Viatorian Vocation Ministry went on the road last weekend, and it was worth the trip.
Dan Masterton, left, and Br. John Eustice
Br. John Eustice, director of vocation ministry, and Dan Masterton, assistant vocation minister, headed west to attend the Las Vegas Diocesan Conference, and they drew a whole new audience of people interested in religious life and the work of the Viatorians.
Br. John Eustice meets with visitors at the convention.
The two-day conference took place at the Orleans Hotel and was sold out, with 800 people in attendance. They included people of all ages and cultures, including men, women, catechists, seminarians, professed and lay associates.
“What a beautiful experience of the church alive,” Br. John said.
Associate Rosy Hartz gives a tour of St. Viator Parish.
Bishop George Leo Thomas welcomed the crowd during the opening celebration, when he called the diocese a “sleeping giant” of the church, and Dan agreed, after meeting so many people across the two days.
Associates Kim Martinez and Anthony Gugino stopped by the booth.
“When you get the chance to see the diversity, the strength, and the service of the people in Las Vegas, it’s easy to understand why,” he says. “The area is continuing to grow and build, so it’s exciting that the Viatorians can continue their decades-old parish ministry and also renew their education ministry with the growing student population at Cristo Rey St. Viator.”
Even more Viatorians: (L-R) Associates Jim May, Kathy Underwood, Kim Martinez and Anthony Gugino.
During their visit, Br. John and Dan toured some of the places where Viatorians minister in Las Vegas, including St. Viator Catholic Community and Bishop Gorman High School, started by Viatorians in 1954. They also met the vocation director of the Las Vegas Diocese and some of its 10 seminarians.
“We hope to continue forming our professed men and associates, as well as our wider community, to be good advocates for discernment, ” Dan said, “and companions to those who are considering religious life or priesthood, including for young people in the Las Vegas area.”