During an acceptance Mass steeped in tradition, Novice Peter Lamick formally entered the Viatorian Novitiate.
“This is a momentous day for the Clerics of St. Viator — and one that doesn’t happen every day,” said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial. “We are very pleased and excited to bring Peter into the novitiate, formally, and welcome him into the congregation.”
Surrounded by his parents and siblings as well as his new family of Viatorian brothers and priests, Peter signed the novitiate contract, agreeing to dedicate the next year to immersing himself in community life, by living out the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
“It’s a year to deepen yourself spiritually,” Fr. von Behren added, “and begin to personally prepare yourself for your new life when you take your first vows.”
Peter first met the Viatorians when he attended Saint Viator High School and graduated in 2007, before earning his undergraduate degree in history at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.
As a pre-novice, Peter has spent the past year at different Viatorian ministry sites, including pastoral work at parishes in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region and the Henderson/Las Vegas area, as well as in Campus Ministry at Saint Viator High School, and working on peace and justice initiatives at St. Viator Parish in Chicago.
When welcomed by longtime members of the Viatorian Community, Peter said simply: “Thank you. I’m excited.”