Cristo Rey St. Viator held a Family Mass for the school community this past Sunday, and once again, they headed off campus to St. Viator Catholic Community.
Fr. Tom gave a special blessing.
Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, director of Catholic and Viatorian identity, planned the Mass, which wsa attended by about 150 students, parents, family members, and employees from the school. Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, the parish administrator and CRSV’s founding president, celebrated the Mass and preached the homily as our Viatorian parish hosted our Viatorian school.
“Through his warm welcome and personal testimony, Fr. Tom reminded us of the gift of being part of something very special: a community where we are welcomed, valued, and called to walk together in Christ,” Br. Carlos said.
As Viatorians serve the holy altar and form others to serve, too, students ministered as altar servers, lectors, and music ministers, helping to lead the Mass for their community. Additionally, students took part in two special rituals at the Mass.
The seniors of the Class of 2027, alongside their families, received a blessing to mark their final year as students at the school. Then, a torch-passing ritual marked the beginning of a new journey for freshmen as they start down their paths as CRSV students. “Representing the Light of Christ, the torch symbolized our Catholic faith and Viatorian mission being entrusted from one generation to the next. Our seniors encouraged the freshmen to carry that light with faith, courage, love, and service,” Br. Carlos said.
a closer look at the “torch passing” ritual
Over the course of the upcoming year, in addition to their classes and corporate work study placements, students will participate in grade-level retreats, share in all-school liturgies, and take part in service and prayer with the Office of Catholic and Viatorian Identity and Campus Ministry. The Venerable Louis Querbes said, “Zeal is nothing less than divine love set in motion,” and that is Br. Carlos’ prayer for the community.
“This love was in motion during our Family Mass. May Cristo Rey St. Viator continue to be a place where every young person knows: they belong; they are loved; and they are part of something greater in Christ,” Br. Carlos said. “Together, we help one another to know, adore, and love Jesus more each day. Adored and loved be Jesus!”