St. John Vianney Catholic Church

Did the Diegel family ever imagine their Shelby Township farm would become a beacon of faith? St. John Vianney Catholic Church stands here now. It’s a testament to their generosity and Mr. Diegel’s dream. St. John Vianney Parish started humbly in 1979. It was a satellite of St. Lawrence Parish, serving just twenty families. They held Mass at Shelby Junior High School and later Crissman Elementary. The Vianney House became the heart of this budding community. It served as a rectory, office, and gathering space. The first church building rose on the Diegel farm in 1984. The parish flourished. A new, larger church was built in 1996. The original structure now serves as the parish hall. Leading this growth was the founding pastor, Father Jerome Machlik. He served as a friend, shepherd, and counselor until his death in 2010. Father Timothy Mazur then took the helm. He continued the mission of St. John Vianney, guiding the community until his passing in 2021. In the same year, Father James Grau became the administrator. St. John Vianney’s heart, both literally and figuratively, has touched this community. In 2019, the church hosted the “Heart of a Priest” relic tour. The incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney, encased in a reliquary, was available for veneration. Lines stretched out the door as people waited to connect with this symbol of priestly devotion. St. John Vianney Catholic Church continues to thrive. It’s a place where discipleship feels attainable, and the atmosphere is welcoming. The church is built of wood, brick, and glass. Light streams through the ceiling above the altar. It highlights the heart of the church where the community gathers for the Eucharist. The spirit of generosity lives on at St. John Vianney. Donations for a local food pantry often fill the entryway. It’s a reminder of the church’s commitment to serving others.