Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV, recalls his years as a student as Alleman High School in Rock Island, IL, quite fondly – largely because of his teachers. “Basically, I became a Viatorian because of the example of these Viatorians. I found them to be very welcoming, very open, and very much in touch with what they were doing. They were good teachers and good men.”
Fr. John taught chemistry at Saint Viator High School for 25 years.
Well, Fr. John followed in their footsteps. He began formation after high school and professed first vows in 1960 at the age of 20. He went on to a prolific career of ministry as a teacher and education administrator for Griffin High School in Springfield, IL, Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL, Bishop McNamara Catholic School in Kankakee, IL, and his alma mater Alleman.
“I loved being a teacher,” Fr. John said. “I could walk into school in a bad mood, but in a short time, the energy and liveliness of the students would have me smiling. Knowing that in some way, what I taught helped students make a career choice was always a great reward.”
While on the faculty at Saint Viator, Fr. John became a staple of campus ministry’s retreats, especially Kairos. He remembers how nearly every student at the retreat would go to a priest, usually for lengthy visits. “They needed someone to listen to them and know what they’re going through. Often, they didn’t mention anything that I’d consider a sin. It was just a way to give time to the student that they may never have taken otherwise,” Fr. John said.
He estimated he was on about half of the first 100 Kairos retreats at Saint Viator. In addition to administering Sacraments, he loved being a part of small groups with students. “As a teacher, it gives you a chance to encounter your students in a different way. The students can relate to you on a human level instead of solely as a teacher, and you gain an opportunity to relate to them beyond the classroom and understand more about their lives,” Fr. John added.
Fr. Van Wiel retired in 2013 after 25 years of teaching chemistry at Saint Viator High School. For several years, he remained involved at the school as a volunteer chemistry tutor and also as a member of the board of trustees. “Certainly my life has taken many turns,” Fr. John said, “but I have been blessed in so many ways over the years, and I am grateful to God for the many good things that have been given to me.”
Fr. John celebrated his catch on a Colorado fishing outing in 2015.
Ever a lifelong learner and active person, Fr. John went on to teach himself watercolor painting as an adult, became an avid fishermen, and took to regular nature walks in retirement to enjoy and admire the outdoors. Additionally, in service to his brothers, he trained in formation direction and became a novice director for several brothers, including Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, during his novitiate in 2015.
As a child, John had occasionally mentioned his desire to a priest to his mother and others, and the Viatorians at his high school brought this out of him. “I never wanted to be a parish priest. I didn’t want to preach all the time. I wanted to be a teacher like the Viatorians who taught me,” Fr. John said.
And that’s just what he became.
More on Fr. John from Viatorians.com:
- FEATURE: SVHS Kairos at 100 (2025): Fr. John estimated he had been a small-group adult or celebrant of Sacraments on about half of those first 100 retreats, and he reflected back with gratitude and joy.
- From Fishing to Painting: Fr. John Van Wiel Casts a Wide Net (2023 – Viatorian Voices podcast appearance): Fr. John discusses how he enjoys fishing, how he learned to paint, and the ways these hobbies support his prayer life and religious life.
- Viatorians Help Celebrate Rich History at Alleman High School (2022): Fr. John returned to Alleman, as an alumnus and former administrator, to help celebrate Homecoming Week in a special effort to gather alumni who were clergy.
- Fr. John Van Wiel and His Work Draw a Crowd (2020-2022): A series of stories describes Fr. John’s prolific painting during pandemic restrictions, setting up a gallery in our Province Center meeting room in May 2022, and a June 2022 art show of his paintings.
- This Viatorian Principal Made an Impact (2021): A former student reached out to share some retrospect and gratitude with Fr. John.
- Fr. John Van Wiel Celebrates 60 Years of Religious Life (2020): Fr. John hit the 60th anniversary of his first vows in 1960.
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Fr. John and Br. Peter talk at the service for Br. Peter’s profession of first vows.
Novice Direction Changes with the Times (2016): Fr. John reflected on how the ministry of novitiate direction changed drastically from when he was a novice with the Viatorians decades earlier.
- 50 Years After Ordination (2016): About 50 years after ordination to priesthood, an overview of how Fr. John and his brothers Fr. Alan Syslo, CSV, and Fr. John Pisors, CSV, had gone from starting priesthood together down quite distinct paths in ongoing formation and religious life.
- Viatorian Brother Professes First Vows (2016): After the year of directing him as a novice, Fr. John celebrated Br. Peter’s vow profession.
- Colombia through the Eyes of a Novice (2015) & Fishers of Men (2015): While serving as novice director, Fr. John led Br. Peter on a trip to Colombia and also, back stateside, took him out fishing!
This article was updated by Associate Dan Masterton on October 28, 2026.