Parishioners at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas and St. Thomas More in
Fr. Mick Egan, left, and Fr. Richard Rinn, right, traded parishes for one Sunday
Henderson, NV, did a double take earlier this month. That’s because Viatorians at both parishes did a “pulpit exchange,” where they celebrated Mass at one another’s parishes.
Fr. Mick Egan, Fr. Mike Keliher and Fr. Alan Syslo preached at St. Viator, while Fr. Richard Rinn, Fr. Lawrence Lentz and Fr. Bill Haesaert said all the Masses at St. Thomas More.
Fr. Alan Syslo greets parishioners at St. Viator Catholic Community after Mass
“Our Viatorian Community has a long history and commitment to both parishes where we have been blessed to serve and minister,” Fr. Egan said to his parishioners.
“A pulpit exchange is a way to share the gifts and talents of the Viatorians with both parish
Fr. Bill Haesaert loves spreading the gospel with children at his home parish, St. Viator Catholic Community
communities,” he added. “It’s always a positive experience to hear new voices, new experiences and new perspectives and hopefully this pulpit exchange provided that.”
The visiting Viatorians covered all of one another’s regular Sunday Masses, including the Life Teen Mass at St. Thomas More. Fr. Bill Haesaert, CSV, who is a favorite among students at teens at St. Viator Catholic Community, brought his energy to the teens in Henderson — where he proved to be just as popular.
“Our teens really enjoyed the exchange at the Life Teen Mass,” said Amanda Dwyer, co-director of the Life Teen program. “They loved Fr. Bill’s homily — and his overall presence.”