A regular feature of the weekly professional development sessions at Saint Viator High School are presentations about the Viatorian Community, allowing faculty members to further explore the school’s Viatorian mission, vision and values.
That was the case on Tuesday, when Associates Cathy Abrahamian and Karen Cutler shared their vocation stories with the 100 faculty and staff members on hand. They described how they came to know the Viatorians, what drew them to join the community as lay associates and how they carry out the mission in their daily lives.
Each had a unique perspective. Abrahamian has served as administrative assistant to the president of the high school for 20 years, including Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, Fr. Mick Egan, CSV, Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, and now Mr. Brian Liedlich. She has been an associate for 18 years.
Cutler first met the Viatorians in her native Springfield. It was there that she met Fr. von Behren, who asked her to come and work for the Viatorians. She hasn’t looked back and after spending time in Campus Ministry at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, she now serves as coordinator of programs and special events for the Viatorian Community at the Province Center. She has been an associate for 17 years.
Associate Ann Perez planned the session as part of her role as coordinator of adult faith development at the school. She is a relative newcomer to the Viatorian Community, making her first commitment as an associate in 2018, but she works hard to promote the charism.
“During our professional development time, we wanted to remind faculty and staff how we are all called to see the connection between our mission at Saint Viator High School and the mission of the Viatorians,” Perez said.
Their presentation was well received and served as a segue for individual faculty members to share their own stories of how they came to Saint Viator and their hopes for the Viatorian Community. Looking on was Br. John Eustice, CSV, Vice President of Viatorian Identity and Mission for the high school.
“These associates shared their vocation stories with us,” he said, “and encouraged the faculty to be Jesus for others.”