Cristo Rey St. Viator: A School that Works

Fr. Thomas von Behren with two of the seniors

Viatorians realized a dream, more than five years in the making, when Cristo Rey St. Viator College Prep in North Las Vegas began the current school year. Cheers erupted on the first day as the school’s first graduating class — who began with the school back in 2019 — started their first day of senior year. Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, President, led the applause as seniors walked through the hallway on their way to their first day of work.

“We’re so proud of our senior class,” school officials said on their Facebook page. “They’ve come so far since we began our journey here at Cristo Rey St. Viator, and we’re excited — and emotional — to see them have the first day of their last year of high school!” The start of this new school year also ushers in a new era: it realizes the Viatorians’ goal of having all four classes (freshmen — seniors) enrolled in the first four years of the school. The school has grown exponentially since builders broke ground in September, 2018. Cristo Rey St. Viator now serves 265 students — including 81% who would be the first in their families to attend college — who work one day at a week at more than 60 corporate work study locations. As the school has grown so has its involvement with the Viatorian Community. For the last two years, the sophomore class has held its retreat at St. Viator Catholic Community. Its pastor, Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, welcomed them and also worked to present the new school with a statue of its patron, St. Viator. This past summer, a delegation of CRSV students attended the Viatorian Youth Congress, and the experience made an impression on these young people, as they have become more involved with Campus Ministry.

At the school’s opening Mass, Emilia, Alan and Job, who attended VYC in July, joined with their classmate, Stephanie, in interpreting the gospel reading. “They shared their reflections on the gospel in which Peter walked toward Jesus on the water,” says a proud Fr. von Behren. “Each student reflected from a different point of view, Jesus, Peter, the other disciples in the boat, and as an observer serving as narrator.” The school has become a dream of the Viatorians since their early endorsement of Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, which opened in 2004. They continue to support the Waukegan, IL school and remain committed to the Cristo Rey mission, educating young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose and service.

“Through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with a relevant work study experience,” Fr. von Behren says, “students graduate ready to succeed in college and in life.”

Associate Deborah Perez gives a tie to a freshman at the beginning of the year. VYC delegates share their reflections on the gospel.