Dear Parishioners of

St. John Vianney,

As many of you are aware there was a small incident at the parish this evening during our 6PM Spanish mass. To avoid any miscommunication and further gossip regarding this incident, I want to personally provide you with a statement.

Mass for 6pm started as normal, during the responsorial psalm our ushers and some parishioners indicated to Fr. Peter-Elvis that there was smoke coming from the Sacristy. Ushers quickly reached for the fire extinguishers and headed for the location of the fire. Parishioners also contacted the fire department, by the time the fire department arrived the fire had been contained and thankfully nobody was hurt. The fire department cleared the building from any additional fire, took care of the smoke in the Sanctuary, and provided further steps to take. Insurance has been contacted and property damages are being assessed. Since this is an active investigation no further details are available to me as I am away at a Catholic Conference. Please know of my prayers for the community of St. John Vianney and I am grateful for the quick response of our Ushers: Jose Chavez, Roberto Juarez, Gabriela Perez, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Victor del Portal, Macedonio Curacao, choir member Nelson Guzman, nearby parishioners, Fr. Peter-Elvis, Deacon Johnny Rentas, Esmeralda V. and the whole staff along with the Fire Department for all that is being done to remedy the situation.

Our Sunday 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm and 6pm Masses will continue as normal, however the Mass will be celebrated in the Narthex.

I really wish I could be there in this moment, after speaking with Fr. Peter Elvis, I know that there is nothing I can do by being there physically, I have complete trust in Fr. Peter-Elvis, the Deacons and staff as they make decisions on my behalf to move forward in faith. My sincere prayer is that we can focus on the fact that we are safe, may we remember that the people of St. John Vianney are the church, not the building and we will rebuild and we will be stronger for it. You have my heart and prayers, I will see you next weekend.

Please keep our community in your prayers.

The Very Rev. Fr. Jack Knight Pastor