OUR PARISH & SCHOOL

Due to a dramatic population increase in South St. Paul following World War II, another Catholic Parish was needed in the area.

St. John Vianney Parish was established on July 5th, 1946 as the third Catholic parish in South St. Paul, under the direction of Father Harold Whittet. Because no church or school had been built at establishment, the parish rented the pavilion at Kaposia Park and held its first Mass there on July 28th, 1946.

Groundbreaking ceremonies took place on August 5th, 1946 and the original make-shift church was constructed from two Army barracks. The church opened for its first Mass on the Easter Vigil, April 5th, 1947. Shortly after, a roller-skating rink was built in the basement of the church to raise money to build an actual church building.

Almost eight years later in 1954, SJV school (originally named Providence School) opened its doors with 109 students in grades one through four. The Sisters of St. Casimir, a Chicago-based Order, formed the school's first teaching staff. By 1958, the school contained grades one through eight.

Fr. Whittet finished the final phase of the parish building plan when construction was completed on the current rectory and parish offices in 1960. The original make-shift church building of two army barracks was razed and the worship space was moved to the lower level of the school building (its current location).

In 1974, a preschool and kindergarten program were added to the school. From that time until 1989, the school was staffed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The fall of 1992 saw the establishment of a full day kindergarten program as well as an extended day program. During the 1996-1997 school year, the St. John Vianney Little Learners Preschool became fully accredited with the kindergarten through sixth grade program.

In May of 2000, SJV expanded its facilities with the addition of the Parish Life & Community Center which includes a gymnasium, kitchen and cafeteria, meeting rooms, and an extended gathering space. The addition was completed in March and dedicated on May 19th, 2001.

Today, SJV offers complete academic programs for preschool, kindergarten and grades 1 through 6, as well as an extended day program. We are called by God to continue the great traditions set forth by our predecessors and celebrate the rich history and service of the total community around us.


OUR SAINT

Called the "Cure of Ars", St. John Vianney was the son of a poor farmer in Dardilly, France. He worked as a shepherd and didn't begin his education until he was 20 years old. He was finally ordained at the age of 30, and was placed under the direction of Fr. Balley, a holy priest in a neighboring village, for further training.

St. John lived an austere life. He allowed himself 2 hours of sleep each night and was frequently interrupted by the devil, who assaulted his thoughts as he slept. Many others in his parish were concerned but the Cure accepted the tribulations good-naturedly.

St. John was given many spiritual gifts, such as the power of healing and the ability to read the hearts of his penitents. It was this latter gift which caused his fame to spread throughout France, and created large crowds seeking guidance from him. The frail Cure began hearing confessions at 1:00am in the morning, and it has been reported that he spent from 13 to 17 hours a day in the cramped confessional.

St. John died peacefully on August 4, 1859. His body was exhumed because of his impending beatification, and was found dried and darkened, but perfectly entire. He is considered an "Incorruptable" saint.

St. John Vianney, who is recognized for his difficult road through education and to the priesthood, was canonized in 1925 and was named later the Patron of parish priests throughout the world. His feast day falls on the day of his death, August 4th.