Fr. John Eustice, CSV

by | Jul 11, 2017 | Meet a Viatorian

Fr. John Eustice, CSV, gives a vocations talk that is slightly off the beaten path.

Ryan, one of John’s college friends from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, had served in Illinois with the Viatorians for a summer. He asked John to fly out to Chicago and then roadtrip back to Las Vegas in the car he had brought to Illinois. When Ryan came to Midway Airport to pick up John, his car broke down. They got the car towed back to the Viatorian Province Center, where there stayed while the repairs were done.

Fr. John’s ordination to priesthood at St. Thomas More in 2024 gathered a great many Viatorian brothers, priests, and associates to pray and celebrate together.

John grew up attending St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, NV, next to Las Vegas, where he participated in its vibrant Life Teen program and knew Viatorian priests who served as pastors there from its founding in the 1980s until transferring it to the archdiocese in 2019.

John’s family was active at St. Thomas More, and John had a commitment to service, especially through earning the rank of Eagle Scout through Scouting, and becoming active in service with the Catholic Worker. Then, this time at the Province Center showed him how Viatorian religious were average, normal guys who just also happened to be brothers or priests. “They were wearing like t-shirts or polos, cargo shorts, sandals. They even were enjoying a beer,” Fr. John said. “It wasn’t like, ;Hallelujah, I found my home.’ It was more like, ‘Okay, normal people – I never knew that priest and brothers could be that way.”

Fr. John often integrates his love of nature and the outdoors with his accompaniment of youth, such as for these Saint Viator High School spiritual experiences at Starved Rock State Park. Now as a priest, he also celebrate an outdoor Mass with students as he leads the outings.

Over time, these bits mixed and lingered with Fr. John, whose friends then got in touch with Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, who was the vocation director at the time, to recommend John to him. Fr. John discerned for a bit, entered initial formation, and went on to profess first vows in 2005 and perpetual vows in 2008. Fr. John spent 19 years as a religious brother, finding a great fit in the relatability and flexibility of the vocation. While he later discerned God’s invitation to ordained ministry, he is an example of a religious who really sees himself as a brother first, foremost, and always, and now a brother who also celebrates the Sacraments and ministers in priestly roles, too.

In religious life, he has developed a special interest in bringing teens closer to Christ, drawing both on his studies of education as well as his formative experiences as a young person. His Viatorian life has taken him across all parts of the province: stints as a campus minister, vice president for mission, and chaplain at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL; young adult ministry and the transitional diaconate at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bourbonnais, IL; youth ministry and pastoral work in our Foundation of Belize; and theological studies at Loyola University Chicago and Catholic Theological Union.

Fr. John (second from left in front row) with other members of our province’s delegation to the 2012 General Chapter.

For the Viatorian Community, Fr. John has served on the Viatorian Community Council, Provincial Council, and Provincial Chapter in various stints, and he has been elected to attend international gatherings, including the General Chapter in 2012, the General Assembly in 2024, and the Extraordinary General Chapter in 2026. Perhaps his greatest joy has been investing deeply in vocation ministry, serving as the director of vocation ministry for many years, including the present term since summer of 2025.

Looking back over his vocational discernment, Fr. John has an insightful analogy. “It went from a from a ‘hmm’ to ‘umm’ to ‘I think so.’ I had to check this out because this was something that wasn’t going away. You know, when you leave your house and you wonder, ‘Did I leave the garage door open?’, and that thought is with you for the whole day? There’s two things that you can do to check it out: go back and look, or call somebody and ask them to check. Well then, that’s what discernment is. We go back ourselves and look, and we also rely on others who we can ask and check for us as well. And that’s how I’m here as a Viatorian now.”

More on Fr. John from Viatorians.com:

  • Ministry as a Chaplain on Treks and Trails (2026 Viatorian Voices podcast appearance): As an Eagle Scout who deeply values Scouting, Fr. John relishes his opportunities to serve as a chaplain at Philmont Scout Ranch, and reflected on that ministry in this podcast episode.
  • Accompanying Students in Reading the Book of Nature (2026): With Saint Viator High School colleagues, Fr. John leads trips to Starved Rock State Park for hiking as well as prayer and an outdoor Mass.
  • Stories of a Historic Conclave (2026 Viatorian Voices appearance): On the one-year anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV, Fr. John and other Viatorians shared their stories of where they were when the news broke.
  • Vocation Ministers Team Up to Expand Reach and Visibility (2026): Fr. John helped plan a vocation ministry summit at Catholic Theological Union, where over 50 vocation ministers came together for prayer, networking, and brainstorming.
  • Seeking to Accompany Young People in Discernment

    Fr. John celebrates Mass at VYC 2025.

    (2026): Viatorians have become regulars at SEEK, the FOCUS conference for Catholic young adults. This time, it was Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, and Fr. John heading to Columbus, OH.

  • SVHS Hosts Bourbonnais Friends to Rekindle Kairos (2026): Having served multiple stints at both Maternity BVM and Saint Viator HS, it was neat for Fr. John to help host Bourbonnais youth at an SVHS Kairos to help relaunch Kairos in the Bourbonnais parishes.
  • Leading Prayer Out on the Way (2026): Fr. John often assists with Sacraments at many parishes, both to help brother priests and do vocation ministry outreach. In this case, he assisted out in Mesquite, NV, after connecting with the pastor at the archdiocesan conference.
  • FEATURE: Scouting Values and Skills Translate to Church Ministry (2025): Along with Bishop Chris Glancy, CSV, Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, and Associate Paul Hartz, Fr. John reflected on Scouting on how attaining Eagle Scout involves skills and values that help in ministry and service.
  • Fr. John Brings His Hope to Archdiocesan Show (2025): Fr. John appeared on the Dare to Hope show with another guest and the co-hosts to discuss pilgrimage and hope during Advent.

  • Fr. John headed for the hills with Br. Marc-Innocent Prophète, CSV, and Pre-Novice Sal Solis during a trip to Nevada.

    NCYC Youth Hear a Pope Speak Their Language (2025): With other Viatorians and young people, Fr. John heard Pope Leo’s videoconference Q&A and messages at the National Catholic Youth Conference.

  • The Fourth General Assembly Is Underway (2025): Fr. John was one of four elected delegates from the US for this international gathering of Viatorian religious and associates.
  • Pilgrims of Hope in Las Vegas (2025): Viatorian Vocation Ministry maintains a presence at Las Vegas’ archdiocesan conference, and Fr. John was once again on hand an our exhibit table.
  • FEATURE: Preparing Men for Religious Life and Lifelong Growth (2025): Viatorians involved in formation direction helped explain what goes into each step of religious formation and ongoing formation, including Fr. John speaking to the purpose of the pre-novitiate.
  • Fr. John Joins in Unique Pilgrimage for Vocations (2025): At the invitation of a friend who is a Norbertine religious, Fr. John joined the Santa Fe Pilgrimage for Vocations in New Mexico.
  • VYC Puts Divine Love in Motion for Teens (2025): Along with Associate Rosy Hartz, Fr. John helped prepare and support Young Adult Leaders (YALs) for another VYC.
  • Forming Youth in Connecting Discipleship to Liturgy (2025): Working closely with Associate Ann Perez, with support from several Viatorians, Fr. John helped lead Service & Song, and animated the rotating daily thematic focus on the parts of the Mass.
  • FEATURE: MBVM Offers Deacons Supportive Parish and Brothers as Mentors (2025): Fr. John was the first of three straight years of transition deacons at MBVM, which has served as the diaconate placement for many future Viatorian priests.
  • Faith Lived, Deepened, and Celebrated in Creation (2025): With support from Ms. Miskowicz, Fr. John began student trips to Starved Rock in 2025.
  • No Stopping Fr. John Eustice (2025): Fr. John ran one of his many marathons in Baton Rouge, LA, and as usual, raised money to support veterans.
  • Vocation Ministry: Seek and Ye Shall Find

    Fr. John assisted Saint Viator students in preparing the altar for Bishop Timothy O’Malley at an all-school Mass.

    (2025): While Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, was director of vocation ministry, the team decided to start going to SEEK each year, that time in Salt Lake City.

  • My Religious Life in 3 Photos (2025): The Vocation Ministry Team, including Fr. John, made a video series highlighting the fraternity and strength of religious life by talking about a few favorite photos from their years in vows.
  • Four Testimonials about Commitment (2025 Viatorian Voices podcast appearance): Fr. John joined three brothers in reflecting on the progressive discernment around commitment, to religious formation, first vows, and perpetual vows.
  • Meeting Students Where They’re At through College Visits (2024): Follow Fr. John on the road to visit Saint Viator High School alumni and other Viatorian friends on college campuses.
  • Youth Ministry Coordinator Starts in Bourbonnais (2024): As Coordinator of Viatorian Youth Ministry started at St. George and MBVM, Fr. John teamed with other Viatorians to offer her support and orientation.
  • Viatorian Runs 6th Marathon to Support Veterans (2024): Fr. John continued his work with Salute, Inc., running to raise money for vets.
  • Fr. John Eustice Celebrates First Mass Back at SVHS (2024): Following ordination to the priesthood, Fr. John was assigned to Saint Viator High School as chaplain.
  • Fr. John Eustice Offers Mass of Thanksgiving in Bourbonnais (2024): As is customary for newly ordained priests, Fr. John returned to Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where he had served as a transition deacon as well as a previous stint as young adult minister, to offer a Mass of Thanksgiving.
  • A Lively Conversation with Br. John Eustice (2024 Viatorian Voices podcast appearance): On the eve of his ordination, John reflected on religious brotherhood, seminary studies, and priestly formation, and shared some insights from his ongoing formation and discernment.
  • Viatorian Retreat Offers Immersion Experience (2024): With the Vocation Ministry Team, Fr. John helped lead a weekend immersion for young adult men in Las Vegas.
  • Newest Viatorian Priest Is Ordained (2024): Fr. John’s ordination to priesthood took place in June 2024 in Nevada.
  • Joy Is Contagious at CTU Graduation

    During a young men’s immersion retreat, Fr. Jhobany, Fr. John, Br. Peter, Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, and Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, enjoyed a boat outing with the retreat ants..

    (2024): Alongside Associate Kim Martinez and Fr. Jhobany, Fr. John graduated with his master’s in divinity.

  • Addressing Climate Change with Young People (2024): After helping plan a climate summit for high school students, Fr. John – then a deacon – assisted with the closing Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago.
  • Vocation Team Hits the Ground Running (2023): With brothers on the Vocation Ministry Team, Fr. John helped lead a weekend experience for young men in the Bourbonnais-Kankakee region.
  • First Young Adult Men’s Retreat a Success (2023): As Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, took the baton on directing vocation ministry, Fr. John pitched in with a young men’s day retreat at the Province Center.
  • Going the Extra Mile for Veterans (2023): Another look at John’s ministry of running chaplaincy and fundraising for veterans through marathons.
  • Vocation Ministry through Conversations (2023): During the annual Saint Viator HS vocation fair, Fr. John took some time to have small-group chats with visiting students.
  • Br. John Eustice: One Step Closer to Priesthood (2023): In 2023, John was ordained to the diaconate, which in his case was a transitional step in priestly formation.
  • Br. John Reflects on His Term as Hospital Chaplain (2023): For clinical pastoral education in his seminary studies, John served as a hospital chaplain at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL.
  • Meeting People Where They’re At (2022): Working with Associate Dan Masterton in vocation ministry, Fr. John hosted a “Come and Be” weekend at Maternity BVM, where religious women and men simply came to Mass with the Maternity BVM community and spent time socially together afterward.
  • Young People Leading the Way in Liturgy Planning (2022): Fr. John worked with the youth-led liturgy group at Maternity BVM.
  • Maternity BVM Celebrates 175 Years (2022): Fr. John was on hand with fellow Viatorians for then-Bishop Ronald Hicks’ celebration of the big anniversary.
  • Celebrating the Legacy of a Viatorian-Founded Parish (2022 Viatorian Voices podcast appearance): This episode paid tribute to St. Thomas More, a Viatorian-founded parish now administered by the Archdiocese of Las Vegas but where Viatorians still belong and minister on staff. Fr. John appeared alongside staff member Associate Juliann Dwyer and founding pastor Fr. Tom Long, CSV.
  • Let’s Talk About Vocation Ministry (2022): With fellow National Religious Vocations Conference (NRVC) members and staff, Fr. John helped facilitate a virtual orientation and training session for new vocation directors.
  • Go Back in History with Fr. Perham (2022 Viatorian Voices podcast appearance): For an episode of our podcast, Fr. John had an in-depth discussion with the late Fr. Arnold Perham, CSV, a few years before Fr. Arnie passed.
  • Vocation Ministry Goes to a National Audience (2022): When the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) conference resumed in-person in 2022, Fr. John and Dan headed to New Orleans to staff a table and present vocation resources to educators.
  • Students Lead Youth Climate Summit (2022): Fr. John supported students in partnership with the Catholic Climate Covenant to hold this special gathering.
  • This Viatorian Tradition Continues (2022): Another vocation fair at Saint Viator HS!
  • Viatorian Past, Present, and Future (2022 Viatorian Voices podcast appearance): Fr. John interviewed Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, on what makes the Viatorians distinct and effective, each in our past, our present, and our future.
  • Paying it Forward at CTU (2022): During seminary coursework at CTU, Fr. John had the chance to take a liturgy class with his own brother and preeminent liturgy scholar, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, teaching.
  • Vocation Ministry Spreads the Joy of Religious Life (2021): Fr. John took part in vocation circles, chatting and holding Q&A with small groups of Saint Viator HS students in their theology classes.
  • Vocation Ministry Takes a Road Trip (2021): Fr. John brought a similar message on the road to Las Vegas and our ministries in Nevada.
  • Podcast Features Three Viatorian Brothers (2021 Viatorian Voices podcast appearance): With Br. Peter and then-Br. Ryan McMahon (who later withdrew from novitiate), the episode covers discernment basics and tips with examples from their own lives.
  • VYConnect Returns, Drawing Together Youth from Different Institutions (2021): With COVID limiting social gatherings, this virtual youth event helped maintain some of the mission of the Viatorian Youth Congress.
  • Another Successful Food Drive (2021): Along with Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, and Viator House participants, Fr. John brought Saint Viator HS students to Cristo Rey St. Martin, who used its parking lot as a pop-up food distribution site.
  • Peaceful Vigil Encourages Voting (2020): With fellow Viatorians, Fr. John demonstrated on Euclid Ave. in support of voters and voter turnout for the November election.
  • First VYConnect Resonates with Teens (2020); When the province had to cancel VYC 2020, Fr. John led a group in pivoting to a virtual format for teens who would’ve gone to VYC that year.
  • Adapting Mass with the Help of Young Adults (2020): With churches unable to host congregations during social distancing, Fr. John organized celebrants for live-streamed Mass with young adults attending, coordinating ministers and post-Mass faith-sharing.
  • Partnering with Local Faith Communities to Feed Hungry (2020): The early days of the pandemic hit people experiencing homelessness and hunger especially hard, so Viatorians pitched in with donations of money, lodging, and meals, with Fr. John among the delivery men.
  • Keeping Up with the Vocation Ministry Team (2020): With support from Associates Ken and Michelle Barrie, Fr. John and Dan made some vocation visits to Bishop McNamara high school students.
  • Coordinator of Vocation Ministry Named (2017): John has served multiple stints in vocation ministry, including this period that started in 2017.

Updated by Associate Dan Masterton on July 9, 2026.