What's New
Please click on any of the pictures below with a blue border to view full size.
| Eighty Viatorian associates, brothers, and priests gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 6-8, 2010, for the annual Viatorian Assembly. More
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| A special Mass honoring the 2010 Viatorian Jubilarians, Fr. James Crilly, Br. Leo Ryan, Fr. John Peeters, Fr. Patrick Render, Fr. John Van Wiel, Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons, Fr. Thomas Langenfeld, Fr. James Michaletz, Fr. Daniel Mirabelli, and Fr. Richard Pighini, was celebrated at Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 7, 2010 as part of the annual Viatorian Assembly. More |
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| Br. Gustavo Lopez receives the ministry of acolyte. More
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| The Viatorian Community mourns the death of Fr. Philip E. Kendall, CSV. More
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| Br. Daniel Tripamer, CSV, professes his perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. More
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| The Provincial Council of the Clerics of St. Viator signs a complaint with the Office for Human Research Protections. More
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| DePaul University honors Fr. John Milton, CSV. More
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| Associate Francisco Magaña earns an M.R.E. degree from Loyola University of New Orleans. More
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| Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV, is recognized by his peers at Saint Viator High School. More
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| Viatorians from across the province gathered at the Viatorian Province Center June 6-10, 2010 for the annual community retreat. More
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| Br. Moises Mesh, CSV, and Br. Jason Nesbit, CSV, are ordained transitional deacons at Maternity BVM Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois. More
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| St. Martin de Porres High School held its 4th annual commencement exercises on June 5, 2010. More
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| The Viatorian endorsed Illinois Coalition Against Torture offered a panel discussion on U.S. sponsored torture. More
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| Youth ministry leaders gather at the Viatorian Province Center for a mini retreat. More
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| Saint Viator High School held its 47th commencement exercises on May 17, 2010. More
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| Saint Viator High School student, Jonathan Metzinger, debuted his musical composition “Escapades” in honor of Fr. Louis Querbes, Founder of the Clerics of St. Viator. For more information, click on the following link: www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=378012
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| Viatorians support immigration reform in a number of ways. More
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| On April 15, 2010, the provincial council of the Clerics of St. Viator (Viatorians) signed a national letter urging the U.S. Congress to fund the National Housing Trust Fund as a way to build and preserve housing for people with the lowest incomes. Such funding will also help create needed jobs. More
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| Fr. Daniel Hall is elected provincial councilor. More
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| Viatorians in the Arlington Heights/Chicago region gathered for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil services to commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. More
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| Fr. André Paul Garraud, Superior of the Viatorian Foundation of Haiti, reports on the ongoing efforts of the Viatorian Community to assist survivors of the January 12, 2010 earthquake that destroyed much of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. More
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| Nine Belizean Viatorian associates make their first commitments for a period of two years. More
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| Viatorians participate in a 5K Walk/Run to raise funds for area food pantries. More
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| Fr. Donald Huntimer is recognized for his commitment to incarcerated men and women. More
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| Viatorian leadership signs letter to President Barack Obama. More
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| The Colombian Congress recognized the 47th anniversary of Colegio San Viator with a special commendation. More
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| On January 30, 2010, the Viatorian Community of the Foundation of Colombia welcomed three men into the pre-novitiate program in Bogotá. More
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| Bulletin from Haiti regarding the January 12, 2010 Earthquake More
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| Update on the Foundation of Haiti. More
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| Viatorian Superior General Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, calls upon members of the Viatorian International Community to provide support for Viatorians in the Foundation of Haiti. More
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| Br. Carlos Eduardo Diaz, CSV, and Br. Carlos Arturo Romero, CSV, professed their first vows in Bogotá, Colombia. More
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| Viatorian center in ruins; 400 Haitian refugees wait
A retreat center run by the Viatorian community in Port-au-Prince lies in ruins. "From what I'm learning, there are 400 people, refugees, just waiting there, behind where the retreat center used to be," the Rev. Mark Francis, superior general of the Worldwide Viatorian Community, said Thursday.
Read full article
To make a donation, please send a check to:
Clerics of St. Viator, 1212 East Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
ATTN: Haiti Relief Effort
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We regret to inform you of the death of Fr. Victor (Gene) Bertrand CSV, who died Thursday, January 14th. More |
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| January 3-9, 2010 has been designated National Migration Week. For ways to get involved, please click here. More
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| The Viatorian Community of associates, brothers, and priests wishes you a Blessed Christmas. More
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| Bishop J. Peter Sartain, Bishop of Joliet, installed Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV, as the twenty-first pastor of St. George parish in St. George, Illinois on December 19, 2009. More
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| Viatorians support compassionate comprehensive immigration reform. Members of the province supported and participated in the December 18th, 2009 prayer vigil at Broadview Detention Center, where undocumented persons are detained before being sent to McHenry County Jail to await deportation hearings. More
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| The Viatorian Community recently served as a co-sponsor of two important local events in the northwest suburbs of Chicago that deal with torture and the War in Afghanistan. On December 18th, 2009, members of the province attended the screening of Rethink Afghanistan, a documentary that focuses on the key issues surrounding the current war in Afghanistan sponsored by the United States, at the Arlington Heights public library. More
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| Saint Viator High School students raised funds during their second annual Rock for Darfur concert on December 12th, 2009 for Darfuri refugees living in Chad.
Proceeds will go to a school in a Darfur refugee camp in the African nation of Chad. More
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| Students from Saint Martin de Porres High School and Saint Viator High School tackle the issues of prejudice, racism, and white privilege during a retreat on December 3rd-4th, 2009. Activities, group discussions, prayer, and talks centered on these controversial topics which led to frank discussions and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. More
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| I regret to inform you of the death of Fr. William Carpenter, CSV, who died Sunday, December 6th. More
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| Closing the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay “will contribute significantly to the task of ending U.S. sponsored torture”. More
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| Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV, Professor of Management-Emeritus, DePaul University, is co-editor of Entrepreneurship: Values and Responsibilities which was released in early November 2009 by Transaction Publisher, the academic press of Rutgers University. This book is Volume 17 in a series of International Annuals of Practical Philosophy and Methodology sponsored by the European Society of Praxiology. Br. Ryan previously edited Human Action in Business, Volume 5 (1996), Business Students Focus on Ethics, Volume 8, (2000), and Praxiology and Pragmatism, Volume 10, (2002) in the series.
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| Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, traveled to Cali, Colombia last August to learn from native communities about their struggle for basic human rights. He has recently written an article to share what he experienced. More
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| On November 2, 2009, the Clerics of St. Viator (Viatorians) and Saint Viator High School hosted Paul Rusesabagina whose heroic actions were the basis for the film Hotel Rwanda. Over 1300 people listened to Mr. Rusesabagina’s account of the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994. Read More
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| Members of the Viatorian Community who live and/or work at the Viatorian province center in Arlington, Illinois Heights gathered for a special All Souls Day Mass held in the province center chapel. During the Mass, the intentions of friends and benefactors of the community were remembered. The prayer intentions were written in a book of prayer that was placed in the sanctuary during the Mass.
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| On October 29th, 2009, the provincial chapter of the Clerics of St. Viator (Viatorians) unanimously endorsed a letter of support of U.S. congregations of women religious. Read More
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| Members of the Province of Chicago celebrated the Feast of St. Viator with community Mass and dinners on October 21st, 2009. Read More
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| St. Martin de Porres High School celebrated its fifth anniversary. Read More
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| Br. Daniel Lydon, Director of Vocations, and members of the vocation ministry team, Associate Karen Cutler, Br. Moses Mesh, and Br. Jason Nesbit, staffed a vocation booth at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Festival of Faith at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois October 16th-17th, 2009. The festival, which drew over 7,000 participants, offered workshops and seminars on various aspects of the Catholic faith. The Viatorian vocation team was able to spend time speaking with a number of people about vocations to religious life and the ministry of the Viatorian Community.
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| Eight associates made their first commitment as associates for a period of two years and eight associates renewed their commitments for a period of five years in Las Vegas, NV on September 9, 2009. Read More
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On September 6, 2009, the Viatorian Community welcomed Br. Daniel Lydon into the novitiate during a Mass at the Viatorian Province Center. Read More |
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Nearly 100 associate and professed Viatorians gathered in Vourles, France to commemorate 150th Anniversary of the death of Fr. Louis Querbes on September 1, 2009. Read More |
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| Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, CSV, receives an Excellence in Education award in Lima, Peru. Read More
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| Saint Viator High School institutes the Father Louis Querbes Scholars Program. Read More
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| Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, visits Colombia with Witness For Peace. Read More
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Congratulations to Br. Daniel Tripamer, CSV, who earned an M.A. in Mathematics Education on August 6, 2009, from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Br. Tripamer is in his ninth year of teaching mathematics and coaching at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL. |
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| Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, is installed as the new pastor of St. Viator parish. Read More
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Catholic Men’s Religious Superiors are called to recommit themselves “to do all for the sake of the Gospel.” Read More
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Seven Viatorians celebrate their jubilees this year. All but Fr. Donald Huntimer were able to be present for the community celebration which took place on July 8, 2009 during the provincial assembly in Arlington Heights.
To read more about each jubilarian, please click on his photo.
Fr. Robert Erickson, CSV, preached the homily at the jubilarian Mass that was held at Saint Viator High School Alumni Chapel. Read More
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Fr. George Auger, CSV |
Fr. Thomas Wise, CSV |
Br. John Dodd, CSV |
Fr. Robert Erickson, CSV |
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Fr. Donald Huntimer, CSV |
Fr. Eugene Weitzel, CSV |
Fr. Kenneth Yarno, CSV |
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Eighty-two Viatorian associates, brothers, priests, and collaborators from Viatorian institutions in Belize and the United States gathered for the annual Viatorian assembly held at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, IL July 7-9, 2009. Read More
  On July 7, 2009, Br. Daniel J. Tripamer renewed his vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience during Morning Prayer at Saint Viator High School Alumni Chapel during the Viatorian Community’s annual assembly. Br. Tripamer, who teaches mathematics and coaches tennis at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL, entered the novitiate in 2002 and professed his first vows in 2003. Br. Tripamer is spending his summer break completing work on an M.A. in Mathematics Education from DePaul University in Chicago, IL.
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Seven men and women made commitments as Viatorian associates during a special liturgy on July 7, 2009.
Read more. |
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  During a June 28, 2009 Mass, filled with emotion, ten Ivorian Viatorians professed temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience held at Our Lady of Nazareth Chapel at the Viatorian retreat center in Bouake, Ivory Coast. Eight of the newly professed will continue their studies at the university level in Abidjan, one will teach at College Saint Viateur in Bouake, and another will study French at the university level in Togo. The Viatorians of the Province of Chicago, who partner with the Viatorians of the Foundation of the Ivory Coast by providing funding for the education and formation of its young members, share in the joy of their African confreres. |
In an attempt to better make known the vision and mission of the Founder of the Clerics of St. Viator, Fr. Louis Querbes, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his death, an English translation of Louis Querbes and the Catechists of Saint Viator was published by the Province of Chicago Querbes Commission on June 15, 2009. A copy can be obtained by contacting Faith Dussman at (847) 637-2126. The original version, written in French by Br. Robert Bonnafous, CSV, was published in France in 1993. |
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Br. Frank Enciso, CSV, received the Ministry of Lector and the Ministry of Acolyte during a liturgy at which Fr. Mark Francis and Fr. Thomas von Behren presided. Both ministries, formerly known as minor orders, are required of a person seeking ordination to the priesthood. Br. Enciso is currently teaching theology at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, Colombia. |
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| Congratulations to the students in last year’s Saint Viator High School’s Advanced Placement U.S. History course whose articles on veterans of WWII living in Arlington Heights were recently published in Arlington Heights’ Greatest Generation, a project sponsored by The Peoples’ Bank of Arlington Heights, IL.The work of the students was supervised by Mr. William Pirman and Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV. Among those highlighted in the book is Br. Leo Ryan, CSV, who served in the U.S. Army, 1945-1947.
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 Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV, from the Province of Canada, preached the annual Viatorian retreat at the province center in Arlington Heights June 7th-12th. Through an in-depth study of Luke 24:13-35, Fr. Ambeault examined what it means for Viatorians to be catechists in the 21st century. In his presentations, Fr. Ambeault stressed that today’s catechist, in her/his encounters with others, must be willing to risk being welcomed by others where they are at in their faith journey. |
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 The Lord’s Prayer for Justice Read more.
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To promote Torture Awareness Month (June), the Viatorian Provincial Council of the Province of Chicago, endorsed National Religious Campaign Against Torture’s statement, U.S. Sponsored Torture: A Call for a Commission of Inquiry at its meeting on June 4, 2009. Although President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order halting torture on January 22, 2009, it is important to ensure that U.S. sponsored torture never happens again by putting into place safeguards to prevent its reoccurrence. Knowing who was tortured, why they were tortured, and who ordered the torture, will help determine the appropriate safeguards.
Read NRCAT's statement here. | Read the Viatorian Provincial Council’s resolution here.
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 Several young people, who graduated from high school in May, joined Viatorian associates, brothers, and priests on May 27, 2009 for an afternoon of reflection at the Viatorian province center. They spent time together focusing on the challenge of living their faith in college. The students came from St. Patrick and Maternity BVM parishes and Saint Viator High School. All have been ministry leaders as high school students. The retreat included presentations, small group discussions, Eucharist, and a meal which allowed the graduates to meet each other and think about the challenges that await them in college. |
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  On May 26, 2009, the new Viatorian Provincial Council of the Province of Chicago was installed during a liturgy held at Saint Viator High School Alumni Chapel in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, received the profession of faith of Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV, who was reelected to a second term as provincial. Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, (reelected) was installed as assistant provincial. Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, (appointed), Fr. William Carpenter, CSV, (elected), and Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, (appointed) were installed as councilors. |
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  Students from St. Martin de Porres High School (Waukegan, IL) and Saint Viator High School (Arlington Heights, IL) joined with Viatorians and others at the Viatorian province center for Taize prayer on May 13, 2009. The students enjoyed taking time from their busy schedules of study and work to spend time in song, prayer, and quiet reflection. |
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 Fr. Thomas Pisors, CSV, died peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2009. He taught for forty-four years in Springfield, Illinois before retiring to the Viatorian province center in 2006.
Please click here for an article on the life of Fr. Pisors
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Saint Viator High School honored Fr. Charles G. Bolser, CSV, at its annual Night of the Lion on April 25, 2009. Fr. Bolser, who served as president from 1986-1998, was recognized for his vision and leadership that began the transition to the Blue Ribbon School that Saint Viator High School is today. “His ‘kids come first’ approach endeared him to countless students and parents.”
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Viatorians gathered on April 21, 2009 to elect leadership for the next the four years. Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV, was reelected as provincial. Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, was reelected as councilor. He will serve as assistant provincial. Fr. William Carpenter, CSV, was elected councilor. After consultation with Br. Gosch and Fr. Carpenter, Fr. von Behren appointed Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, and Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, as councilors. The new council will take office May 26, 2009.
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  Encouraging the next generation to take a stand on behalf of those without a voice, students at Saint Viator High School continue to raise awareness about a number of issues through the Student Action Tribe. Concerned about the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan, students designated March 31-April 5, 2009 as Save Darfur Week. They painted www.SaveDarfur.org on more than 150 rear windshields of cars belonging to students and teachers who were willing to be a “rolling demonstrator” for the week. Accompanied by Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, they took part in the April 19th Youth United for Darfur rally at the Federal Plaza in Chicago where they listened to speakers from Sudan, wrote postcards to President Obama encouraging him to do more to end the genocide, and sent video messages to Sudanese teens living in refugee camps. For additional information on the rally, please visit www.youthunitedfordarfur.org
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| On April 22, 2009, the Catholic Climate Covenant will be launched. view document
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Pax Christi: It is Time to End the Trail of Resentment and Hatred in Afghanistan
Taken from the J/P Alert from CMSM - April 2009
Read the full statement
Access to Water: A Human Right or a Human Need?
Taken from the J/P Alert from CMSM - April 2009
Entire article available here
Vatican speaking for voiceless global poor (National Catholic Reporter)
Taken from the J/P Alert from CMSM - April 2009
Entire article available here
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Catholics Confront Global Poverty, an initiative launched by Catholic Relief Services and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is a nationwide effort that “calls upon one million Catholics to confront global poverty by defending the life and dignity of people living in poverty throughout the world.” Please consider getting involved by visiting www.usccb.org/globalpoverty
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During the first week of March 2009, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) released a statement calling for an impartial, nonpartisan, and independent "Commission of Inquiry" to investigate U.S.-sponsored torture policies and practices. statement | sign your support |
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| On February 20th 2009, The World Day of Social Justice is being observed for the first time since its unanimous adoption of the United Nations by its 192 member states during its November 2007 General Assembly.
Please feel free to use this prayer to commemorate this important date. view prayer
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The Foundation of Colombia welcomed three pre-novices in a ceremony January 18, 2009 held at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá. Oscar Javier Gutiérrez is studying communications and journalism at La Universidad de Los Libertadores while working at the National Federation of Merchants. Yuri Albert Mora is studying philosophy at La Universidad Minuto De Dios in addition to working as an administrative assistant at Colegio San Viator. Yerhys Leonardo Obregón is also studying philosophy. He is a student at La Universidad Santo Tomas. Welcome Oscar, Yuri, and Yerhys. |
Yuri |
Oscar |
Yerhys |
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Winter 2009 at the Province Center |
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  Br. Edwin Ruiz, CSV, and Br. Daniel Villalobos, CSV, professed temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience during a Mass held in the chapel at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, Colombia on January 17, 2009. Fr. William Carpenter, CSV, received their vows as delegate for Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, superior general of the community. Family, friends, and Viatorians filled the chapel to witness the commitment made by Br. Ruiz and Br. Villalobos. Please remember them in your prayers as they continue their journey in religious life. |
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In early January, Br. Carlos Diaz, Br. Carlos Arturo Romero, and Br. Jorge Vargas left Colombia to enter the Viatorian novitiate in Santiago, Chile. Their year of study will include the Viatorian charism, Viatorian spirituality, Viatorian history, and the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Please remember them in your prayers as they enter into this period of discernment. |
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 On January 1, Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, Br. John Eustice, CSV, Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, and Br. Jason Nesbit, CSV, participated in Camp Hope’s vigil three blocks from President-Elect Barack Obama’s Chicago home. The vigil, which lasted until January 19, was organized to congratulate the newly elected president as well as to encourage him to make good on his campaign promises involving the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, global climate change, nuclear weapons, Guantanamo Prison, torture, immigrant rights, the housing crisis, and universal health care. For more information, please visit www.camphome2009.org. |
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| A Prayer For America view prayer
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Fr. Luis Eduardo Lopez, CSV, was elected the second Superior of the Foundation of Colombia on December 5, 2008 during a regional meeting facilitated by Viatorian Provincial Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV. Fr. Lopez will oversee the community and ministry of the Colombian Viatorians at Colegio San Viator, Parroquia San Basilio Magno, and Parroquia San Juan Maria Vianney, all located in Bogotá. Fr. Edgar Suarez, CSV, was elected as a councilor. |
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Br. Gustavo Lopez, CSV, received the Ministry of Lector during a liturgy celebrated in Bogotá, Colombia at Colegio San Viator on December 5, 2008. Br. Lopez is studying theology, with a view toward ordination, at Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá and assisting at Parroquia San Basilio Magno.
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At its December 3, 2008 monthly meeting, the provincial council of the Clerics of St. Viator endorsed the Declaration of Principles for a Presidential Executive Order on Prisoner Treatment, Torture and Cruelty. For a copy of the declaration, please visit www.nrcat.org. |
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| Advent Prayer for Immigrants click to view
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Br. Moses Mesh, CSV, and Br. Jason Nesbit, CSV, received the Ministry of Acolyte during a liturgy celebrated at Querbes House in Chicago, Illinois on November 21, 2008. Br. Mesh and Br. Nesbit are currently studying theology, with a view toward ordination, at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
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Taize prayer, held the second Wednesday of every month at the Viatorian province center, continues to attract both the young and not so young. Over seventy people filled the chapel for an hour of song and prayer on November 12, 2008.
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National Religious Campaign Against Torture National Day of Witness NRCAT Link
Religious Community Holds "National Day of Witness;" leaders Urge President-Elect Obama to Make Executive Order Banning Torture One of His First Official Acts.
Representatives from dozens of congregations conduct public witness in front of White House while more than 50 delegations of religious leaders descend on congressional offices around the country.
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Fall 2008 at the Province Center
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Viatorian associates and professed religious gathered to celebrate St. Viator Day on October 21. Celebrations were held in Belize, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Haiti, Honduras, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Peru, Spain, Taiwan, and the United States.
Over forty Viatorians traveled to the province center in Arlington Heights, Illinois to commemorate the patron of the Viatorian Community with a special prayer service followed by a meal.
Viatorians in the U.S. held similar events in Bourbonnais, IL and Las Vegas, NV. |
      
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| Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, recently participated in a Witness for Peace delegation to Colombia. Please read his reflection on his ten day experience. view
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 Congratulations to the students, staff, faculty, and administration of Saint Viator High School. SVHS was named by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2008 No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon School. Of the 29,000 private schools across the county, only fifty are being recognized this year. Saint Viator High School is one of only three private high schools in the country to be named a Blue Ribbon School. This Blue Ribbon award recognizes Saint Viator High School’s on-going commitment to the academic, spiritual and emotional growth of its students by providing the curriculum, technology, facilities and programs students need to succeed in an ever-changing world. For more information about SVHS, please visit www.saintviator.com. |
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Fabián Pedraza entered the pre-novitiate program on September 9th at Querbes House in Chicago, IL. Fabian will spend the year discerning religious life and studying at DePaul University in Chicago. Bienvenido Fabián.
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  The Viatorian Community gathered on September 8th in Arlington Heights,Belize, and Las Vegas to welcome pre-associates who will begin a year of discerning their call as lay Viatorians. Patrick and Sharon Mahoney and Joan Sweeney were welcomed in Arlington Heights. Abda Deusbury, Gregorio and Leonor Itzab, Ellen Palma, Dorothy Lopez, Gabriel Lizama, Marceli Tzul, and Vanessa and Jorge Romero were welcomed  in  Belize. William Bumar, Jeanne Craig, Juliann Dwyer, Richard Hofacker, Kim Martinez, Bridget Moore, and Marion Roos were welcomed in Las Vegas. |
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Associates John Berger, Joseph and Marlene Caprio, Connie Gerber, Paula and Thomas Hannon, Daniel and Mary Jane Miller, Maggie Saunders and Kathy and Michael Underwood of the Henderson/Las Vegas region renewed their commitments as associates for a period of three years during a prayer service led by Fr. Alan Syslo on September 8th.
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 The Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) Joint Resolution on Climate Change view
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  Standing in front of an overflowing crowd of family, friends, parishioners, and fellow Viatorians, Br. Moses Mesh, CSV professed his perpetual vows at St. Francis Xavier Church in Corozal Town, Belize on August 9. After professing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, he received his Viatorian ring symbolizing his permanent commitment to the Clerics of St. Viator.  A teacher by profession, Br. Mesh is currently studying theology with a view toward ordination at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He looks forward to the day when he will return to ministry in Belize. |
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During this election year, several Catholic organizations are supporting Faith Can Move Mountains: Vote the Common Good, a campaign that emphasizes the common good over partisan politics. Individual Viatorians have joined the campaign. For more information, please visit www.votethecommongood.com. |
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| The National Religious Campaign Against Torture is gathering signatures of its Declaration of Principles calling for an executive order to ban torture. Please click here to learn more.
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  Viatorians from Belize, Colombia, and the United States gathered July 7-10 in Arlington Heights for their annual assembly. The assembly focused on holistic health. Psychologists, medical doctors, and spiritual directors offered presentations on psychological, physical, and spiritual health. Three special liturgies celebrating significant events in the community also took place. On July 7, members of the community witnessed the profession of final vows made by Br. John Eustice and Br. Jason Nesbit. Br. Nesbit is studying for his Master of Divinity at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Br. Eustice is a campus minister at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights. On July 8, Daniel Lydon and David and Susan Surprenant renewed their commitments as associates for period of three years. Donald Abrahamian, Michael and Susan Bourgeois, Francis Chamness, Karen Cutler, Joseph Majkowski, Euchrist Marcotte, and Geraldine Roller renewed their commitments as associates for a period of five years. |
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70 Years of Religious Life: Rev. John C. Puisis, CSV - Sept. 9, 1938
60 years of Religious Life: Rev. Arnold E. Perham, CSV – Aug. 15, 1948
50 Years of Religious Life: Rev. John A. Pisors, CSV – Sept. 8, 1958
50 Years of Religious Life: Rev. Alan M. Syslo, CSV – Sept. 8, 1958
25 Years of Religious Life: Rev. Christopher Glancy, CSV – July 16, 1983
25 Years of Priesthood: Rev. Daniel T. Nolan, CSV – April 23, 1983
25 Years of Priesthood: Rev. John N. Peeters, CSV – April 30, 2008
25 Years of Priesthood: Rev. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV – April 30, 1983 |
For more information on jubilarians celebrating anniversaries of religious life, please see the Winter 2008 newsletter. view
For more information on jubilarians celebrating anniversaries of priesthood, please see the Spring 2008 newsletter.view
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  During a June visit to San Victor Village in the Viatorian Foundation of Belize, Br. Rob Robertson and Fr. Thomas von Behren had a chance to visit several school children. San Victor is one of several villages where Viatorians minister.
For more information, please click on Support Our Ministries. |
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 Youth from Viatorian institutions: St. Viator High School (Arlington Heights, IL); St. Viator Parish (Las Vegas, NV); Maternity BVM Parish (Bourbonnais, IL); St. Patrick Parish (Kankakee, IL); St. Francis Xavier Parish (Corozal Town, Belize) traveled together to the One Bread One Cup liturgical leadership conference held at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana June 27-July 1 . Adult participants included Fr. Daniel Belanger, Br. John Eustice, Br. Jason Nesbit, Associates Michelle and Ken Barrie as well as youth ministers Patty Bailey, Rosy Hartz and Sr. Rosa Moralez. For more information on the conference, please visit http://oboc.saintmeinrad.edu. |
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  Br. Gustavo López Cubillos, CSV professed his final vows during a Mass held at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, Colombia on June 28. Several Viatorians, friends, and family members attended this special event. Br. Lopez, who has a degree in computer engineering, is currently studying theology at Universidad Javeriana and teaching catechetical classes at Parroquia San Basilio Magno in Bogotá. |
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Associates Cathy (and Emma) Abrahamian, Lynda Connor and Daniel Lydon attended the first Chicago Area Intercommunity Day of Reflection Saturday, June 7. The day was hosted by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago and held at their Motherhouse in Lemont, Illinois. Dan Lydon presented the morning session “Elements of Prayer” and Deborah Scerbicke, Dean at Saint Viator High School, presented “Components of Prayer” in the afternoon. The day was a joint project of the Franciscan and Viatorian Communities.
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 Thirty-two students comprised the first four-year graduating class of St. Martin de Porres High School www.smdpwaukegan.org in Waukegan, Illinois. SMdP, a school endorsed by the Clerics of St. Viator, is part of the Cristo Rey Network President Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV awarded diplomas to the students during a Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Waukegan on June 7. Three Viatorians minister at SMdP. |
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  During the month of June, Viatorians are participating in the National Religious Campaign Against Torture’s Banners Across America project by displaying a banner at the entrance of their province center in Arlington Heights that reads, The Viatorian Community says Torture is a Moral Issue. For more information about this project, please visit, www.nrcat.org. |
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  Associate Daniel Lydon represented the Viatorian Community at the 2008 NACAR Conference May 30-June 1 held in Vienna, Virginia. Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ, known for her work to abolish the death penalty, was the keynote speaker. Nearly 500 associates from 79 communities were challenged to “proclaim the vision” striving always to be true to the founding charisms of their communities. A particularly stimulating session was PHJC Sr. Kate Kuenstler’s talk:” Associates as Revitalized Charismatic Expression of the Laity.” Entertainment at the banquet was provided by “Earth Mama” (Joyce Johnson Rouse) whose ministry is to “heal the earth one song at a time.” |
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  Recent high school graduates from St. Viator High School, Maternity BVM Parish, and St. George Parish gathered on May 28 at the Viatorian province center for a mini-retreat on Catholic leadership at the college level, a Mass, and a special dinner. The twenty-six graduates, who have been active leaders in ministry, discussed the challenges they will face as young adult Catholic leaders in college. |
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 On May 18, St. Viator High School www.saintviator.com held its 45th graduation ceremony in Arlington Heights, Illinois. President Fr. Robert M. (Mick) Egan, CSV awarded diplomas to 264 students. Ten Viatorian associates, brothers, and priests minister at SVHS. |
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  Br. Fredy Santos, CSV was ordained a transitional deacon at Parroquia San Juan Maria Vianney in Bogotá, Colombia on April 26, 2008. Br. Santos will serve his diaconate year at the parish as well as at nearby Colegio San Viator. |
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Spring 2008 at the Province Center
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 Viatorians are participating in Days of Prayer and Action for the people of Colombia April 27-28. The day of action includes a post card campaign to U.S. representatives, encouraging them to support peace in Colombia by increasing humanitarian aid to victims of violence, ending military aid, ending aerial fumigations, and promoting a negotiated settlement to the conflict. For more information, please visit www.peaceincolombia.org Currently, 12 Viatorians live and study and/or minister in five local communities in Bogotá, Colombia. |
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 Viatorians in the Arlington Heights/Chicago region gathered on Holy Thursday to celebrate Mass at the province center chapel. Fr. Thomas von Behren presided at the liturgy. Fr. George Auger offered the homily.
View Fr. Auger's Homily - Eucharist, Priesthood, Washing Feet
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 Viatorians and students from St. Viator High School joined the Sisters of the Living Word and area residents for a vigil commemorating the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq. During the vigil, Iraqis and U.S. civilians and military personnel who have been killed, were remembered. The vigil was co-sponsored by the Viatorian Community. |
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 On March March 10, Associates Herculana Bastarachea, Ayonie Briceno, Desideria and Rafael Cob, Glenda Francis, Juanita Jimenez, Haydee and Francisco Magana, Esteban Pasos, and Sylvia Vargas renewed their commitment as Viatorian associates for a period of three years. The ceremony took place at St. Francis Xavier Church in Corozal District, Belize. Superior General Fr. Mark Francis, who was making his official visitation of the Foundation of Belize, presided at the recommitment Mass. Also in attendance were Fr. Daniel Belanger, Fr. Christopher Glancy, and General Councilor Fr. Alain Ambeault. |
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 The
Viatorian Community of Bourbonnais-Kankakee held an
evening for young people on the theme of vocation and
call. Associates Ken
and Michelle Barrie chaired the committee
that planned the event. Other Viatorians involved in
the evening were: Associates Mike and Susan
Bourgeois, Marilyn Mulcahy, Mary Finks, John Ohlendorf,
David Surprenant, Dan Lydon, Fr. John Peeters, Fr. Corey
Brost, Br. Jason Nesbit and Br. John Eustice.
The CND community of sisters were also an integral part
of the evening. More than forty young men and women
attended the event.
Please visit www.nrcat.org to send a message to
President Bush to request that he sign, not veto, the
anti-torture provision of the Intelligence Authorization
Bill.
Several Viatorians throughout the province recently
contacted their U.S. senators and representatives urging
them to meet our country's commitment to fighting global
poverty by supporting the Jubilee Act
(H.R. 2634/S. 2166). Jubilee Act calls for the
debt cancellation for up to twenty-five impoverished
countries. For more information, please visit www.jubileeusa.org/measureup
2008 Lenten Reflections written by Viatorians view
  Three
young men attended the annual Vocation Discernment
Weekend February 15-17 at the Province Center in
Arlington Heights. The retreat, hosted by the Viatorian
Vocation Team, had as its theme: The Vow of Chastity:
Radical Witness to a Love-Starved World. A
team of 10 Viatorians shared their stories and
experience as religious men. Fabián Pedraza (West
Palm Beach, Florida), Bill Geis (Las Vegas,
Nevada), and Michael Marshall (Chicago), took
time out of their ordinary routines in order to reflect
on God’s call in their lives. retreat information
On January 11, 2008, Viatorians joined with thousands of
others throughout the United States calling for the
closing of Guantánamo. Fr. Corey Brost, Br. John
Eustice, Br. Michael Gosch and Associate Daniel Lydon
chose the site of the Arlington Heights train station to
call attention to the human rights abuses that have
taken and continue to take place at this military
prison.
    
At its December 12, 2007 meeting, the Viatorian
provincial council voted to divest itself of investments
in corporations that do business with the government of
Sudan in order to put pressure on the Sudanese
government to end the genocide that is taking place.
For more information on the crisis in Darfur, Sudan,
please visit www.SaveDarfur.org
It has been over five years since hundreds of people
have been held at Guantánomo. Many have been
tortured and held in legal limbo without charges or
trials. For more info on closing Guantánamo,
please visit www.tearitdown.org |
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| United
States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ position on the
war in Iraq Statement | Q and A |
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The National Religious Campaign
Against Torture (NRCAT) invites parishes to join 1000
congregations across the country in showing Rory
Kennedy's HBO documentary "Ghosts of Abu Ghraib" during
the week of October 21-28, 2007. This film digs
beneath the headlines to investigate the psychological
and political context in which torture occurred and to
ask critical questions about impact and accountability.
NRCAT provides a free copy of the DVD, along with a
packet of supporting materials, to each of the 1000
congregations participating in this "Spotlight on
Torture" project. For more information, please
visit www.tortureisamoralissue.org |
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 On August 20, Belizeans braced themselves for Hurricane
Dean that was quickly approaching the northern shores of
Belize. 24 hours later, the people of Corozal District, where fifteen Viatorian associates and
professed live and minister, were dealing with the
aftermath of this category five storm. The
Viatorian Community has created a relief fund to help
with the rebuilding of homes and schools and the
purchasing of food, medicine, and school supplies.
Donations are being accepted at The Clerics of St.
Viator, 1212 East Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights,
Illinois, 60004. |
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  The
Viatorian Community gathered July 31-August 2
for the annual Provincial Assembly. This year’s assembly
included the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the
Province of Chicago. The assembly was celebrated in the
Kankakee/Bourbonnais area where the Viatorians began
their ministry in the United States. |
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| The following eight Viatorians celebrated
Jubilees in 2007: |
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 Fr.
Corey Brost, CSV has recently written Gospel
Connections for Teens (Cycle A), published by
St. Mary’s Press. This series of reflections offers
teens an opportunity to prepare for Sunday Mass. Each
reflection contains the Gospel reading for each Sunday
accompanied by insights offered by Fr. Brost.
To order a copy, call toll free (800) 533-8095 or visit www.smp.org | Cycle A | Cycle B | Cycle C
Gospel Connections for Teens (Cycle
B) and Gospel
Connections for Teens (Cycle C) are also
available.
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National Religious Campaign Against Torture
NRCAT Decries President Bush’s Executive Order
Governing CIA Treatment of Detainees Press
Release |
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 Ordination
of Daniel R. Belanger
On June 1, Bishop Joseph A. Pepe of the Diocese of Las
Vegas ordained Daniel R. Belanger at St. Thomas More
parish in Henderson Nevada where he served his diaconate
year. Fr. Belanger presided at a Mass of Thanksgiving on
June 2 at the parish. Congratulations Dan. |
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