Our Parish · Since 1836
Our Story
St. John Nepomucene Catholic Community has gathered the families of Little Chute for nearly two centuries.
Who We Are
Learn about us.
01
Our Campus
From church to gathering spaces and conference rooms — we welcome you in.
02
Our Staff
Learn more about our parish, school and faith development staff.
03
Our History
From 1836 to now — we continue to grow, serving over 1900 families.
Our Campus
One community, many spaces.
The People Who Serve
Our Staff
From our priests and deacons to the staff who keep our parish and school running each day, the people of St. John Nepomucene are here to welcome you and walk with you in faith.
Parish Staff
School Office Staff
Preschool Staff
Elementary School Staff
Middle School Staff
Specials School Staff
Our Story
A parish family on the Fox River since 1836.
St. John Nepomucene Catholic Community began in 1836 in a humble bark-covered wigwam along the Fox River in a place known at the time as “La Petite Chute” with the arrival of Rev. Theodore Vanden Broek. The faith community is the second oldest in the Green Bay Diocese.
Founder
Father Vanden Broek
In early 1836, Father Vanden Broek, a missionary priest, moved 24 miles up the river from Green Bay to an area named for its rapid water movement, La Petite Chute, or Little Chute. Members of the Menominee Indians built a wigwam, which was used as the church, school and parsonage.
The first frame church was built that same year. In 1839, a church addition and tower were added and in 1851 the church was expanded again, but was torn down in 1871.
Second oldest in the GB Diocese
Stone Church
In 1847, Father Vanden Broek returned to his native Holland, published a pamphlet in which he described the many opportunities that were available in Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley, and when he set out to return to Wisconsin, he was accompanied by three ships filled with Dutch immigrants.
Construction of the present church began in 1860 and was completed in 1868. The stones for the church were hauled from the Fox River using stone-boats and teams of oxen.
Vatican II
Renovations
Throughout the years, many renovations were made to the altar, sacristies, tower clock, and stained glass windows while additions included a pipe organ, insulation and a basement.
In 2003, a renovation was completed that added the west wing of the church, a gathering space, fellowship hall, kitchen and multi purpose rooms, and air conditioning. In 2021, the parking lot was expanded and Pine Street was removed, and in 2022, a car port was added to the new main entrance.
New
Parish Office
A parish office complex was built in 1959 to house the parish offices as well as provide living quarters for the parish priests. The growing needs of the parish required additional offices and meeting rooms, and in 1966 construction began on a new duplex to house the pastor and associate pastor.
In December 2023, the parish building from 1960 was torn down and a year later, the current Parish Center opened.
Since 1844
St. John School
The parochial school has also been a major part of the St. John Nepomucene Community, beginning with Father Vanden Broek. The first school building was built in 1844 and six pupils attended from the Menominee Indians. The school was closed for a period of time for financial reasons, but in 1889 a new school was built with additional rooms added in 1909.
In 1928, the present brick school building was built to meet the needs of the growing population. In 1940, an addition was built on to house the 745 grade school and high school students.
The Flying Dutchmen
St. John High School
A new high school was built in 1957 across the street from the present grade school, but closed in 1972.
Today, St. John Nepomucene Catholic Community continues to grow with 1,900 families. The community is served by Father Ron Belitz, Deacon Dave Van Eperen and Deacon Mark Ebben.
Come & See
Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.
Visit us, join us for Mass, or reach out to our parish staff — we would love to welcome you into the life of our community.