About St. John Vianney Catholic Church · Orlando, Florida
St. John Vianney Catholic Church & School is a multicultural Catholic parish in the Diocese of Orlando located at 6200 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida. Founded in 1958 as a mission of St. James Cathedral, it has grown into a community of more than 4,000 families served by bilingual liturgy in English, Spanish, and occasional Tagalog. The parish shares its campus with St. John Vianney Catholic School (SJVS), the only English/Spanish Dual Language program in the Diocese of Orlando, which has offered Christ-centered education since 1962. The parish is named after St. Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, in tribute to Monsignor John Bishop who first envisioned the mission church before his death in 1957.
- Established
- 1958
- Patron
- St. Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney (patron saint of parish priests)
- Rector
- Rev. Francisco J. Ojeda (appointed Parochial Administrator, November 14)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Orlando
Why belong here
St. John Vianney is one of Central Florida's most welcoming multicultural Catholic parishes, with over 4,000 families and Masses celebrated in English, Spanish, and (monthly) Tagalog/English. It combines a deep-rooted 1958 heritage — including the only English/Spanish dual-language Catholic school in the Diocese of Orlando — with vibrant sacramental life: daily Mass, Saturday confessions, weekday Eucharistic Adoration, RCIA, faith formation for children and youth, Confirmation preparation, and a Young Adult ministry called 'Friends United in Christ.' On a single campus you find a historic parish, an active K-8 Catholic school, and ministries for every generation.
Mass times at St. John Vianney Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM (per parish schedule)
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the Church (per Sacraments page)
- Seasonal Reconciliation services held during Advent and Lent
Adoration times
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Eucharistic Adoration)
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Eucharistic Adoration)
About St. John Vianney Parish
St. John Vianney Catholic Church & School is a multicultural parish in the Diocese of Orlando serving over 4,000 families from its campus at 6200 South Orange Blossom Trail. Its official welcome reads: 'Heavenly Father, You have called us to be the family of St. John Vianney Parish, a communion of cultures united in the love of Christ. Inspire us to welcome all in our desire to grow in faith, live with compassion, and reach out in service.' The parish shares its patron — St. Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, patron saint of parish priests — with the Cure of Ars' famous 41-year pastorate and his legendary hours in the confessional.
- Named after St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests (in tribute to Monsignor John Bishop)
- Diocese of Orlando parish
- Over 4,000 families served
- Bilingual English/Spanish Mass schedule, plus monthly Tagalog/English Mass
- Parish Mission Prayer recited at Mass
Parish History
The parish's story begins in September 1957, when Monsignor John Bishop was planning a new mission church under St. James Cathedral. After his sudden death, the community chose to honor him by naming the new mission 'John.' On January 5, 1958, Monsignor Terence Farrelly celebrated the first Mass in what is now the Parish Social Hall, and the church was formally dedicated in March 1958. Rev. Vincent E. Smith became the first resident pastor in August 1959, and under his leadership the parish built its first social hall, renovated the church interior, and opened St. John Vianney School on January 25, 1962 — a school that has grown into the only English/Spanish Dual Language Catholic school in the Diocese of Orlando.
- 1957 – Planning begins under Monsignor John Bishop; he dies before completion
- January 5, 1958 – First Mass celebrated by Monsignor Terence Farrelly
- March 1958 – Church dedicated as St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests
- August 1959 – Fr. Vincent E. Smith becomes first resident pastor
- 1961 – Insulation, air conditioning, terrazzo flooring, brick decor installed
- January 25, 1962 – St. John Vianney School opens
- 1963 – Five-room school addition; Sisters of St. Francis arrive from Glen Riddle, PA
- 1964 – School enrollment reaches 575 pupils
- 1965 – Fr. William Corry becomes pastor; Blessed Trinity parish formed from St. John's
- 1968 – First Parish Council established
- 1970 – Fr. William Keene appointed pastor; rectory enlarged
- January 1972 – Parish launches folk Mass at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Hotel
- 1975 – Fr. Jose Ruiz replaces Fr. Keene; Holy Family parish formed
- 1979 – Cornerstone laid for the permanent church
- March 15, 1981 – Bishop Grady blesses the new church
- January 1998 – 40th anniversary; Capital Campaign launched
- Late 1990s – Community center/gymnasium built; church renovations include bell tower and new Baptismal Font
- Today – Over 4,000 families, three-language liturgy
Parish Clergy & Staff
The parish is currently led by Rev. Francisco J. Ojeda (Parochial Administrator) and Rev. Romil Aperocho (Parochial Vicar), with three deacons serving the faithful: Deacon Tom Breaud, Deacon Luis Abreu, and Deacon Neptali Finol. The parish office team includes Elba Gonzalez (Admin Assistant), Jesus 'Jay' Barajas (Facilities Coordinator), Cecilia Torres (AM Receptionist), and Tania Abdala (PM Receptionist). Music Ministry is coordinated by Paul Gutweniger, and the Faith Formation Office is staffed by Elsa Ramos (Administrative Assistant).
- Rev. Francisco J. Ojeda — Pastor/Parochial Administrator
- Rev. Romil Aperocho — Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Tom Breaud
- Deacon Luis Abreu
- Deacon Neptali Finol
- Elba Gonzalez — Administrative Assistant
- Jesus 'Jay' Barajas — Facilities Coordinator
- Cecilia Torres & Tania Abdala — Receptionists
- Paul Gutweniger — Music Coordinator
- Elsa Ramos — Faith Formation Administrative Assistant
Faith Formation
Faith Formation at St. John Vianney serves children, youth, and adults seeking to grow in the Catholic faith. The office is staffed Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM–12:30 PM. Fees are $50 per student, with an additional $75 materials fee for First Communion and Confirmation (covering retreats, photography, and certificates). The 2025 Confirmation Mass is scheduled for June 14 at 10:00 AM, and First Communion Masses are May 10 at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
- Faith Formation Office: 407-855-5391
- $50 per student
- $75 First Communion materials fee
- $75 Confirmation materials fee
- Office hours: Mon–Thu 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Fri 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Confirmation Preparation
Confirmation at St. John Vianney is a two-year preparation process beginning in 9th grade, with students confirmed at the end of their second year of formation. The curriculum includes 20+ sessions focused on evangelizing young people and accompanying them as disciples. Students attend sessions two Wednesday evenings per month, two reflection days during Advent and Lent, and a Weekend Retreat. A total of 30 service hours is required — 10 at home and 20 in the church or broader community.
- Two-year process beginning in 9th grade
- Two Wednesday-evening sessions per month
- Advent and Lent reflection days
- One Weekend Retreat
- 30 service hours (10 at home, 20 in the Church/community)
- Sponsor forms, service commitments, and affirmation of baptismal name required
Young Adult Ministry — Friends United in Christ
The parish's Young Adult ministry, known in Spanish as 'Amigos Unidos en Cristo,' meets Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the St. Oscar Romero Room. Its mission reads: 'Consecrated to the Divine Mercy, We believe in a community that unites, serves, and celebrates our journey of faith by igniting the missionary heart of Christ.' All are welcome to join for prayer, reflection, and community.
- Thursdays 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- St. Oscar Romero Room
- Mission: Consecrated to the Divine Mercy
- Spanish-language name: Amigos Unidos en Cristo
Sacraments
St. John Vianney celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments. Baptisms for infants and children under age 7 are held once a month, with parents required to be registered parishioners and to attend a Baptismal Seminar. Adults seeking Baptism or full reception into the Church are guided through RCIA via the Faith Formation Office. Engaged couples are asked to contact the parish at least six months before their wedding; Saturday wedding times are 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM.
- Baptism (Infants & Children under 7): once monthly, $35 materials fee
- Baptism (Adults) / RCIA: contact Faith Formation Office
- First Communion: 2025 Mass on May 10 at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
- Confirmation: 2025 Mass on June 14 at 10:00 AM
- Reconciliation: Saturdays plus Advent/Lent
- Marriage: Saturday 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM; six months preparation; $750 active parishioners / $1,250 out of diocese
- Anointing of the Sick: by appointment; emergencies via parish office
St. John Vianney Catholic School (SJVS)
Located on the parish campus at 6200 S. Orange Blossom Trail, St. John Vianney Catholic School has provided a Christ-centered education since 1962. SJVS serves children from Pre-K3 through 8th grade and is the only English/Spanish Dual Language program in the Diocese of Orlando. The principal is Gloria del Orbe. School contact: (407) 855-4660; website sjvs.org.
- Founded 1962 (opened January 25, 1962)
- Pre-K3 through 8th grade
- Only English/Spanish Dual Language Catholic school in the Diocese of Orlando
- Principal: Gloria del Orbe
- Phone: (407) 855-4660
- Website: sjvs.org
Stewardship & Giving
The parish encourages stewardship of time, talent, and treasure and offers online giving through its website. An active registered parishioner is defined as one who has been registered at the parish and active in Time, Talent, and Treasure for a minimum of one year prior to reserving a wedding date. The parish has also published an Offertory Recovery and Restoration Initiative and a 2020 Financial Report on the stewardship page of its website.
- Online giving available via sjvorlando.org
- Active parishioner definition: 1+ year of Time, Talent, and Treasure
- Offertory Recovery and Restoration Initiative
- 2020 Financial Report published online
Patron Saint — St. Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney
The parish's patron, St. Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, was born in Dardilly, France, in 1786 and assigned as parish priest of Ars in 1818, where he remained for 41 years until his death on August 4, 1869 at the age of 73. He was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and in 1929 was designated the patron saint of parish priests. Famous for spending 12 to 17 hours a day in the confessional and transforming Ars from a village of indifference to one alive with Christian spirit, he is the inspiration for the parish's name and its mission to grow in faith, live with compassion, and reach out in service.
- Born 1786 in Dardilly, France
- Parish priest of Ars for 41 years (1818–1859)
- Died August 4, 1859 (canonized 1925)
- Designated patron saint of parish priests in 1929
- Feast Day: August 4
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Monsignor Terence Farrelly1958 (first Mass celebrated by)
Celebrated the inaugural Mass in the parish's first worship space (now the Parish Social Hall).
- Rev. Vincent E. SmithAugust 1959 – August 1965
First resident pastor; oversaw construction of social hall, ceiling insulation, AC, terrazzo flooring, opening of the school in 1962, and expansion to twelve classrooms.
- Rev. William Corry1965 onward
Succeeded Fr. Smith; inaugurated two kindergarten classes; during his tenure Blessed Trinity parish was formed from St. John's in 1965.
- Rev. William Keene1970 onward
Enlarged the rectory; appointed the first Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist in 1972; launched the folk Mass at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Hotel.
- Rev. Jose Ruiz1975
Replaced Fr. Keane as pastor; oversaw the launch of the new church building project.
- Anonymous pastor (1976)1976
Began process of building the permanent church and social hall at $800,000.
- Rev. Thomas Walden2017 onward
Took over leadership of parish that year.
- Rev. Miguel Caban
Assumed the role of Parochial Administrator after serving as parochial vicar for three years.
- Rev. Plutarco 'Jojo' OpinioNovember 14 onward
Appointed parochial vicar; previously served at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Lakeland; arrived in Diocese of Orlando from the Diocese of Masbate, Philippines in 2022.
- Rev. Francisco J. OjedaJune 24, 2022 – present (as Pastor since Nov 14)
Born in Camuy, Puerto Rico; studied at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach; ordained by Bishop John Noonan on May 29, 2021, at the Basilica Shrine Mary Queen of the Universe in Orlando.