As the Viatorian Community prepares to welcome 17 new pre-associates, Viatorian Voices features two of these soon-to-be-new members reflecting on their formation and discernment over the past two years.
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Last summer, Dianne (right) shared in a ministry conference with Saint Viator HS Vice President for Mission Associate Ann Perez (left) and former Cristo Rey St. Viator campus minister Rosie Rinaldo (middle).
Pre-Associate Dianne Marshall worked with Viatorians for a few years at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL. Now, as Director of Faith Formation for Youth and Children at St. Patrick Parish in Lake Forest, IL, she will become another Viatorian who brings our charism to ministry outside our sponsored institutions, thanks in part to pre-association formation.
“Becoming an associate allows me to remain connected to this community that I really value, and it also allows me to bring the Viatorian charism to the work that I do,” Dianne said. “I still very much work with youth and try to empower them to take care of those considered of little importance.”
Pre-Associate Jason Valle got married at St. Viator Church in Las Vegas, and after a few moves and time at other parishes, his family is back at St. Viator. He’s helping with youth ministry there, and Jason also works with teens, teaching broadcast media at Bishop Gorman High School. This common thread of walking with youth became clear to him in formation.
Jason (back middle) took part in the archdiocesan conference last year with many Viatorians from Bishop Gorman and St. Viator Catholic Community and Parish School.
“I realized I’ve worked with kids my whole life. At 18 years old, I became a YMCA youth counselor. I sort of mentored them before I really knew what mentoring was,” Jason said. “Now at St. Viator, I can be there to be a part of it, too. Youth ministry works for me because it gives me an opportunity to talk to more kids, which is fantastic.”
This episode shares more about what goes into these two years of formation, what realizations and insights it yielded for these two, and how it helped them discern to commit as Viatorians.
Dianne discerned a draw to the breadth and reach of the charism, which she can carry and live out her ministry: “After taking some time in prayer and reflection, especially over Holy Week, I really realized that the Viatorians are bigger than just the organizations that they run.”
And Jason echoed a frequent Viatorian inspiration for generous service, especially of young people and people accounted of little importance: “Wherever St. Viator needs me is where I want to be. I see myself being wherever God pulls me. I figure I’ll pay attention, see what God puts in my path, and that’s where I’ll go.”
Listen to Episode 112 and all episodes of Viatorian Voices on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.