St. John Vianney was formed in February 1931. Church was purchased from the Southern Methodist Conference on the eastern part of Sherman and dedicated in Dec 1931. In 1961 a 7acre tract of land, just east of Ill. 124 and about 1/2 mile south of Andrew Road in Sherman was purchased for about $7,000. Plans were drawn for a new brick church facing north. At that time St. John Drive did not yet exist, but it was developed to connect IL 124 with US 66 as the church was being erected. Construction of the church was begun in 1962 with R. D. Lawrence Construction Co. as general contractor for the building. All of the concrete, block and brick work, laminated arches and heating and electrical work was done by the contractor and subcontractors. For the most part, the remainder of the work was done by the parishioners and their families and friends. This included nailing the 4-inch thick ceiling boards, installation of the roof tile, assembly and installation of the stained glass windows, laying the slate floor, and putting a clear sealer on the ceiling. The total cost of the new structure was $97,000. The dedication of the new church took place on June 16th, 1963 with Bishop O'Connor of Springfield officiating and being assisted by neighboring priests. The Sacrament of Confirmation was administered by the Bishop after the dedication ceremony. The original church which had served the parish for 32 years was sold at auction in 1963 for $800. With the completion of the new church, St. John Vianney parish continued its growth at a more rapid rate. Many new Catholic families have by now moved into the Lynndale, Flaggland Park, Knollwood, Birch Lakes, North Haven, and other subdivisions as well as Cantrall and Williamsville areas. Many new subdivisions now exist in Sherman.
Pastors of Saint John Vianney Parish
1. Father Ernest Burtle 1931 – 1934
2. Father James T. Sees CSV 1934 – 1942
3. Father Thomas B. Nolan CSV 1942 – 1951
4. Father James T. Sees CSV 1951 – 1957
5. Reverend Monsignor Peter Mascari 1957 – 1993
6. Reverend Monsignor Eugene L. Costa 1993 – 2004
7. Reverend Monsignor Carl A. Kemme 2005 - 2012
8. Reverend Monsignor David S. Lantz 2012 – 2015 Pastor Father Raphael Paul De Moreno 2012 – 2013 Parochial Vicar Father Clinton P. Honkomp OP 2013 - 2015 Parochial Vicar
9. Father George Nellikunnel SAC 2015 – 2021 Pastor Father Maurice Yonta SAC 2019 – 2021 Parochial Vicar