Last week, Cristo Rey Network presidents, principals, work study directors, board members, and leaders gathered in Las Vegas for the 2026 Annual Meeting, hosted by Cristo Rey St. Viator – on its campus, at St. Viator Catholic Community, and at the Rio Hotel and Casino. Viatorians and many partners from Viatorian-led Cristo Rey St. Viator, Viatorian-endorsed Cristo Rey St. Martin, and the Cristo Rey Institute board all attended.
Left to right, Fr. Richard, Fr. Mick, Fr. Dan, Fr. Mark, and Fr. Tom concelebrated Mass at St. Viator for Cristo Rey Network Annual Meeting participants.
“It is amazing that, in our seventh year, we were selected to host,” CRSV Founding President Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, said. “Las Vegas was a draw, but it is also unique that we were the first with a brand-new school, not just a remodeled school. This was a particular honor, and it was wonderful to see a record crowd attend.”
On Wednesday morning, CRSV President Lisa Burkhead addressed the full group, including introducing our school. “Welcoming our colleagues gave us the opportunity to showcase the meaningful work happening in our classrooms every day and to build new connections that will continue to strengthen our shared mission,” Lisa said. “We were especially grateful to hear the kind words shared about our students, teachers, and staff. Our guests experienced firsthand not only the strength of our school community, but also the warmth, generosity, and unmistakable spirit of Las Vegas hospitality.”
Leaders gathered from the 41 network schools, including Associate John Dussman, who serves on the Cristo Rey Institute board, and Associate Jim Thomas, who serves on the CRSM and CRI boards. Participants shared in a day of breakout sessions Wednesday at the Rio.
CRSV students served in liturgical ministries at Mas, including these student altar servers.
In mid-afternoon, they bussed to St. Viator for Mass, celebrated by Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial. Incoming Pastor Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, Pastor Emeritus Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, Fr. Mick Egan, CSV, and Interim Pastor Fr. Tom concelebrated Mass. Fr. Tom preached the homily and invited students up to add reflections. “Three senior students spoke of their Viatorian connection as alumni of the Viatorian Youth Congress and shared their personal connection with Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, and me,” Fr. Tom said.
Br. Carlos, who serves CRSV as Director of Catholic and Viatorian Identity, planned the liturgy. He incorporated many student ministers and relished having many brothers concelebrate Mass, which Lisa, a St. Viator parishioner, called a “special highlight.” “In the liturgy, hospitality, student presence, and conversations, I felt quiet but profound gratitude – for the opportunity to host, for our students who are our best witnesses, and for our faculty and staff whose care and dedication made everything possible,” Br. Carlos said. “The mission entrusted to us is alive, growing, and bearing fruit.”
After Mass, the group headed to Cristo Rey St. Viator. Lisa, Br. Carlos, and school leaders hosted tours of the school by CRSV students, social time and refreshments around campus, and a big dinner. “Our guests stayed for quite a while, sharing insights and learning the mission of Cristo Rey St. Viator and the Viatorians. They enjoyed being in Las Vegas and valued the experience at our school with our students,” Br. Carlos said.
The CRI board held their retreat at St. Viator Catholic Community, directed by Linda (far right).
This big gathering was also an opportunity for the Cristo Rey Institute board to gather. CRI sponsors Cristo Rey Miami, Cristo Rey Orange County, and Cristo Rey Charleston. On Tuesday, before the Annual Meeting, CRI Executive Director Linda Nguyen Ishii, Ed.D, led a retreat at St. Viator Catholic Community for the members of the board, including chairperson Mike Daniels.
“On the theme Abiding in Christ and Choosing Hope in the Call to Leadership, we took time away from daily responsibilities to reflect on the deeper purpose of this work, how to remain rooted in Christ, seeking wisdom in leadership, and living out this mission in the world. We strengthened relationships and renewed a shared sense of purpose,” Linda said. “As always, the Viatorians offered such thoughtful generosity and the warmest welcome.”
“The Cristo Rey Network is the only network of high schools in the country that integrate four years of rigorous college preparatory academics with four years of professional work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program. Comprised of 41 Catholic, career focused, college preparatory schools, the Cristo Rey Network delivers a powerful and innovative approach to education that equips students from families of limited economic means with the knowledge, character, and skills to achieve their aspirations.”
The Viatorians are honored to be part of this network through Cristo Rey St. Viator, Cristo Rey St. Martin, and the Cristo Rey Institute; visit CristoReyNetwork.org to learn more.
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