to the SJV School Fund).   

The winning table belonged to a group of parishioners from Christ King Parish.  Is it just me or did the same or similiar group of people from that parish win about a year and a half ago?  I could swear they were the winners before.  Oh well...they must make the rounds of the Trivia Circuit (or they're just really smart)!

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

The Spanish classes at St. John Vianney have a piñata full of activities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 through October 15. The students will focus on the contributions of Hispanics and Hispanic Americans with varied grade-based activities. Junior High students will research, prepare and present multi-sensory reports on famous Hispanic Americans. A Hispanic "Country of the Month" will be featured throughout the school year, with classes learning about each country's unique culture. Food, games and other cultural presentations will be shared with classmates. Learning about other cultures is one way our school promotes ethnic literacy, and prepares our students to respect and appreciate our diverse society. Spanish is taught to all students in First through Eighth grade. The program is led by SJV Spanish teacher Ms. Carmen Elger.

Ms. Elger began teaching Spanish at SJV in 2004. She attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she received her B.A. with a double major in Spanish and Sociology. During her studies at UW-O, Ms. Elger spent three weeks studying in Costa Rica and Peru. After her graduation, she worked as a substitute teacher for a number of school districts around the Milwaukee area. She enjoys traveling, camping, fishing, and most other outdoor activities. 

 If you want to learn more, you can visit National Hispanic Heritage Month.  Another fun website is Famous First Hispanic Americans. 

 School Parent Lisa Greco contributed to this article. 

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Mark your calendars and save the dates:  

Parent Information Night, Tuesday, September 9th, 2008,  7:00pm, Church and School

Parents are asked to gather in the Church at 7:00 pm.  Home and School members, School Board members, and the faculty will be introduced.  The sessions for meeting with homeroom and specials teachers will run for 20 minutes.  Teachers will share their expectations and helpful hints that will assist with your child's success.

Back to School Pizza Bash, Friday, September 12th, 2008,  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, School Cafeteria

A great way to get reacquainted with other SJV school families.  Special Guests: Father Ken Knippel and new fifth grade teacher Mrs. Deb Blaha

New Family Social  Thursday, September 18th, 2008 (More details to follow)

An opportunity to personally meet Principal Jayme Hartmann, members of the Home and School Board, exchange stories with other new families, and learn about extra curricular activities and many of the other events throughout the year. 

SJV Trivia Night   Saturday, October 4th, 2008,  6:30 pm Doors open, 7:00 pm Game begins, School Cafeteria

Put together a team of 10, pick a name and a theme.  Come to the SJV Cafeteria and prepare for trivia questions from a range of topics.  Costumes and table decorations are welcome, though not necessary.   Cash prizes for best table decoration! 

VIP Day   Friday, October 17, 2008,  8:30-9:30 am Liturgy,  9:30-11:00 am Classroom visits

Time to invite grandparents, godparents, parents, aunts and uncles, or that very special person in your child's life they don't get to see very often.  VIPS participate in classroom activities and enjoy a reception in the school cafeteria. 

Fall Fest Wednesdy, Wednesday, October 29th, 2008, 7:00 pm., Activity Center

Come hear spooktacular Halloween songs, along with your favorite college fight songs.  Mrs. Joan Lueneburg, Mrs. Maria Gesiorek and Mr. Jared Ziegler have a great line up for the 2nd Annual St. John Vianney/St. Dominic String and Band concerts.  Read about last years Fall Fest

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Kathy's House is a hospitality house dedicated to providing lodging and a supportive environment in a home-away-from-home atmosphere.  Visitors to Kathy's House are the caregivers and relatives of patients traveling to Milwaukee area hospitals for medical treatment.  Kathy's house gives them a place to not only stay while their loved one is in the hospital, but also gives them a place to meet and talk with other people in similiar circumstances.  On Tuesday, August 6th, eleven members of SJV parish, led by Susan McNeil of St. Dominic Parish, stopped by Kathy's house and baked cookies for their patients and their families. As the Quad Parishes Summer Series comes to a close, it has been wonderful observing the ongoing participation and volunteerism from SJV parish.   If you'd like to volunteer at this hospitality house click here or call Herb Ayres at 414/453-8290

Two fifth graders can't wait to get started on the sprinkles.

Now...if only they would bake cookies at their own house.

Synchronized cookie scooping.

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

At left, frosting and sprinkles time. 

Four of SJV's very own 8th graders, Elizabeth Capper, Casey Crooks, Kaitlin Hohl, and Mary Newby, inspired by an annual assignment from Mrs. Schmitt's Social Studies class unit on Social Justice, have coordinated a small fundraiser over at Brookfield Farmers Market.  This fundraiser, to be held this Saturday (August 9th) and next Saturday (August 16th), will benefit the people of West Allis and Waukesha . They will be using the money they raise at the Farmer's Market to buy batteries for the Waukesha and West Allis  fire departments. These fire departments will be giving away batteries to people in need for use in their own home smoke detectors.  

Just another example of our school's efforts to guide our children about social justice, encouraging them to think about what they can do for their community.  The Social Studies assignment was to come up with an action plan of helping a person or a group of people.  Many of the student plans included garage sales, outdoor movie nights, and food drives.  If our eighth graders actually execute their plans, they will receive extra credit in their 8th grade Social Studies classes - not to mention helping people their community! 

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still school openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Don't miss the following opportunities to help out through August:  You can register for these Summer Series Events by calling St. John Vianney, 262-796-3944, ext 116. (Registrations are taken up to 3 days prior to each event.)

Tuesday, August 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM—Growing Power, 5500 W. Silver Spring Rd., Milwaukee Take a tour of this remarkable and only remaining farm in the city of Milwaukee. Then join their staff for hands-on projects in their greenhouses and gardens. The primary mission of Growing Power is to provide access to high quality, healthy and affordable food for all people as well as teach communities of people to be self-sufficient through innovative methods of agricultural and horticulture. You’ll be amazed! Open to teens and adults. Limit of 10. Leader: Keri Ackley

Wednesday, August 13, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM—St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program, 10th & Madison site Serve beverages and/or food to guests, and then join them for dinner and conversation. This program is open to any age, as long as parents supervise their children. Be there by 5:00 PM for prayer, finish around 7:00 PM and stay for reflection with the group. Leader: Heidi McCormack/Renew Group

Leaders: Laureen Spitz & Candy Wimmer

Monday, August 18, 9 AM – 4 PM—Meta House ―Queen for a Day  Event, Milwaukee Meta House is a treatment center for women who are recovering from addictions. This Queen for a Day event will focus on helping residents prepare for re-entry into the work world by focusing on hair, makeup, wardrobe, and interaction with people in a work setting. We will also provide and serve a special lunch to residents. We need people with beauty expertise as well as lunch helpers. Limit of 15. Leaders: Anne Leggio & Dinah Van Krevel-Polzin

Saturday, August 23, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM—Hunger Task Force Food Sort (I-94 & Hawley Rd.) Milwaukee                                                         Help organize Hunger Task Force’s Food Pantry by sorting food, checking items and stocking shelves. This event is exclusively for young adults, with a limit of 30. (Wear closed toe shoes.) Leaders: Mike & Sara Lipski

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still school openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Our Summer Service Series continues with SJV Parishioners most recently organizing a picnic over at The Commons at All Saints Church Milwaukee.

Who doesn't love a picnic? Ashlyn Elizabeth loves one and so does... Ashlynn Elizabeth. The two girls met for the first time on July 26th when a group from The Quad Parishes (St. John Vianney, St. Dominic, St. Joseph and St. Mary Elm Grove) shared a picnic with members of The Commons from All Saints Church, as part of the Summer Service Series.

This is the second year for the event, and was once again led by SJV Parishioners Laurie Pasternak and Vickie Shultz. The Pasternak and Shultz families, along with several other families provided food, drink and fun in the beautiful courtyard at All Saints Church for the women and children who benefit from the mission of The Commons.

The Commons, started in 2005, supports women in need of housing and works to transition the residents from dependence to independence. Currently, twelve women and six children reside in the former convent. The Commons is unusual in that services are provided until the goal of independence is met. It is not unusual for a woman to remain at The Commons for at least one year. During that time, The Commons is much more than a safe home. It is a place where women are connected to needed services.

The parish of All Saints, with the help of several other community organizations and benefactors, provide material, educational and spiritual assistance. Barb, a former resident, independent for a year, came back to the picnic. Just a few tests away from earning her GED, she comes back often to help out in the home, and undoubtedly is an inspiration to the others at The Commons.

Elizabeth Owens, Director of The Commons, and Fr. Carl Diederichs, whose vision led to The Commons, are proud of the many successful transitions. Yet both know there is much more to accomplish and running a home for nearly twenty is costly. Donations are necessary, and anything one would need to run his or her own home is also needed at The Commons. Cash donations are used wisely.

Scott, son of picnic organizer, Vickie Shultz, was happy to report that the event "sure didn't feel like a service project. It's just really one, big, fun picnic!" The children played lawn tennis, football, made jumbo bubbles and broke a candy-filled piñata. School supplies and small gifts were given to the children residing at The Commons. Seven-year-old Aaron, opened his new bouncy balls and immediately shared one with his new football playing friend from St. John Vianney.

And what about Ashlyn Elizabeth and Ashlynn Elizabeth, two girls who share a name and a birth month? It goes without saying that they played all afternoon.

How can you help support the mission of The Commons?  Check donations may be made to All Saints Church, attn: The Commons, 4060 North 26th Street, Milwaukee, WI  53209.  Donations of household items, food, clothing, paper products and anything else needed to run a large household are welcome.  Please call Elizabeth at 414/444-5610 to arrange for drop-off or pick-up.   

Want to know more about St. John Vianney School and Parish ? Did you know that there are still school openings -- in the 5K, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades?  Interested in visiting the school?  Contact principal Jayme Hartmann at jaymeh@stjohnv.org or call 262/796-3940.

Thinking about volunteering this summer?  Consider helping out at one of SJV's several summer service series. Recently, a group of SJV school children and their parents spent the evening over at the Hunger Task Force sorting food.  They sorted 15,000 pounds of food on June 10, 2008.  No lazy summer nights for this group!  Thanks to the Greco Family (Lisa, Tom and R.J.) for organizing this!

 Here are some other opportunites to volunteer during July!   

2008 SUMMER SERVICE SERIES EVENTS!

Register for these July events by calling St. John Vianney @ 262-796-3944, ext 116. (Registrations are taken up to 3 days prior to each event.)

Friday, July 11, 6:00-10:00 PM. American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Brookfield East High School, 3305 Lilly Rd

Family friendly event where volunteers help with various activities including selling tickets, registration, games, set-up (day before) or clean-up (day after). No limit to the number of volunteers. Leader: Kathy Smith

Saturday, July 12, 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM. St. Benedict the Moor Center - Game Day with the Homeless

How better to experience the poor than to play with them! Come and join the fun in playing board games and snacking with the homeless at this center in Milwaukee. You will have a great time! Open to adults and teens, up to a limit of 10.

Monday, July 14, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program, 10th & Madison site

Serve beverages and/or food to guests, and then join them for dinner and conversation. This program is open to any ages, as long as parents supervise their children. Be there by 5:00 PM for prayer, finish around 7 PM and stay for reflection with the group. Leader: Mary Janowak  Above: SJV parishioners sort food for Hunger Task Force

Thursday, July 17, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Art Truck at Prince of Peace Parish, 25th & Scott in Milwaukee

Come and join with children there as the Art Truck (from Artists Working in Education) comes to lead a morning of interacting and doing art together. Open to children ages 4-14 and their parents, with a limit of 25 children from here, and 25 from there. There will also be a simple lunch following the art morning. Parents must accompany their children. Leaders: Heidi Lemke & Mary Janowak

Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. St. Vincent de Paul "Lunch in the Park", Haertel Field, Waukesha

Sign up for one of more days to play games with the kids in the park while others distribute bag lunches. We are in need of 6-8 volunteers per day, and families with children over the age of 5 are most welcome. Leader: Susan McNeil

Wednesday, July 23, 9:00 AM - Noon. Next Door Foundation Reading Day for Kids in Milwaukee

Kids in the inner city need reading help and attention. This event pairs volunteers from the suburbs with kids from the city for reading, then snacks, and a tour of the place (time permitting). Open to adults and kids with a parent. Limit of 20 people. Leader: Betsy Wellenstein

Saturday, July 26, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM. All Saints Commons Family Picnic, Milwaukee

Bring your family to join with families at All Saints Commons transitional home for an afternoon of food, fun and community. This potluck picnic is open to families or individuals of all ages. Limit of 25. Leaders: Laurie Pasternak & Vicki Shultz

Thursday, July 31, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Easter Seals Day Camp Field Trip to State Fair Park, West Allis

Assist an Easter Seals leader chaperone a small group of -campers‖ for a day at State Fair Park. Easter Seals serve children and adults with disabilities. Ages 14 and older. Bring a canned food item for park admission! Leader: Mary Altschaefl

Father Ken Knippel began his second weekend at St. John Vianney by celebrating the combined faith of Peter and preaching of Paul, Apostles to a packed church of parishioners.  It's only fitting that he would begin his second weekend on a beautiful summer day.  One could tell just how excited everybody was by the number of people lining up after church to chat and welcome him to the St. John Vianney community!  Here's some biographical information about Father Knippel:

College:  St. Francis de Sales College Seminary in 1972, where he earned a B.A. with a major in Theology, minor in Philosophy,  He also earned a M. Div. (Master of Divinity) from St. Francis Seminary School of Pastoral Ministry in 1976.

Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee:  May 28, 1976 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist by Archbishop William E. Cousins

Fr. Knippel has served in six assignments as a priest: As associate pastor at St. Sebastian from 1976-1981, as team member at Mary Queen of Heaven in West Allis from 1981-1984, for the Archdiocese as Residency Director of the Call to Ministry Program and subsequently as Director, including teaching part time at Dominican High School from 1984-1990, as pastor of St. Mary of Czestochowa (now Our Lady of Divine Providence) from 1990-1996, as pastor of St. Eugene Congregation from 1996-2008, and now here at St. John Vianney Parish as pastor. 

An appreciation reception was held in the chuch hall after the 11:00 am Mass on Sunday, June 15th to honor Father Paul Hartmann for his dedicated leadership as administrator of St. John Vianney Church for the past 18 months.  Fr. Paul will assume the presidency of Catholic Memorial High School  on July 1st.   

As Doug Miller of the SJV Parish Council put it, "Father Paul has done a wonderful job shepherding our Parish through some tough times and we would like the reception to be a lasting memory for him as he moves on to his new position at Catholic Memorial High School."  A 1984 graduate of Catholic Memorial, Fr. Paul will be the first alumnus to serve as president in the school's 60 year history.  Join us in wishing him continued success as he begins his new post. 

Father Paul displays his farewell cake. 

I mentioned this last year, wanted to mention it again, the best deal in town is this Saturday, June 7th, at the SJV Festival.  For $18.00, your children enjoy select unlimited Carnival rides from 1:00 pm till 5:00 pm.  With four children, I find this deal hard to resist, so I encourage everybody to take advantage of this special.  Here are the rest of the details regarding the festival:

SJV PARISH FESTIVAL - June 6th, 7th,& 8!!!

Located at Calhoun & Gebhardt in Brookfield, there’s easy access along with reachable and available parking

Ticket to Ride Raffle: 2008 Mercedes Benz C-Class or Mustang G.T. Convertible (your choice - see at left and below) and you OWN it!  Only 2000 tickets available!  Buy a ticket: before or after mass, at the parish office, by phone with a credit card at (262) 796-3940              

Silent Auction and Pick-your-Prize Raffle: Please drop off any donations at the Parish Office. Any and all new items or services are welcome!

All Day and Everyday: Rides, Games for Young and Old, Burgers, Brats & Pizza

Friday, June 6th 5-11:30pm
Music: Cold Sweat & the Brew City Horns and ROSHAMBO 6:30–11:30 pm
Fish: Baked or Fried 5–8 pm

Saturday, June 7th 12-11:30 pm                                                                                         Wristband Saturday –  For $18.00, enjoy select unlimited carnival rides from 1-5 pm
Music: The Eddie Butts Band & Stray Voltage (Two Stages) 6–11:30pm
Pig Roast 4-8 pm 

Sunday, June 7th 12:30-7pm                                                                                                     Bingo: 12:30-2pm
Celtic Nation: 1pm
Music: Leah's Luck 3-7pm                                                                                                                 Chicken Dinner: 12-6pm

6th Annual Run for the Pig V on Saturday, June 7th. 5K Run at 8:30 am
2 Mile Walk to follow. Awards for top male and female finishers and winners in each age division.
All participants receive t-shirts and are eligible for treats and grab bag gifts.
Cost: $15 per person or $12/person for family registration before June 6th, $18 & $15
for race-day registration.                                                 

For more information about the festival and to register for "Run for the Pig" please visit the SJV Festival

Got a chance to stop by the SJVineyards Wine Tasting Benefit on April 19th.  After picking up our handpainted "SJV" wineglasses, created by Cami Adel and Amy DiPiazza, we got a chance to peruse the raffle items, which were fantastic.   Some of the offerings included 4 Festival Dinners with beer tickets and a VIP parking pass, an autographed ball from Yi of the Bucks, an Aveda Gift Basket and a Fall 2008 Trivia Night Table.  With beverages provided by Consumer Beverages from Hales Corners, school families and parishioners sampled European, Californian, and desert wines.   My husband is allergic to wine, allergic to all liquor, and yet he seemed to have more fun than anybody else!  One of the best parts of the evening was getting a chance to catch up with other couples we haven't seen in a while and to watch the raffle winners announced.   All proceeds from this benefit will be used for advancements in SJV school technology and new computer equipment for the computer lab!. Special thanks to JoAnn Cekanor and Beth Dobrzynski, co-chairs of the first SJVineyards Wine Tasting Beneift, for coordinating this fun and very social event!                                     

 Principal Jayme Hartmann with Matt Fricker, winner of the "Spa" Wine Basket                                                                                                

Beth Dobrzynski and Jayme Hartmann congratulate Beth DeGuire, winner of a Season Pass for entrance into all SJV athletic home games.