Viator Newsletter 2008 Spring

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Viatorian Community

Spring 2008

Volume 13, No. 2

Provincial’s Perspective In this issue of Viator you will discover articles highlighting the life and ministry of the Viatorian Community. It is my hope that as you read through our newsletter, you will join with us in our enthusiasm as we minister to the young, to “those accounted of little importance,” and to those who come to our parishes for worship and nourishment. You will also share in our sadness as you read about two of our brothers, fellow Viatorians, who recently passed from this life into everlasting life. Finally,you will read about three Viatorians who are celebrating milestones in the community.

It strikes me, as I reflect on these “life-moments” highlighted above, that God continues to support us, surprise us, and challenge us as we move day to day in the unfolding of God’s creation. Support, surprise and challenge – these three words often frame one’s life.

Support! We, as Viatorians, have been so very blessed.

We have wonderful, vibrant schools and parishes in which we minister and find life. We work, side by side, with dedicated, professional lay persons as we seek to educate, preach, and serve among the People of God. And, we have a community that connects both professed religious and committed laypersons promoting the vision and charism of Fr. Querbes. The support we have received over the years, in every city and town where Viatorians have ministered, has truly been remarkable. In our daily and community prayer, benefactors and co-workers are remembered in gratitude.

We have been supported, indeed!

Surprise! It has been said that if you want to make God laugh, tell God your plans. This truly has been the story of each Viatorian, and I dare say, every person who has

ever offered a prayer to God. Throughout the years, Viatorians have been surprised over and over again as we discover not our own plans, but the plans of God. In the 1920’s and 1930’s it was thought that St. Viator College in Bourbonnais would be our home and primary focus of ministry for decades to come. Well, as the story goes, the college closed and Viatorians were dispersed, only to discover new life in Springfield and Peoria and Kankakee and Las Vegas (to name just a few of those unexpected surprises). Today we continue to be surprised as we discover new ministries in Colombia, Belize, and Waukegan, Illinois. We have been surprised, indeed!

Challenge! With the decline in the number of vocations and the agonizing departures from long standing ministries, the Viatorian Community continues to embrace the challenges that God presents to us as a religious community. We know that challenges will continue to confront us and, yes, even surprise us. We also know that God will continue to support us. Yet throughout our years, every challenge has been met, and new life has sprung forth. Instead of fearing the future and the challenges that will most assuredly come, it is with faith and confidence that with each new day, God offers life and love. We live with challenge. Even more so, we live with hope.

I close with a prayer of gratitude and with a continued commitment to walk with you as we build the Kingdom of God. In St. Viator and Fr. Querbes,

Rev. Thomas von Behren, CSV Provincial

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The Viatorians greatly appreciate your financial assistance, which helps to sustain our ministries in the United States and overseas. If you would like to assist us, please send your gifts to: Viatorian Development Office 1212 East Euclid Ave. Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-637-2124

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Cathedral on the Strip A question many Las Vegas visitors ask soon after their arrival is for directions to the nearest Catholic church. Very frequently the hotel concierges direct them to Guardian Angel Cathedral. Located approximately twenty yards off the Strip, the modernistic A-frame building provides a dignified worship space.

You can either designate where your gifts will be used or delegate us to distribute the funds where they are most needed.

As a non-profit and tax-exempt organization, the Viatorians are very grateful for your prayers and financial support in “educating for the future.�

For wills and bequests: Clerics of St. Viator an Illinois Corporation

Guardian Angel Cathedral Each weekend over 6,000 tourists and locals gather at the cathedral to participate in one of the well-planned liturgies. Although they come from throughout the world and reflect perhaps every ethnicity, they are present for the same

reason - to experience the Church community and worship God through a liturgical experience.

Every effort is made to enhance the prayerful environment. Upon entering the church, ministers of hospitality greet them.The first announcement is always a warm welcome followed by an invitation to fully participate in the liturgy.

Music is the universal language, and it is spoken with gusto at the cathedral. Well-trained cantors, supported by professional musical ensembles, lead the congregational singing. Both the cathedral and diocesan choirs add special solemnity to two weekend masses. With this strong musical leadership, the congregants readily respond and, the church building comes alive.

Throughout the liturgy, other ministers carry out their functions with equal dedication and

The Nazareth League of Prayers

provides an opportunity to share in the Viatorian prayer life. Prayer requests are inscribed in a special book and then placed in the chapel at the Province Center. When Viatorians gather daily in communal prayer, they specifically remember the intentions of their friends and gratefully thank everyone who has so generously supported the Viatorian ministries.

To participate in the Nazareth League of Prayers, simply list your intentions in the envelope provided and mail them to us. You can also request specific cards by calling 847-637-2124 or online at viatorians.com/prayers.

Fr. Lawrence Lentz, CSV Cathedral Rector reverence. Lectors proclaim the Scriptures.

Acolytes assist the priest. Eucharistic Ministers 2

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one half hour before each Mass, and many people participate. According to the rector, Fr. Lawrence Lentz, CSV, one reason so many participate is that the anonymity provides a safe environment to discuss vulnerable aspects of their lives.

distribute Communion. The sum effect is the Church praising God. Because of their experience, many visitors return to the cathedral each time they are in Las Vegas.

Local people from throughout the Las Vegas area worship with the tourists and are integral to the cathedral community. This small but very active community provides the core of volunteers for the parish liturgical and social ministries.

A trained liturgist conducts training sessions for the ministers and coordinates their activities.

Several liturgical ministers have decided to continue their training in the diocesan lay ministry program, leading some of them to consider the lay diaconate.

Fr. Thomas Langenfeld, CSV

A cantor invites congregational response.

Because the volume is too much for the agency, the cathedral staff allows them to use the parish hall for storage and distribution.

The parish began in 1953 when Fr. Richard Crowley, CSV celebrated a 2:00 a.m. Mass for the hotel workers and entertainers in a casino showroom. The casino owners soon saw the need for a local church and a group provided the present track of land and $250,000 to build a church for the hotel employees and guests.

The result is a beautiful church in a desert setting that is the spiritual home away from home for many Las Vegas visitors.

As in all Viatorian parishes, there is a deep concern for social outreach. For example, a group of parishioners visit the incarcerated where they conduct a Bible study and distribute Communion.

The parish annually budgets up to $80,000 for local agencies that reach out to those in need. The agencies include Catholic The Sacrament of Reconciliation is integral Charities, Family Promises of Las Vegas to the parish ministry. Confessions are heard (family relocation), Shade Tree (women and children who are victims of domestic violence), St.Therese Center (people with HIV/AIDS), and Catholic Worker (homeless). The St. Therese Center annually collects a huge amount of goods to distribute to people living with HIV/AIDS. Bishop Joseph Pepe of Las Vegas speaks to the local priests during the Chrism Mass held during Holy Week.

3 The Cathedral Choir at 11:00 Mass

Fr. James Crilly, CSV

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Colegio San Viator Bogotá, Colombia is known as the “Athens of South America,” and in support of this well deserved honor, UNESCO designated the city as the World Book Capital 2007. Colegio San Viator is one reason why Bogotá is so highly regarded.

In the religious education and social studies classes there are frequent discussions about the situation in Colombia and the world as a whole.

They frankly discuss such issues as violence and poverty and how best to respond to them. For example, students help in youth programs within the city. All the students in the upper grades recently participated in the days of solidarity against the recent kidnappings.

To help make the faith environment uniquely Viatorian, the school has adopted the motto of the Viatorian founder, Fr. Querbes, “Adored and loved be Jesus.” On September 1, the anniversary of his death, the school community annually celebrates a special all-school Mass.

Colegio San Viator educates students at the primary and secondary levels. Throughout these years the students receive a strong foundation in the Viatorian tradition of a strong academic training within a faith environment that emphasizes concern and responsibility toward our fellow human beings.

Numerous official organizations have recognized its outstanding academic reputation. These bodies include the Colombian House of Representatives, Senate, City Council of Bogotá, and the secretaries of education for both Bogotá and Colombia.

Many graduates continue their studies at such prestigious universities as Nacional de Colombia, De los Andes, La Pontificia Javeriana, Del Rosario, and De la Sabana. Each student in Colombia must take a standardized examination. The scores from students at the colegio further substantiate the academic quality of the school.

This past year a student from the colegio finished second place in the country.

In preparation for First Communion, the parents accompany their children through the lessons and are present for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. For Confirmation, the students are challenged to assume the duties of an adult Catholic. This theme permeates the lessons and is elaborated upon in the retreat in which all participate.

Outreach is an essential part of the preparation programs. The children preparing for First Communion bring clean personal items, food, and other necessities that are in turn distributed to charitable organizations as well as to homes for orphans and the aged. One particularly popular program is

When one tours the school, the visitor will Fr. Carlos Luis Claro, CSV note the strong faith Rector environment. Each day begins with prayer, and the students have the opportunity to participate in weekday liturgies. Many class discussions center on the students’ personal situations, their responsibilities toward others, and how the Gospel message impacts their lives.

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Br. Fredy Santos, CSV

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collecting toys for street children. The young people preparing for Confirmation work in neighboring institutions for the aged and abandoned children, which gives them the opportunity to experience the human-to-human contact.

The emphasis within the school is that each one is created

by God and is deserving of respect.

At special times, such as a wedding or funeral of an alumnus, Viatorians

in Colombia. During this time the Viatorians emphasize the message that what we do the least of our brethren, we do to Jesus.

One characteristic that has been a constant feature of the school is the scholarship program for students from impoverished families. Through this program, children from various classes can study and play together while at the same time grow in mutual understanding that break down the class barriers and stereotypes. During the current academic year 113 students have received a scholarship to attend the school. For some, the scholarship includes not only the tuition but also lunch, uniform, and textbooks.

This year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of the school. Beginning in 1963 with thirty-two students and two classrooms, the school now has 1100 students on a campus that includes forty classrooms, chapel, gym, and offices. During this time thousands of students, their families, and friends have been touched by the Viatorian charism.The Viatorians look back in gratitude for what has been accomplished and look forward in hope to the future.

Clerics of St. Viator

Viatorians Around The World

Belize Bolivia Burkina Faso Canada Chile Colombia France Haiti Honduras Italy

often participate and many students are in attendance.

Throughout the year students have the opportunity to enrich the lives of others that in turn makes them ever more aware of the conditions of others. The students have an annual ‘jean day’ where they collect money for the poor. Through-out the year they collect new clothes, furniture, household goods, food, and used books. Various classes in turn take on their own outreach projects. Every week a group of ninth graders visit the elderly who have been abandoned by their families. Through the simple actions of reading to them and writing letters for them, the students and the elderly become friends and enrich the lives of each other.

Important celebrations throughout the years are also linked with outreach to the disadvantaged. Holy Week is a particularly important time

Our priests and brothers ministering in parishes and schools give witness to Jesus Christ in our modern world.

Vocation Ministry 1212 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847.637.2129 • www.viatorians.com dlydon@viatorians.com Ivory Coast Japan Peru Spain Taiwan United States

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In Memoriam Br. Robert Ruhl, CSV

accessible to students who may not have a chance to attend, otherwise.

Br. Robert Ruhl, CSV already held a unique place in the Viatorian Community. He remained at his first placement, teaching English and composition at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, for his entire thirty-seven year teaching career.

The scholarship reflects Br. Ruhl’s own experience being educated by the Viatorians, at St. Gregory High School in Chicago, which inspired him to enter the Clerics of St. Viator in 1965.

Br. Ruhl earned his undergraduate degrees in English and French from Loyola University, and, in 1970 he began his career at St. Viator High School. Two years later, he spent his only year away from the campus, when he earned a Master of Arts in English from the University of Chicago.

However, his unexpected death at the age of 60 on February 2 during the middle of the semester, has secured him another first: he was the subject of hundreds of online tributes posted on the school’s web site as well as on Facebook.

Consequently, his passing has heightened the visibility of the Viatorian mission, online, as the descriptive condolences of his teaching drew countless hits on both sites.

At the time of his death, Br. Ruhl carried a full load of classes, teaching mostly juniors and seniors, though school officials estimate he had taught thousands of students over the years.

“Bob brought forty years of experience to our faculty,” said Fr. Robert Egan, CSV, president of St. Viator High School. “He was committed to excellence, and of challenging students to fall in love with English literature, and the English language. He devoted his entire career to St. Viator High School. And that is his legacy, his commitment to Catholic education and to teaching young people.”

“He was a true educator in the Viatorian tradition,” said Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV. “We as Viatorians all strive to be educators in faith, and he was that in the best sense of the word.”

Driven by the overwhelming support for Br. Ruhl and his vocation as a Viatorian educator, school officials have established a scholarship in his name. The Br. Robert C. Ruhl, CSV Alumni Memorial Grant builds on the many unsolicited gifts already made in his memory to the school’s Tuition Assistance Endowment fund. An anonymous donor has offered to match any and all contributions, made in Br. Ruhl’s memory – up to $25,000 – to establish the scholarship grant.

His visitation and funeral Mass drew former students, colleagues, and parents of students. Eulogies were delivered by Fr. C. Gregory Jones, who recalled Br. Ruhl’s passion for grand opera, good writing, bad jokes, loyalty to his friends, and pride in the successes of his former students, many of whom remained friends; Br. Daniel Tripamer, who detailed Br. Ruhl’s love of snow days, reality television shows, and trivia games; Fr. Arnold Perham, who talked about his legacy to the school’s faculty, and Derek Kiebala, a current senior, who ended his

School officials add that gifts received over $50,000 will increase the amount awarded annually, making the St. Viator High School experience

In the Footsteps of Our Founder Achieving Canonical Status Fr. Louis Querbes submitted his proposed statutes for the Catechists of St. Viator to the archbishop of Lyons for approval.

The archbishop suspended action on the statutes pending the outcome of discussions about a possible merger between the Brothers of Mary and the Catechists of St. Viator. The founders, Fr. Champagne and Fr. Querbes, believed their institute goals were sufficiently distinctive to preclude a merger. The merger was something the archbishop greatly desired.

association.They changed nothing concerning the end, rule of life, the mixed composition, the organization, the manner of direction, and all that which constituted its originality and its raison d’ etre.” (Robert, Life of Louis Querbes, p. 116) What were these changes? The changes involved proposed Statute No. 12 under “Engagement.” The council proposed to make quite specific the religious nature of the two classes of catechists and tying them more closely to diocesan authority.

On December 11, 1833, the pro-vicar general wrote Fr. Querbes stating, “The Archbishop’s Council gives you the choice of continuing for the time being … or, of accepting purely and simply the changes (in the Statues) prescribed … The Statues of the Catechists of St. Viator will be approved only on this condition.”

Fr. Querbes envisioned his catechists as a confraternity in which all members would have the same rights and privileges. The distinction between confréres and fréres (Brothers) would emerge later only after some period as catechists. Confréres would be bound to the director by a simple promise of obedience.

Fréres would agree to observe the evangelical counsels by a private vow.

Fr. Pierre Robert wrote, “The changes demanded by the Archiepiscopal Council did not touch on the essentials of the 6

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reflection by quoting William Shakespeare’s Sonnet LV, the last piece of literature discussed in class prior to Br. Ruhl’s death.

Not marble nor the gilded monuments Of princes shall outlive this powerful rhyme; But you shall shine more bright in these contents Than unswept stone besmear’d with sluttish time.

When wasteful wars shall statues overturn, And broils root out the work of masonry, Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick f ire shall burn The living record of your memory.

We will miss him.

Father John Corredato, CSV Father John L. Corredato, CSV died on April 7, 2008. He was 66. He was born in Springfield, Illinois on July 1, 1941, the son of Anthony and Bruna (nee Gaio) Corredato and the brother of James A. ( JoAnn) Corredato and Mrs. Mary E. (Donald) Buckman. He had several nieces and nephews.

Fr. Corredato graduated from Cathedral Boys’ High School in Springfield, IL in 1959, professed first vows as a Viatorian on September 8, 1960, and final vows on September 8, 1963. After earning a B.A. in history from Loyola University, Chicago in 1964, he began theological studies at the Viatorian Seminary in Washington, DC.

The Archbishop’s Council required confréres immediately to take, for one year, simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience “to His Excellency the Archbishop of Lyons, and the Father Director of the Schools of St. Viator, according to the statutes approved by said Lord the Archbishop.” (Robert, p. 117) Those who wished to be brothers were to immediately profess “simple and perpetual vows” of poverty, chastity and obedience to the archbishop and director. The archbishop reserved the power to absolve catechists from their vows.

Fr. Querbes received this ultimatum with great reservations. He foresaw problems with episcopal control. His vision was broader than a diocesan institute. He realized the need for a congregation of pontifical approbations.

After being ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1968 in Peoria by Bishop John Franz in 1972, he earned an M.A. in religious education from Catholic University of America. In 1981, he pursued studies at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.

Fr. Corredato spent his priestly life alternately serving parishes in Illinois and Nevada. His first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Viator Parish and Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He returned to Illinois as parochial vicar at St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee, IL. After ten years, he returned to Las Vegas once again as parochial vicar at St. Viator Parish, Las Vegas. After only one year, he was asked to be pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Springfield, IL. When his term ended, he again returned to St. Viator in Las Vegas, but this time as its pastor. There he oversaw the construction of the present church. He returned to his native Illinois as pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Edwardsville, IL where he directed the rebuilding of the parish plant. In September 2007, he was appointed as parochial vicar of Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas.

Fr. Corredato leaves many fond memories and good friends. They knew him as having a swift, intuitive insight of right and wrong that formed his personal convictions. He was also a very practical person whose advice to people was always rooted in common sense reality.

Added to that was a quick sense of humor. In his parochial ministry, his primary purpose was to build up communities of faith. He accomplished this in his personal concern for others, sacramental ministry, deep appreciation of liturgy, and developing lay leadership.

We will miss him.

eventually circumstances would require relaxing some of the more rigorous demands.

Fr. Robert observed that Fr. Querbes “completely disregarded his own personal views and subscribed to all the demands of the archiepiscopal council.” (Ibid.)

On December 11, 1833 Archbishop de Pins approved the statutes. At last, Fr. Querbes had a canonical foundation.

With hesitation, he acquiesced to the demands of the council.

He accepted the view, of another more experienced priest, that

- Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV 7

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Celebrating 25 Years of Priesthood Fr. Daniel Nolan, CSV Fr. Daniel Nolan, CSV attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Viatorians were his teachers and frequent guests at his home. Thus, it was logical that they invited him to join the Clerics of St. Viator. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Nevada and a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He has also taken post-graduate classes at Loyola University of Chicago and Western Illinois University.

His assignments included teaching English at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL, Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV and Alleman High School in Rock, Island, IL, where he served as both an English teacher and dean of students. In 1979, he became parochial vicar at St. Viator Parish in Las Vegas. From 1993 to 2001, Fr. Nolan was pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Henderson, NV, where he oversaw the fundraising and construction of a new church for a parish that now has over 5,000 families. After completing his term as pastor, he moved to Springfield, IL to become pastor of St. Joseph Parish before becoming Director of Vocations, Director of Formation, and Director of Mission Appeals. He has been a member of the provincial council since 2002. Currently, he is completing a one year sabbatical and will assume new ministerial responsibilities on July 1, 2008.

Reflecting on his history as a priest, he says, “I have been blessed. I received an excellent education at Catholic Theological Union that prepared me well for ministry. Although there have been challenges in each assignment, there have also been so many people who have become great friends over the years. I am very thankful. I just hope the next twenty-five years do not come and go as quickly as the first.”

Fr. John Peeters, CSV Fr. John Peeters, CSV grew up in St. Viator Parish in Chicago. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Latin at Loyola University of Chicago, a Master of Arts in French at Laval University in Quebec, Canada and a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. His ministry has taken him to Italy, Colombia, and Belize.

After twenty-three years in community service as an administrative assistant to the provincial in Arlington Heights, IL and to the superior general in Rome, Fr. Peeters began

seminary studies at Catholic Theological Union. After ordination, he served as Director of Novices in the Foundation of Colombia, parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Springfield and Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais. From 2002 to 2007 he ministered as a parochial vicar at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Belize. He currently serves as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee, IL. Being fluent in French and Spanish and a stickler for perfect English, he generously translates official Viatorian documents and serves as translator at international meetings of the Viatorian Community.

When asked to comment on his twenty-five years of priesthood, he remarked, “I look back in amazement and wonder where the time has gone. I fondly recall my years as a priest ministering to God’s people in Illinois, Colombia and Belize. I think of all the ways in which I have been blessed by and through God’s people. I pray that I may be given the opportunity to continue faithfully serving the Church and the Viatorian Community.”

Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV came to know the Viatorians in his hometown of Springfield, IL, where they were his teachers at Griffin High School. After entering the Viatorian Community, he has served as a teacher, vocation director, president of two Viatorian high schools, provincial councilor, assistant provincial, and provincial.

Fr. von Behren holds a Bachelor of Arts in theology from Loyola University of Chicago, a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and a Master of Arts in private school administration from the University of San Francisco.

He taught theology and directed campus ministry at Griffin High School, was Director of Vocations, and served as parochial vicar at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais, IL before becoming president of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas and president/ principal of St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, IL. In 2005, Fr. von Behren was elected the sixteenth provincial of the Province of Chicago. Commenting on the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination, he recently stated, “I am grateful to the entire Viatorian Community for its support and for the opportunities that the community has given me over these years. The blessings that I have received from so many wonderful friends during my ministry have touched me deeply. I am a better priest and Viatorian because of their love and support.”

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Vocations Men are finding out about the Viatorian Community in all kinds of ways, even on the Internet. The Viatorian web site was the latest tool that connected one young man, who lives part of the year in Miami, Florida and the other part of the year in Bogotá, Colombia, with the Viatorians.

He was one of three men seriously considering religious life who attended a discernment weekend retreat February 15-17. It took place at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, IL and was organized by Associate Daniel Lydon, Coordinator of Vocation Ministry. The three candidates spent time with Viatorians Fr. Corey Brost, Fr. Charles Bolser, Br. John Eustice, Br. Carlos Ernesto Florez, Br. Michael Gosch, Br. Rob Robertson, Br. Moises Mesh, Br. Jason Nesbit, and Fr. Thomas von Behren.

The weekend began with a shared meal held in the provincial residence within the province center that provided an opportunity for the participants to get to know one another. Saturday was filled with personal testimonies by professed Viatorians, followed by discussion, prayer, and reflection.

While much of the discussion focused on the vow of chastity, additional time was set aside for a general overview of religious life lived as Viatorians. According to Dan Lydon, “the retreatants came away with a sense that chastity is not so much about being deprived of something or having to make a sacrifice as it is about freedom, and freeing oneself to serve others.”

Technology again played a role in the weekend, as the participants watched a DVD on the life of the founder of the Viatorian 9

Community, Fr. Louis Querbes, before seeing a slide show of all of the sites where Viatorians work in the Province of Chicago, which includes the foundations in Belize and Colombia.

In March, Viatorian Associates Michelle and Ken Barrie, youth ministers at St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee, IL, organized a vocation evening for high school students that posed the question, “How is God Calling Me?” The evening took place in Kankakee and was co-hosted by religious sisters from the Congregation of Notre Dame, who are also active in the area. Students heard from a variety of speakers about their chosen vocation — from married persons, to religious, to people committed to the single life — before breaking into groups to discuss and ask questions.

The purpose of the evening was to encourage teens to look at their future in terms of their faith and to challenge them to be open to a religious vocation. Viatorians on hand, including Associates Michael and Susan Bourgeois, Mary Finks, Daniel Lydon, Marilyn Mulcahy, John Ohlendorf and David Surprenant as well as Fr. Corey Brost, Br. John Eustice and Br. Moises Mesh, found students to be open to the prospect and engaged in the discussions.

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Br. Daniel Tripamer, CSV

Br. Daniel Tripamer, CSV attributes his call to the Viatorians to “God’s infinite patience.” A graduate of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, he began teaching mathematics at his alma mater after he completed his degree at University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

When the Viatorians withdrew from Bishop Gorman High School in 2000, he applied for a job at Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. After being invited to consider religious life by a Viatorian with whom he taught, he entered the Clerics of Saint Viator in July 2001 and professed temporary vows July 7, 2003. “God kept calling and I finally responded. I love being a Viatorian and I am proud to be part of this community. The Viatorians have had such a positive impact on my life that I want to have that same impact on the lives of my students and players.”

Br. Tripamer’s students and former students have experienced that impact. Katie Drolet, a 2007 Saint Viator graduate remarks, “Br. Trip gives personal attention to every student he teaches. He pours his heart and soul into his teaching. His genuine love and interest are apparent. The most important thing about him is that he enjoys what he is doing. He taught me so much about my relationships with God, my friends, my siblings, and my parents.”

Br. Tripamer loves teaching and has a deep love of his students. “I care for them like they are my own kids. I really care for their well-being, not just their education, but their growth as young men and women in society.” Known as an enthusiastic and demanding mathematics teacher, he makes every effort to make the subject interesting and fun.

However, he will not settle for mediocrity. One of his former students, Caitlin Wrend, (SVHS, 2007) commented, “Br. Trip challenged me to work hard and push myself beyond any limits I thought I had. He inspired me and made me believe I could achieve more than I ever imagined.”

Now in his eighth year at Saint Viator, Br. Tripamer is also a student.

He is pursuing a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education at DePaul University in Chicago. In addition to his teaching duties and graduate studies, he also serves as varsity tennis coach for both the boys’ and the girls’ teams. He enjoys this role, believing that “coaching is just another form of teaching.”

As a religious Brother, mathematics teacher, and coach, Br. Tripamer lives the Viatorian mission of announcing Jesus Christ and building up communities of faith. He is an example of what it means to be a Viatorian educator. Happy with his vocation, he notes, “I love what I do and it just makes it easy to get out of bed in the morning.”

Around The Province United States In addition to focusing on liturgy, catechetics, pastoral ministry, and education several Viatorian parishes and St. Viator High School (Arlington Heights) also incorporate justice activities and advocacy as part of their mission. In addition to collecting and distributing food and clothing to those in need, they partner with various organizations that address the needs of “those accounted of little importance” in our world.

For the past nineteen years, St. Viator (Chicago, IL) parishioners and staff have assisted at REST, a shelter for homeless men. St. Patrick (Kankakee, IL) parishioners have been volunteering at Salvation Army for Youth from Viatorian Institutions in New Orleans several years. The youth group from Maternity BVM parish (Bourbonnais, IL) has conducted several service trips to build homes with Habitat for Humanity.

Accompanied by students from St. Viator High School (Arlington Heights, IL), they recently worked on the construction of several homes in New Orleans. Parishioners from St. Viator parish (Las Vegas, NV) work to eradicate hunger on an international level with Heifer Project International by purchasing livestock for resource-poor villages in developing countries. In an attempt to ensure safe drinking water for an area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that has been ravaged by a five-year war, members of St. Thomas More Catholic Community (Henderson, NV ) have raised money for World Vision’s Kolwezi Water and Sanitation project. During a peaceful protest, St. Viator High School Viatorians and student members of STAND, a student organization committed to ending genocide in Sudan, presented a letter, signed by over 400 faculty and students, at the Chinese Consulate calling for China to end its economic ties with the government of Sudan.

Viatorian parishioners and students are more than willing to help make society a better place for all people.

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The Viatorian Provincial Council recently endorsed the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Catholic Immigrant Centers initiative. The centers, which will open during the summer, will provide pastoral, educational, social, and legal services to immigrants in the archdiocese. A number of Viatorians have agreed to serve as volunteers.

The Viatorian Provincial Council signed Pax Christi’s letter, God’s Promise Endures: The Challenge of Peace Today, written to coincide with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United States bishops’ peace pastoral entitled, The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response.

The letter, which was sent to members of Congress and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, calls for the rejection of the build-up and use of nuclear weapons.

Bishop J. Peter Sartain of the Diocese of Joliet appointed Br. Leo Ryan, CSV Chair of the Diocesan Finance Council earlier this year. Br. Ryan will serve in this capacity until 2010. Viatorians have a long history of serving on diocesan boards, committees, and organizations.

Fr. John Peeters, CSV was the keynote speaker for the 15th annual Community Prayer Breakfast in Kankakee last March. The ecumenical event offered people from different faiths an opportunity to join together in prayer and fellowship.

Combining his interest in teaching and promoting justice, Fr. Thomas Long, CSV teaches ESL (English as a Second Language) to day laborers at the Latino Union in Chicago. Emphasis is placed on teaching individuals to negotiate just wages and working conditions. For more information, please visit www.latinounion.org.

Belize Superior General Fr. Mark Francis, CSV and General Councilor Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV visited the Fr. Mark Fracis, CSV and Foundation of Belize in Belizean Associates early March. During their visit, Fr. Francis presided at a March 10 Mass during which Herculana Bastarachea, Ayonie Briceñ o, Desideria and Rafael Cobb, Glenda Francis, Juanita Jimenez, Haydee and Francisco Magaña, Esteban Pasos, and Sylvia Vargas renewed their commitment as Viatorian associates for a period of three years. All the associFr. Alain Ambeault, CSV and Fr. Mark Francis, CSV greet parishoners. ates are actively involved in parish ministries including education, social services, lay leadership, outreach to the elderly, and liturgy.

The English Department of St. Anselm College (Manchester, NH) recently honored Fr. Thomas Kass, CSV for his nineteen years of dedicated, continuous, full-time teaching, for his internationally recognized scholarship on the 18th century English writer Dr. Samuel Johnson, and for his generous service to the English Department, the Humanities Program, and to St. Anselm College as a whole. Fr. Kass is retiring from St. Anselm College to become the Director of Novices for the Viatorian Community effective July 1, 2008.

James and Marie Gallagher

Associate Ayonie Briceño and students

The youth groups of St. Francis Xavier Parish are active, both in Corozal Town and the surrounding villages, under the leadership of Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV. They recently planned and hosted

their second Quest retreat. A core group will be traveling to the United States with Fr. Belanger this summer to attend One Bread One Cup, a liturgical training program for youth at St. Quest Retreatants Meinrad School of Theology. Developing faith leadership among the youth is a priority for the parish.

Continued on page 12

Past and current Viatorian teachers and administrators were present when St. Viator High School honored James and Marie Gallagher at its annual Night of the Lion. The Gallaghers have been “past parents, dedicated volunteers, generous supporters, and dear friends” of the school for over forty years.

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Clerics of St. Viator 1212 E. Euclid Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5799

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Newsletter – Spring 2008

PERMIT NO. 7160 PALATINE P&DC, IL

Viator is published three times a year by the development office of the Clerics of St. Viator, Province of Chicago.

Email: news@viatorians.com Website: www.viatorians.com Our purpose is to present the mission, ministries, news and needs of our community to those who are interested in and supportive of our works.

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Provincial: Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV

Editorial Board: Fr. Thomas R. von Behren, CSV Br. Michael T. Gosch, CSV Br. Donald P. Houde, CSV Br. Leo V. Ryan, CSV

Contributing Journalist: Eileen O’Grady Daday

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Editor: Fr. Thomas E. Long, CSV

If you are receiving multiple copies of this newsletter and/or wish to be removed from the mailing list, please call the development office at 847-637-2124 or fax your request to 847-637-2145.

Around the Province…Continued from page 11

Colombia Bishop Roberto Ospina Leongomez ordained Br. Fredy Santos, CSV a deacon at Parroquia San Juan Maria Vianney on May 3.

Br. Santos will continue his teaching and pastoral ministry at Colegio San Viator and the parish, both located in Bogotá.

Fr. Edgar Suárez, CSV receives the key to the parish.

Br. Fredy Santos, CSV Bishop Héctor Gutiérrez Pabón installed Fr. Edgar Suárez, CSV as the second Viatorian pastor of Parroquia San Basilio Magno, also located in Bogotá. Fr. Suárez succeeds Fr. Luis Eduardo Lopez, CSV, who has been appointed Director of Campus Ministry at Colegio San Viator.

Before leaving Libano, Colombia to serve as acting pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Corozal Town, Belize, Fr. Brian Cooper’s dream of constructing thirty-two homes for families who had been living in shacks without plumbing Four of the 32 homes being and electricity has become a reality. constructed for those who are Construction has begun and should be living in poverty completed this summer. Fr. Cooper is extremely grateful to the readers of this newsletter who generously supported this worthy project.

In support of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture’s, Banners Across America, the above banner is being displayed outside the entrance of the Viatorian Province Center during the month of June, which has been designated as Torture Awareness Month.