To the Faithful of St. John Vianney Parish:
It is with great sadness that I inform you that
ALL PUBLIC LITURGIES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON ARE SUSPENDED.
This follows a Guidance Directive issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the federal government and directed by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston given today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Accordingly, the following parish activities of St. John Vianney parish are also suspended:
- Adult Formation programs
- Youth Formation programs
- Young Children’s Program
- Young Adult Ministry activities
- Parish Life Activities
- Social Services Ministries
- All meetings, classes and programs
These measures will be in effect until further notice.
The church will be open for private prayer throughout the day. Eucharistic Adoration will continue as normal. All other public liturgical acts (rosaries, novenas, stations of the cross, liturgy of the hours) should be continued privately at home. Offices will remain open keeping regular hours of 8:30 -5:00 Monday-Friday during this time.
I know this was not an easy decision for Cardinal DiNardo and it certainly is not for us. In obedience to our bishop and with a concern for the on-going health situation facing our nation and others around the world, St. John Vianney parish will immediately comply in accordance to the directive.
This is a very fluid situation. What is needed at this time is calmness, prudence, patience and understanding on the part of all. Above all else, prayer is needed. As we learn more, we can better respond and assist you in dealing with this unique situation. In the meantime, I encourage you to remain strong in faith and steadfast in prayer. While we may not gather publicly for prayer, we can, should and must continue to pray. The solution to this situation is to be found in God alone. Our parish family of St. John Vianney will endure this hardship with grace and hope. We need to also pray for our fellow citizens and for all of our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering from this pandemic and its effects. By prayer, we will keep our families close to one another and to the Lord Jesus. I encourage you, to help family members and neighbors in need, most especially the sick and the elderly. We will assist our neighbors and our world through our spiritual sacrifice and prayers by Living Faith, Changing Lives and Making a Difference during this time of trial.
During this unprecedented time, we will be communicating with you via e-mail, social media and our parish website. I ask for your continued understanding and patience. Please know that the Lord continues to be present with us and His mercy endures forever. During this holy season of Lent, may we join our current sufferings to the sufferings of Christ crucified. May we be confident in the Lord Jesus who is truly risen and has redeemed the world to a new and eternal life with Him. May Our Blessed Mother, Mary and our heavenly patron, St. John Vianney intercede for us during this time and may this time of trial bring healing and grace to all.
In pace Christi,
Fr. Troy