Last week, the Cristo Rey St. Viator junior class gathered for its annual retreat at St. Viator Catholic Community.
Part of the group provided music ministry in church during the retreat.
Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, Director of Catholic and Viatorian Identity, collaborated with CRSV Campus Ministry to plan their day of prayer, reflection, and discussion on the theme “Strength in Christ,” including an activity to reflect on growing from repentance and ashes in our Lenten observance and into actions that live out our faith. “We are grateful for the openness and prayerful spirit our juniors brought to this day, making it a truly beautiful and memorable experience,” Br. Carlos said.
Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, celebrated Mass for the group – he was CRSV Founding President and now serves as Interim Pastor for St. Viator. “In his homily, reflecting on the Transfiguration of the Lord, Fr. Tom spoke about the journey of transformation that our students experience during their time at Cristo Rey St. Viator. Just as the disciples witnessed Christ’s glory on the mountain, our students also grow and change through their experiences of learning, faith, and community,” Br. Carlos said.
Fr. Tom addresses the group during a session in the parish center.
This experience is part of the school’s four-year arc of retreats to provide faith formation to students that progresses to build year over year. “Encountering Christ” helps freshmen encounter Jesus and gain a sense of belonging and welcome in new relationships at CRSV; “Rooted in Christ” seeks to help faith take off in sophomores and guide their choices and relationships; the juniors find “Strength in Christ”; and seniors have “Trusting in God’s Plan” to reflect on Providence – a favorite piety of Fr. Querbes – and consider their high school experience in light of what comes next in their lives.
“Each retreat prepares students for the next step of their journey, helping them grow together as a community of faith while they are here at Cristo Rey St. Viator, and preparing them to carry the spirit of the Gospel wherever their lives may lead,” Br. Carlos said. “Our retreats create spaces where our students can encounter God, support one another, and discover the deeper meaning of their lives.”
As with CRSV family Mass last month at St. Viator, these faith formation experiences are another way for our Viatorian school and our Viatorian parish to connect and collaborate as our Viatorian Community seeks to walk with young people and form them in faith.