Fr. Thomas von Behren first met the Viatorians in 1967 when he was a student at Griffin High School in Springfield, IL. His teachers would have a profound effect on him, leading Fr. von Behren to join the community in 1971 and spend the bulk of his 40-plus years in ministry in education and congregational/community leadership.
Fr. von Behren has led Cristo Rey St. Viator since it opened in 2019.
Upon completion of his undergraduate studies at Loyola University of Chicago, Fr. von Behren returned to Griffin High School in 1976 as a novice, where he taught religion. He also spent one year as a teacher at Saint Viator High School (1978-1979), where 20 years later he would return to lead the school as president and principal.
After completing his seminary studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago he was ordained a priest in 1983 at St. Joseph Church in his hometown of Springfield.
Fr. von Behren’s first assignment as a priest was to lead the pastoral ministry department at his alma mater, Griffin High School, from 1983 to 1985. He would serve next as vocation director for the Viatorians for the next seven years (1985-1992) before being assigned as parochial vicar at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Bourbonnais for two years.
From there, Fr. von Behren would begin his service in educational and community leadership, first as president of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas (1993-1999) before returning to Saint Viator High School to serve as president and eventually president/principal (1999-2005).
During his time as Provincial, Fr. von Behren often received religious vows and associate commitments, such as this commitment from Associates Curt and Kathleen Saindon.
During his years at Bishop Gorman High School, Fr. von Behren first served on the Provincial Council, from 1996 to 2000. He was Assistant Provincial from 2001 to 2005, before being elected to three consecutive terms as Provincial Superior, serving twelve years from 2005 to 2017.
Next, Fr. von Behren served as president of the Viatorians’ newest school, Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory in North Las Vegas. He led the effort to open the school, from its conception in 2017 to the selection of Lisa Burkhead as the second president of CRSV and his successor.
In November 2022, he was elected to the Provincial Council by his brothers alongside Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, and he serves as the treasurer of the community. Fr. von Behren lives in Las Vegas, where he continues to be active in the region and assist with sacramental ministry at CRSV and St. Viator Catholic Community.
More on Fr. von Behren from Viatorians.com:
- Cristo Rey St. Viator Comes Together for Family Mass (2024): Fr. von Behren returned to school to celebrate a Mass for CRSV families.
- Calling on the Holy Spirit (2024): Fr. von Behren celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit to help CRSV begin its 2024-25 year in prayer.
- One of Two Directors at the General Chapter (2024): Fr. von Behren’s brothers elected him to the 2024 General Chapter, and upon arrival, his international brothers elected him to direct part of the proceedings.
- Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV Scholarship Created at Cristo Rey St. Viator (2023): Upon his completing his service as CRSV President, a scholarship was created in Fr. von Behren’s name for graduating seniors.
- To Fr. Tom, With Love (2023): The school community created a video tribute to celebrate Fr. von Behren’s service and commitment.
- An Intimate Lunch with Royalty (2023): Fr. von Behren enjoyed one of the the last of many luncheons with students before concluding his time as president of CRSV.
- Making the Sacraments Accessible to All Students (2023): Following sacramental prep with Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, a CRSV student made his first communion with Fr. von Behren at a school Mass.
- Step Inside Cristo Rey St. Viator (2021): Fr. von Behren leads a video tour of the school as they celebrate completed construction of the beautiful CRSV campus.
- Founding a Viatorian School (2021 – Viatorian Voices Podcast): Fr. von Behren and Br. Flórez discuss the origins and beginnings of CRSV with host Jim Mitchell.
- More Associates Join the Viatorian Community (2016): This was one of many occasions when Fr. von Behren received new commitments from associates.
Updated July 8, 2025 by Associate Dan Masterton.