Many Viatorians contributed to September’s Sophomore Day of Reflection, including Fr. John, SVHS Chaplain, and Pre-Associate Patrick McGarry, Theology Department Chairperson.
Viatorians support impactful retreat experiences in our schools and parishes to help young people live and deepen their faith.
At our high schools, retreats are well underway for the year. Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL, has already had a Sophomore Day of Reflection and a Quest retreat, and Cristo Rey St. Viator College Prep in North Las Vegas, NV, brought its freshmen and sophomores on retreat so far.
Here’s a closer look at two retreats from last weekend:
MBVM on its Quest
Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais, IL, held its own Quest retreat last weekend.
“It was a very cool group of leaders – unique, diverse, and incredible. I’m so proud of them,” Amanda Fierce, Coordinator of Viatorian Youth Ministry, said. “These kids were so focused in preparing. They made the small-group rooms so comfortable; one of the directors made treat bags for the participants; they were going above and beyond in many ways.”
Quest concluded with a family brunch back at the parish, following an overnight program 45 minutes north in Frankfort.
The group of 40 even included a few adults who are now chaperoning after going on Quest as teens with former youth minister Patty Bailey. The retreat explores one’s self-understanding and relationships with others and with God, often marked with the shorthand JOY (Jesus-others-you).
By holding it at the Portiuncula Center in Frankfort, IL, Pastor Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, and Parochial Vicar Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, can squeeze the trip up into their busy weekend at the parish. “God bless them – they fit it in after 4:30 Mass and a wedding and a baptism! They love coming to visit and offer Reconciliation, and that’s huge,” Amanda said.
MBVM holds a youth-led liturgy once a month, when young people prepare the Mass and serve liturgical ministries. Sporting their retreat shirts, the Quest group served the 11am Sunday Mass upon their return to MBVM, and Fr. Jason invited a few to the ambo to reflect on their experience. After Mass, the group enjoyed a well-earned brunch. “The participants can bring their parents to the meal, introduce them to friends and leaders, and visit with Fr. Jason and Fr. Moses,” Amanda said. “I hope it’s all a starting point for reengaging people in their lives of faith and the parish.”
Walking with CRSM Freshmen
On Saturday, Cristo Rey St. Martin held its one-day Freshmen Retreat focused on identity, friendship, and faith. (Meanwhile, a handful of upperclassmen were at the Ignatian Family Teach-In in Washington, DC, too!) “This retreat helps freshmen to know more deeply that they are loved by God and called to be instruments of God’s love out into the world,” Director of Campus Ministry Jim Dippold said.
Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, came up from seminary studies in Chicago to join Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, Saint Viator High School Assistant Chaplain, in supporting the CRSM freshmen and junior and senior leaders for the day. Later, Fr. John Eustice, CSV, Director of Vocation Ministry, joined in, and the three presented together on the Viatorians. Some Viatorian Youth Congress alumni also gave witness to the formative Viatorian experience they had.
Br. Peter (top left), Fr. Jhobany (top right), and Fr. John all contributed to the great retreat day at CRSM.
At the end of the day, Fr. Jhobany celebrated family Mass, where freshmen families were invited to join with their students. “I shared a bit of my journey, in both Colombia and the US, and played guitar to help with prayer,” Fr. Jhobany said. “By our accompaniment, we can model for the students that we are people consecrated to live a life of prayer and ministry as a complement to who each of us are.”
“It was wonderful to experience how our Viatorian presence connects with the larger CRSM community,” Br. Peter said. “We also connected with staff, including personal and group conversations about faith and education, discernment and vocation. Our presence continues to be desired and impactful at CRSM.”
Viatorians are an endorsing religious community of CRSM. These three Viatorians have often helped particularly with CRSM retreats over the last several years, in support of Jim and Campus Minister Iris Sanchez, who affirmed their consistent presence alongside the students. “I feel like we belong there with the students,” Fr. John said – he handed out some fresh Viatorian stickers to students as keepsakes. “We aren’t just visitors.”
“It’s always good to have Viatorians with us, supporting students on their spiritual journeys and helping build up the CRSM community where faith is lived, deepened, and celebrated,” Jim said.