Students may enjoy a vacation from school during the summer, but not for the Viatorians. Staying true to their mission of accompanying young people on their faith journeys, many Viatorian led youth ministry camps over the summer for teens. Here’s a sampling of what took place:
Fr. Corey Brost addresses students at the opening of the Service & Song camp
Fr. Corey Brost returned July 16 to host Saint Viator High School’s Service & Song Camp, which drew nearly 150 students, both incoming, current and alumni. At the camp, Fr. Dan Hall, Associate Randy Baker, and Pre-Associate Ann Perez, all helped to lead small groups.
Teens from Kankakee helped residents of Pembroke Township through the Hearts of Hope mission trip
During that same week, Associates Ken and Michelle Barrie led teens to Pembroke on the annual Hearts of Hope Mission, which they started nearly 20 years ago. During the week, the teens helped “those accounted of little importance” living in Pembroke Township and gathered at night for music, prayer and discussion.
A third camp took place that same week, Camp LIGHT, or Living in God’s House Together, at St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, NV. Led by Steve and Amanda Dwyer, nearly 80 teens completed service across the church campus and out in the valley.
Teens from St. Thomas More help refurbish books at a children’s literacy nonprofit in Las Vegas as part of Camp LIGHT
Finally, the Viatorians’ signature program, the Viatorian Youth Congress took place — for the 9th straight year — and once again drew more than 80 high school and college students. Associate Karen Cutler worked with Br. John Eustice to plan the days’ events, but the congress itself was student-driven.
Delegates divided up into small groups at the beginning of VYC
Buddy Miller, from Maternity BVM Parish, was the young adult coordinator, while eight young adult leaders led small groups. Adults who accompanied their teenage delegations included Associates Cathy Abrahamian, Michelle Barrie, Rosy Hartz, Kim Martinez and Hector Obregon-Luna. Fr. Corey Brost rounded out the end of the congress with a presentation about social justice, along with Jason Wilhite, a Saint Viator High School graduate and former VYC delegate.