Schools across the country celebrated Catholic Schools Week, and for Viatorians and the parishes where they serve, the week underscored their educational mission, of accompanying young people on their faith journey.
Br. Rob Robertson describes his love of being a religious brother.
But this year, Viatorians added a different spin at some of their schools by emphasizing vocations. Students at Cristo Rey St. Viator in Las Vegas heard about being open to God’s call. In a 10-minute video they listened to firsthand testimonies from a variety of Viatorians, including Br. Rob Robertson, Br. Jhobany Orduz, Br. Peter Lamick and Br. John Eustice, as well as Associate Rosy Hartz. Fr. Thomas von Behren and Br. Carlos Florez introduced the video to the students.
“The Viatorians have given me the opportunity to follow my passions,” Br. Lamick says. “And, I also absolutely love living with people who are mission and spiritually-oriented.”
Likewise, Br. Eustice, Director of Vocation Ministry, visited St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove during the week to talk about hearing God’s invitation to religious life. While there, he met with Principal John Fuja, a former teacher at Saint Viator High School and a pair of SVHS alumni on staff, Fr. Dan Whiteside, Pastor, and Deacon Dan Georgen.
Students at St. Viator School in Las Vegas enjoyed their ice cream treat.
At St. Viator School in Las Vegas, students enjoyed special activities every day, including a free dress day and ice cream for lunch on Tuesday. In the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region, Viatorians helped to celebrate Mass, including Fr. Moses Mesh, Fr. Jason Nesbit and Fr. John Peeters.
A similar Mass took place at Saint Viator High School, where Fr. Daniel Lydon, President, took the chance to honor a distinguished alumnus, Dr. John Tracy, O.D., an optometrist who provided eye car for the poor in rural Northern California and in Mexico before he died last year.
No matter how the week was celebrated, its universal theme underscored each day: “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.”
Administrators with the Diocese of Joliet expressed it this way: “It’s the happiest week of the year!”