Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, was honored for his 26 years as pastor. St. Viator is now served by Interim Pastor Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, and Parochial Vicar Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV.
The St. Viator School Foundation held its 37th Anniversary Dinner and Auction on Saturday, honoring archdiocesan superintendent Catherine Thompson, parishioners Jenaya and Matt Lisowski (who are also alumni), and retired pastor Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV.
Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, Interim Pastor for St. Viator Catholic Community, introduced his brother for recognition at the gala. “26 continuous years as pastor of St. Viator Church: presiding at Mass, presenting his three-part homilies, marrying hundreds of couples, baptizing hundreds of children, and praying with hundreds of families as they said goodbye to loved ones,” Fr. Tom said.
Before his time as pastor, many remember “Br. Rinn” as a teacher and later an education administrator at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL, and Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. “He was a pastor who lives and expresses the Viatorian roots – an educator. The Viatorian pastor who not only preached but also adopted the role of pastor almost as if his pulpit was his micro-classroom,” Fr. Tom said. “How blessed we were to have a pastor who is also a teacher.”
Fr. Richard could most often be found way in the back during these gala speeches in previous years, preferring to continue spending time with everyone in the crowd than to spend much time in front of it. But this year, Fr. Rinn took the lectern in gratitude for this recognition – and reminded everyone of his preference, which he felt was part of the school’s success.
Viatorians joined in the gathering to support the parish school. Top photo: Associate Paul Hartz, Associate Rosy Hartz, Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, Fr. Larry Lentz, CSV, Associate Romeo Perez, and Associate Deborah Perez. Bottom Photo: Associate Bridget Michlik, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Rosy, and Paul.
“When I came to St. Viator in 1993, I inherited a school with a polished and wonderful reputation, faculty with longevity, and teachers who teach people, all with great support staff. And we’ve been blessed with outstanding leadership,” Fr. Richard said. “My contribution to all of this was to get out of their way!”
As he perennially has done, Fr. Richard turned the spotlight on St. Viator’s Micah Program, which makes it the only fully inclusive Catholic school in Nevada. “The Micah Program is a special program. I knew we were doing something good and special for these children. What I didn’t anticipate is that it does something wonderful also for the rest of our school and our parish. Compassion and empathy are so much a part of our community’s fabric,” Fr. Richard said, closing with a special appeal for Micah Program financial support.
The fundraiser event at the South Point hotel sold out, as the community turned out in strong support of St. Viator Parish School. Many Viatorian religious and associates joined the gathering and helped celebrate Fr. Richard and our Viatorian school.
“Fr. Tom did a wonderful job introducing Fr. Rinn. The Viatorians’ level of commitment and faith to the Las Vegas Catholic community and the mission of Catholic education is deeply moving,” Associate Deborah Perez said. “Sharing 26 years of pastoral leadership is no easy feat, but Fr. Rinn has been a huge inspiration and instrumental in the school’s development and success. The sold-out event was a testament to all the honorees and their dedication to Catholic education.”
Learn more about St. Viator Parish School at stviatorschool.org or on Instagram @StViatorSchoolLV.