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:

Updated July 8, 2025 by Associate Dan Masterton.