Provincial Perspective Greetings from the Province Center, For some, the pandemic has caused a slowdown in what they are doing. It has impacted how and where they are working. As you read this edition of Viator, you will see that members of the Viatorian Community have adapted to new and different ways of ministering and are continuing to move forward. In short, we are still reaching out and educating young people as we always have despite the pandemic. I am very impressed when I see how innovative and creative many of our ministry sites have become.
hosted several drive-through food drives to assist members of the local community who are experiencing economic distress. Holy Grounds Café is a coffee shop for students and faculty at Bishop McNamara Catholic School in Kankakee. It is student run and teaches them basic business practices and gives them a hands-on experience of what it takes to run a business.
While we cannot always meet in person these days, I believe that via technology we have managed to stay in touch. Zoom calls have become the norm for meetings. Streaming Masses are now commonplace. We have been creative, yet I feel that there is still a deep yearning to get things back to normal when we can have normal, face-to-face human interaction. We must be patient.
Our schools continue to educate young people with great success. Students at St. Viator Elementary School in Chicago completed a recent round of testing in which they were ranked well above the national average.
There are several initiatives highlighted in this edition.
Viatorians have a lot to celebrate in Colombia. San Viator Church in Bogotá is well underway and should be completed before the end of the year, and Br. Luis Pedroza, CSV, professed his first vows Jan. 16 in Tunja. Finally, Br. Diego Carvajal from Bogotá arrived in Santiago to begin his novitiate.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative at Saint Viator High School is one way Viatorians are reaching out to those on the edge of society. This is a program to instill a sense of sensitivity into our students who are moving into a world where everyone does not look like or think like they do.
These are only a few of the many remarkable things happening, but as you can see there is a lot to be excited about in our community.
The Viator House of Hospitality celebrated its four-year anniversary. Through that ministry, they have assisted young people from all around the world seeking a new and safe home. The number of Viatorians who are involved is increasing as are the number of lay volunteers.
Thank you to all of you for what you do in the name of the Viatorian Community,
Cristo Rey St. Viator Las Vegas has successfully and safely negotiated its way through the pandemic and conducted both remote and in-person learning situations for our students there.
Rev. Daniel R. Hall, CSV Provincial Clerics of St. Viator, Province of Chicago
Cristo Rey St. Martin in Waukegan, with whom we are an endorsing community, was a COVID-19 immunization site. The school has a strong commitment to give back to the community. They have also
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In this Issue: 2 Provincial Perspective 3 Q & A with Pre-Associate Jason Wilhite 4 Viator House of Hospitality: A Deepening Ministry for Viatorians
6 On the Way to Discernment with Viatorian Vocations
7 Cristo Rey St Martin: A Resource for the Community
8 Making Kairos a Priority During the Pandemic
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9 Meet the Newest Viatorian Brother 10 Viatorian Schools: Innovating and Succeeding 12 In Memoriam: Associate Clairmarie Slaveck 13 From the Archives: Saint Viator Parish 14 Celebrating Our Jubilarians:
Fr. Donald Fitzsimmons, CSV Fr. Donald Wehnert, CSV Fr. John Palmer, CSV Fr. Erwin Savela, CSV
16 Around the Province 2
Provincial:
Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV
Editor: Fr. Thomas Long, CSV
Director of Communications: Eileen O’Grady Daday
Editorial Board:
Eileen O’Grady Daday Br. John Eustice, CSV Br. Michael Gosch, CSV Mr. Daniel Masterton Ms. Amy Sherwood
Layout and Design:
Dianna Ehrenfried, Visualedge, Inc Email: news@viatorians.com
Q&A
with Pre-Associate Jason Wilhite Jason Wilhite graduated from Saint Viator High School in 2015, but his connection with the Viatorians didn’t end there. He returned in 2019 to serve in campus ministry and last year he began his discernment as a pre-associate. We wanted to know more about him.
A. I spoke about a campaign to provide access to quality
Q . We understand you’re a
education to children in the developing world, and our goal was to raise enough money to build a school. Because of VYC delegations and some other generous Viatorian supporters, we were able to raise over $8,000! I’m excited to share that due to all the support and generosity from the Viatorians, the school is finished. Classes began in January in the new structure, which is located in Bouam Phor, Laos.
pre-associate. Congratulations! We’re wondering what was it about the Viatorian Community that drew you to consider this vocation?
A. Definitely the combina-
tion of the community and justice programming. I have found lots of meaning in my faith through those two environments with the Viatorians, and as I think about how to continue to deepen my faith, association is a natural next step.
Q . How did you become interested in educating children in a developing country? A. As a college student, I was interested in integrating
Pre-Associate Jason Wilhite
my passions for business, social justice and education. That lead me to check out The Promise of a Pencil, a book about a social entrepreneur who brings together those three disciplines to increase access to quality education for kids around the world. The book really moved me, and it taught me two specific things that called me to action: 1) That 250 million kids around the world lack basic literacy skills, and 2) Access to quality education can have a transformative impact on each young person on a micro level and communities/countries on a macro level.
Q . Can you point to some formative experiences you had with the Viatorians that perhaps shaped you and your career in accompanying young people in campus ministry?
A. Viatorian Youth Congress, retreats and service as a Saint Viator student, Viatorian Border Immersion Trip, and working on the Pencils of Promise project with VYC delegations.
Q . Tell us about some of the areas where you partner with Viatorians now? A. Beyond campus ministry, I’m coaching baseball and
Q . And finally,
what are your aspirations of becoming a Viatorian associate and of being an active part of the Viatorian Community?
working with Fr. Corey (Brost) to assist with some migrant justice advocacy programming. I continue to help at Viator House of Hospitality as a garden/compost manager and mentor to a participant.
Q . In your role as a campus minister, what parts of the A. Two things: 1) to Viatorian charism do you impart to your students? deepen my understanding invitation for me A. Faith in action and caring for those accounted of little ofas aGod’s lay person, and 2) to or no importance. These two components of the Viatorian charism have meant a lot to me in my journey, and our hope in campus ministry is to create experiences where they come alive.
contribute to Viatorian efforts to create more meaningful programs/ experiences for and with young adults.
Q . We know you attended the Viatorian Youth Congress as a presenter in 2018, what came about as a result?
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Viator House of Hospitality: A Deepening Ministry for Viatorians Associate Susana Tellez holds a special place with participants of Viator House of Hospitality. Officially, she is a house assistant. Unofficially, she wears many hats, including serving as surrogate mother to the young men who find refuge there, far from their native countries. “I really feel like they are my children,” says Ms. Tellez. “Some of them call me mother and I am godmother to three of them. I was with them when they were baptized and made their first communion, and I helped them prepare.” Ms. Tellez has been at Viator House since before it opened four years ago. She was among the first group of volunteers who stepped up to help wash down walls and prepare its kitchen before the first men moved in. Her commitment is personal. A native Spanish speaker, Ms. Tellez is a faithful parishioner at St. Viator Parish in Chicago, where she is active with its Latino community and for the last 10 years has worked on the parish staff. Most recently, Ms. Tellez assists Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, in their immigration work based at the parish, including fielding calls from authorities about young men turning 18 and aging out of juvenile detention. Assisting the young men seeking asylum who come to Viator House – run by Fr. Brost as executive director and Br. Gosch as director of programs and housing – was the natural next step. Ms. Tellez now works one day a week at the house, doing a myriad of jobs. She helps drive participants to school or their jobs, shops
Associate Susana Tellez, left, attends a staff meeting at Viator House.
for food, organizes cooking nights with the men, straightens closets of donated goods and even makes repairs. “I’m the handywoman,” she says with a laugh. Br. Gosch describes her as indispensable and one of many committed individuals who make Viator House of Hospitality a home. Among them are a growing number of Viatorians themselves. They include: Associates Jackie Dupon, Betty Faraci, Chris Gucwa and Linda Nishi, who volunteer on Saturday nights; Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, who serves on the board; Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, who serves as case manager; Associate Brian Hansen served as an overnight volunteer; Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, who mentored some of the men; Fr. Thomas Long, CSV, who tutors and applies for grants; Pre-Novice Ryan McMahon who tutors, Associate Joan
Viator House staff and members of the Viatorian Community celebrate the high school graduation of one of the participants.
Sweeney mentors one of the men and applies for grants, and Pre-Associate Jason Wilhite was a college intern and continues to mentor one of the men. In addition, Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, and Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, helped welcome the first two men to St. Viator Parish before the home opened. Other Viatorians– both associates and professed – provide vital financial contributions. While the home has drawn national attention and served as a model for other communities, the Viatorians who run it count the number of young men they have welcomed over those years as their biggest success.
Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, right, enjoys a feast with some of the participants
Viator House of Hospitality is now in its fourth year and its mission remains as strong as ever. Since opening in January 2017, Viator House has welcomed 71 men from 19 nations, with 49 of them having moved on to live independently or have been reunited with family. The majority have attended school and/or worked, many doing both. While living at VHH,10 have graduated from high school with five more graduating this year and four are in college. “Viator House has three main objectives,” says Br. Gosch, “to provide hospitality to asylum seekers, reunite them with their families and educate the public about immigrant children being detained.”
Pre-Associate Jason Wilhite, center, volunteered with participants
Associate Joan Sweeney: We’ve Both Grown Gerardo came to VHH at the end of January 2018, and I met him the following month. At that time he was unsure of himself and his future – just a kid. He knew very little English and I knew very little Spanish. Journeying with him these last three years, I’ve seen him develop into a confident and talkative young man. He is kind, respectful and has a good sense of humor. Together we have had fun adventures at parks, art galleries, movies, libraries and gardens. We’ve played frisbee, card games, read books and made puzzles. He even helped decorate my Christmas tree. We’ve shared numerous meals of pizza, chicken, burgers, fries, tacos, salad, shakes, custard cones and Thanksgiving turkey. Quite the American experience! We’ve worked together in different settings, too. Gerardo was my summer intern in the Viatorian Community Archives. He was quick on the computer and always followed directions. Last summer, we cataloged and photographed a donated collection of over 200 bobbleheads for VHH. He understands the big picture and can focus on the details. The last two summers, Gerardo volunteered with me in the Viatorian Giving Garden. We preAssociate Joan Sweeney worked in the Viatorian pared the soil, planted flower seeds, weeded, watered, picked the flowers and made bouquets for the township pantry. At the end of each season, he helped clean up the garden and prepared it for Community Garden with one of the participants. winter. He never complained – he enjoyed being outdoors in nature. He has mentioned that at times school and homework are hard, but he sticks with it. He is intelligent and a quick learner. Gerardo graduated high school this past summer and is now attending community college. It impresses me how far he has come in a language he is still learning. He has not told me about a specific career interest, but has indicated that he would like to help others in some way. That, I believe, is the influence of Viator House. He will give back. I witnessed his Confirmation and have attended a few Masses with him. I pray his faith in God stays strong during this time of waiting. Viator House has definitely given him hope and many friendships. It also gives me hope. 5
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On the Way to Discernment with Viatorian Vocations Discernment is a tricky mix. While God calls all of us to holiness through our baptism, God also has an individual invitation that each of us must explore – whether to single, married or religious life, whether specifically to ministry or another career. We strive to support everyone in navigating all aspects of this.
Personally Good personal prayer habits are the core of discernment. Find what works for you: saying rosaries, novenas or chaplets; utilizing the Liturgy of the Hours; practicing lectio divina with the Bible; nature walks or hikes; and more. Incorporate a Our new podcast is an accessible way to bring journaling practice, Viatorian conversations wherever you go – whether through an access episodes via Viatorian social media or our website. app or with pen and paper. Turn to the sacraments, perhaps by attending daily Mass, praying in Eucharistic Adoration, or going to reconciliation regularly. We recommend incorporating Viatorian prayer videos, like our Taizé prayer services. Seasonal devotions like the Stations of the Cross video by our Bourbonnais/Kankakee region can augment your devotion. Videos exploring vocations from a Viatorian perspective (found on our vocations pages at Viatorians.com) can offer fresh foundations for reflection, and our new Viatorian Voices podcast gives you different perspectives into Viatorian ministry and community life.
Communally When you’re comfortable, bring up your explorations in conversations. Even if you don’t go into detail, sharing where you’re at can help you gain ownership and help others understand. Seek out faith-based discussions through your parish or social circles. And definitely carry your discernment into Sunday Mass and other communal prayer experiences. Teens, young adult leaders, and adults gather together for Mass at a Viatorian Youth Congress.
Also, plug into your Viatorian communities – share your
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discernment with Viatorian priests, brothers, associates and pastoral staff. See if they have any referrals or suggestions. For example, Saint Viator High School offers its graduates the AlumniConnect platform to network and build supportive connections. Vocation Ministry includes Young Adult Ministry, gatherings and programs aimed at fostering faith formation among college-aged and post-grad young adults. One offering is our monthly discernment gatherings on the last Thursday of each month to help young adults explore various aspects of their discernment.
Formally Those discerning an invitation to Viatorian association, religious life with a women’s community, or priesthood with a diocese or another religious community are certainly encouraged to discern through our vocation ministry – we will walk with you as best we can and invite in the proper Viatorians or outside ministers to further your discernment.
Br. John Eustice, CSV, Director of Vocation Ministry, with Sr. Magdalena Grymuza, MSF and members of Young Adult Ministry Kankakee.
Particularly for those discerning priesthood or religious life, a more formal approach is eventually needed. Finding and regularly seeing a spiritual director invites another professional, pastoral voice into the discernment process. Informing a vocation director of your potential invitation from God helps set the terms for a more serious exploration. Those discerning God’s invitation to Viatorian religious life should establish contact with the Director of Vocation Ministry to set a regular frequency of conversation. He will offer some basic structure to explore the most important and most relevant areas of discernment, and, when appropriate, counsel you on potentially applying for formation. Whatever your path, send an email, a social media DM, or make a phone call or visit to a Viatorian and start a conversation. We’ll walk together on the way
Cristo Rey St. Martin: A Resource for the Community “It was such a good connection to make among the three communities working together to help serve families from the greater Waukegan area,” Mr. Dippold said. The vaccination clinic provided shots for people 65 and over in the Waukegan area, as well as retired Viatorians living at the Province Center and members of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Guadalupe sisters. “It all added up to an amazing day,” Mr. Dippold said after the first clinic, “that makes St. Martin and all of us proud.” Viatorians who accompanied the young people at these events included Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, Br. John Eustice, CSV, Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, and Associate Brian Hansen, while Associate James Thomas helped with logistics at the vaccine clinic.
Fr. Corey Brost (second from left) arrives to help at the vaccine clinic with three of the residents of Viator House of Hospitality.
This semester, a rare intersection of young people from three Viatorian institutions in Illinois came together to serve the wider community. This unique partnership started in February, when students from Cristo Rey St. Martin and Saint Viator High School, as well as men from Viator House of Hospitality worked together to feed the hungry. Working side by side, they staffed a mobile food bank that took place at Cristo Rey St. Martin High School in Waukegan, which partnered with the Northern Illinois Food Bank to provide the non-perishable food items. The young people worked with approximately 80 volunteers in all, including faculty, staff and Viatorians. Their roles included directing traffic, setting up stations, loading foodstuffs into cars and greeting people as they drove through the campus.
Br. Michael Gosch helps welcome residents for their vaccine appointments.
“These 900 families are our neighbors,” Mr. Dippold said in thanking food bank volunteers. “You are a ray of light through some difficult times. You offered hope and compassion to people who appreciated it.” Preston Kendall, President of Cristo Rey St. Martin, said that the disruption of holding these large-scale events on the school campus was worth it. They offered tangible ways the school could reach out and help the community during the long pandemic. “The vaccine clinics felt like progress,” Mr. Kendall said. “Being part of the solution to these terrible troubles is a very good feeling indeed.” He said that in searching for a permanent home for the school, board members dreamed of a facility that would not only meet the school’s needs but would have the potential to become a rich resource for the entire community.
High school volunteers load boxes of food into cars.
In all, the first event served more than 900 area families said Jim Dippold, campus minister at CRSM and organizer of the project. But that was just the start. Over the course of the semester, the school hosted six pop-up food banks and four vaccination clinics – in partnership with Jewel Osco Pharmacy – that served roughly 1,200 people at each one.
“We are a faith-based school and we want our students to put their faith into action,” he added. “It’s the only way we will make the world a better place. Our school strives to model these values by leveraging the campus for our collective, greater good.” 7
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Making Kairos a Priority During the Pandemic Many cherished traditions have gone by the wayside during the pandemic, but one simply would not be denied: the annual Kairos retreat.
This year, they resurrected those same plans, following through with their commitment to accompany young people on their faith journeys.
Bishop McNamara High School has held 50 Kairos retreats over the years, but No. 51 will stand out. It took place in late February, not at a retreat house but on the grounds of St. George Parish in Bourbonnais.
Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV, Pastor, and Associate Michelle Barrie, who coordinates the Office of Catholic Ministry at Bishop McNamara, devised the plan together. When Mrs. Barrie approached Fr. Belanger about possibly holding the retreat at St. George, he immediately said yes. He and his parishioners embraced all aspects of hosting the retreat, including preparing meals, allotting various spaces for small and large group discussions and celebrating Mass in the church.
Associate Ken Barrie in Querbes Hall while retreat participants enjoy lunch provided by the parish.
(L-R) Associates Paula Wasser and Michelle and Ken Barrie all helped to run the Kairos retreat safely.
The retreat took place over three days, but out of concerns with COVID-19, students did not spend the night. Instead, they returned to their homes at the end of each day and made their way back to St. George each morning. The term, Kairos, is adapted from the Greek word meaning “God’s Time.” This peer-led retreat program was developed by Jesuits and aims to deepen young people’s faith, identity, relationships and connection to God’s role in their lives. Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, first brought the Kairos retreat to the Viatorian Community 30 years ago this year.
Both Fr. Belanger and Mrs. Barrie believe the partnership was something of a first. While Viatorians have participated in Kairos retreats in all of their regions, this is the first time a Viatorian parish hosted the event and made sure it happened. Mrs. Barrie was thrilled to be able to hold the retreat with all of the COVID-19 restrictions in place, and she credited the hospitality of St. George members – including Fr. Belanger and the Viatorian associates in the parish – for making it happen.
Still, being able to pull off this life changing event for students – during a pandemic – took a great deal of collaboration from parishioners at St. George; however, they had a head start. One year earlier, they had made grand plans to host the Viator Youth Congress, only to have to cancel it because of COVID-19. www.viatorians.com
“After 25 years of either participating in or leading a Kairos retreat, I never dreamt that we would host one at St. George,” said Fr. Belanger, a former chaplain at Bishop McNamara High School.
“It’s been amazing to have all the Viatorian support to be able to have this Kairos retreat happen at this time,” Mrs. Barrie said. “God’s time will always go on, no matter what the situation. All we have to do is be receptive to it.” 8
Meet the Newest Viatorian Brother Vocations continue to grow in Colombia, where Viatorians arrived 60 years ago this year. Br. Luis Pedroza, CSV, is the latest to join the Viatorian Community when he professed his first vows in February. Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, who was designated by Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, Provincial, received his vows. Br. Luis Pedroza, CSV
Fr. Herrera was the first Colombian to profess vows as a Viatorian and now serves as President of Colegio San Viator in Tunja. He notes that the Foundation of Colombia is celebrating this year its 60th anniversary since the arrival of the first three Viatorians to the country. “In these 60 years there have been 18 American religious who were part of it,” Fr. Herrera says. “The only one who still remains in Colombia is Fr. John Pisors, CSV, who arrived in Bogotá on Dec. 6th, 1967.” At the same time, there now are 21 professed Colombian religious in the Viatorian Community – and that number is still growing. Fr. Herrera confirmed that Pre-Novice Diego Carvajal arrived in Chile in March to continue his formation in the novitiate.
Br. Pedroza has just turned 26. He spent two years as a pre-novice in Tunja, before spending the last year of formation at the Viatorian novitiate run in Puente Alto, Chile.
Br. John Avellaneda, CSV, who teaches religion at Colegio San Viator in Tunja, credits the religious culture in Colombia and the family influence in the home with growing vocations in the country.
“During this time of my temporary vows, I continue to discern the true meaning of my vocation,” Br. Pedroza says, “by living under the principles of our founder in the company of my confreres, who have welcomed me fraternally and generously into our Viatorian family.”
“Colombian families, especially those in rural areas, are the ones who are helping the most to continue to establish the links between young people and their vocations to the priesthood or religious life,” Br. Avellandeda says.
After his vow ceremony, Br. Pedroza returned to live with the local Viatorian Community in Bogotá while he studies physical education at Universidad Santo Tomás. “I feel happy and very fortunate to be in this community,” Br. Pedroza adds, “and to share this experience of faith.” Viatorians have seen a steady stream of vocations since arriving in Colombia and starting their successful schools, Colegio San Viator Bogotá and Colegio San Viator in Tunja.
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He also credits a strong devotion to Mary throughout Colombia. “This devotion,” Br. Avellandeda adds, “has led to the formation of prayer groups, awakening an interest in young people to follow Christ, from the religious or priestly vocation.” Viatorians in Colombia who celebrated at the vow ceremony included: (L-R) Br. Juan David Ramirez, Br. Parmenio Enrique Medina, Br. Juan Carlos Ubaque, Br. Jhobany Orduz, Fr. Pedro Herrera, Br. Luis Peroza, Fr. Fredy Contreras, Fr. Edwin Ruiz, Br. Edwin Barreto, Br. Elkin Mendoza
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Viatorian Schools: Innovating and Succeeding tors described the effort as part of educating the whole person – and growing leaders who will become beacons of inclusivity for the next generation and beyond. As part of their commitment, the school formed student advisory groups, and faculty members and coaches began meeting regularly to examine everything from diversity and race to economic abilities, social status and educational access. Br.
Cristo Rey St. Viator students working on resume building
Cristo Rey St. Viator is just two years old but already its innovative work study model is drawing interest from some big corporate partners in Las Vegas. At their first information session for the upcoming academic year, they drew an impressive group of Las Vegas stakeholders. In attendance were professionals from government agencies, banks, the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada, the Diocese of Las Vegas, a local university, law firms and advertising agencies. They also drew Sr. Phyllis Sikora, OP, Vice President of Mission Integration for the Dignity Health - St. Rose Hospital System in Nevada. The large, faith-based network includes three acute care hospitals, four neighborhood hospitals, six wellness centers, medical clinics and offices. During the pandemic, students have been unable to work but instead have been working on work readiness skills, including becoming proficient in various computer applications, interview skills and resume building. When they can safely return to their jobs, they will be work-ready.
Saint Viator High School DEI Student Focus Groups
John Eustice, CSV, Vice President of Viatorian Identity and Mission said the DEI program is an extension of Viatorian spirituality. “We approach our mission with an open mind,” he said, “seeing the world the way others see it, and sharing the gospel to promote positive change.” In January, Cristo Rey St. Martin learned it would share in a $4 million award from the Perry Foundation, a family foundation named for Zach Perry who died from leukemia. The award was distributed between the three Chicago-area Cristo Rey schools and the Cristo Rey Network. President Preston Kendall said the gift was one that would keep on giving.
Saint Viator High School launched its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) campaign this semester to broaden students’ perspectives so they are inclusive as they seek to transform the communities they encounter. AdministraThanks to a grant from the Perry Foundation, Cristo Rey St. Martin continues to promote and ensure students’ success.
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Its proceeds helped to partially offset the financial hardship resulting from COVID-19, which has impacted the Corporate Work Study Program and Cristo Rey families. “The Perry family’s generosity ensures that Cristo Rey students can follow their dreams for generations to come,” Mr. Kendall said. The generous donation also helped complete the school’s latest expansion – and allowed for its recent large-scale events such as the pop-up food bank and vaccine clinic. A café located near the teachers’ lounge at Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee is serving up more than gourmet coffee drinks. This popular gathering spot is the brainchild Students at St. Viator Elementary School in Chicago proudly demonstrate their academic success. of a Viatorian and it supports page, adding that the Viatorian school has long prided itself on youth ministry high standards of academic excellence. “While the COVID-19 programs while pandemic has challenged our administrators, faculty, students teaching valuand parents in ways we could never have imagined only a year able life skills to ago, the dedication to a comprehensive and rigorous curricuits student staff. lum has never been compromised,” St. Viator officials said. “St. Appropriately Viator is proud to be a Catholic school within the Archdiocese named, Holy of Chicago, all working collectively to provide safe, in person Grounds Café, learning during the pandemic.” the shop opened in the fall of 2018 Workers at Holy Grounds Cafe and has percolated ever since. Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV, brought the idea to the school. In doing so, he fell back on his own experience in Junior Achievement — whose mission is to foster entrepreneurship through experiential learning — and his passion for youth ministry. To his knowledge, the student-run coffee shop is the only one of its kind in the region. The café was four years in the making. In taking the concept forward, Fr. Belanger raised nearly $30,000 from parishioners of St. St. Viator Parish School students dress up as their favorite book characters. George, where he is pastor, as well as contributions from Bishop McNamara alumni and a grant from the Viatorian St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas once again participatCommunity. ed with schools across the state in the 30th annual Nevada Reading Week. The observance takes place every year on the The success of students at St. Viator Elementary School in first week of March and was created to foster a lifelong love Chicago was reflected in a statement in January from the Chicago Archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Schools. Its data pointed of learning. St. Viator students enjoyed the different themes to all the gains students had made despite the pandemic. “New each day, which included dressing up as their favorite book data from Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools reveals that character, dressing in black and white – promoting newspapers students have defied the national trend reflecting pandemic-re- – and wearing spirit wear from their favorite college, under the heading, “Oh, the places you’ll go.” St. Viator teachers and lated stagnation and decline in academics,” the statement said. “Not only did archdiocese students meet academic expectations administrators were considered stewards of the Nevada Reading Week, along with school librarians, educators, the Nevada by staying on track with their learning, but an overwhelming Department of Education, the Nevada State Library, public number of them exceeded learning goals set out by the syslibraries and community leaders. All the stakeholders firmly tem’s annual i-Ready assessment exam.” Administrators at St. believed in this year’s theme: “Change Your World: Read! Viator shared information from the report on its Facebook 11
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In Memoriam... A native of Chicago, she and her husband, Richard, and their four daughters moved to Henderson in 1978. She started working for the Viatorians that same year. Mrs. Slaveck employed many young people over the years at the cathedral, especially to help with counting the Sunday collections. To a person, they all had a fond nickname for her: the Colonel. “She was a terrific mentor of young people,” says Associate Connie Gerber, whose two older children worked for Mrs. Slaveck. Over the years, different Viatorians served as cathedral rectors, and they all described her as indispensable. “Her knowledge and commitment — and spirit of collaboration — made her an invaluable asset for all of us who served with her,” said Fr. Lawrence Lentz, CSV, former rector and current associate pastor of St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas.
Associate Clairmarie Slaveck
Associate Clairmarie Slaveck 1937-2021 A little more than five years ago, Associate Clairmarie Slaveck retired from a 37-year career of working for the Diocese of Las Vegas. Nearly all of those years were spent working with professed Viatorians, first as business manager of St. Viator Catholic Community and then for more than 30 years at Guardian Angel Cathedral, both in Las Vegas. “I am grateful for all that God has enabled me to do,” Mrs. Slaveck said at the time of her retirement. “I am especially grateful for my work with and as a Viatorian.” Mrs. Slaveck passed away Feb. 11 after a long illness. She was 83. “Clairmarie was fiercely loyal to the Viatorians,” says Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, who worked with Clairmarie during his years as pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Community in nearby Henderson. “Her great love for individual Viatorians and her deep commitment to sharing ministry with us was really a grace for our community.” That commitment was evident at Guardian Angel Cathedral, which Viatorians first opened in 1963 as a chapel for workers on the Las Vegas strip. By the mid-1980s, when Mrs. Slaveck arrived from St. Viator Parish, the cathedral had grown to serve beyond seasonal employees to area residents and thousands of tourists each year. Through its growth, Mrs. Slaveck kept the church running smoothly. As business manager, she paid the bills, ordered supplies, managed the gift shop, supervised staff, coordinated the counting of the weekly collection and assisted in the liturgical life of the parish.
Mrs. Slaveck surrounded by Viatorians at her retirement party in 2015, including (L-R) Fr. Robert M. Egan, Fr. Richard Rinn, Fr. Lawrence Lentz, Fr. William Haesaert and Fr. Patrick Render.
“Clairmarie was a no-nonsense person,” Fr. Lentz added, “a loyal employee and friend.” Mrs. Slaveck officially joined the Viatorians in 2009, when she made her first commitment as an associate. Ten years later, she made that commitment definitive. Over the years, she gathered with other Viatorians in the Las Vegas region for regular prayer services and social gatherings, and she always supported Viatorian ministries, whether in parishes, schools or in advancing social justice. We will miss her.
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From the Archives: Saint Viator Parish St. Viator Parish has served the people on the Northwest side of Chicago for more than 130 years. Viatorians have always considered it Saint Viator Combination Building 1910 as the community’s mother church and integral to the fabric of the Viatorian Community. Now, Viatorians celebrate those many years of pastoral ministry, even as the parish undergoes a massive change this July as part of the Renew My Church initiative. Like a great many others in the Archdiocese of Chicago, St. Viator will be consolidating with neighboring parish, St. Wenceslas, to form a new as yet unnamed parish. Rev. Benjamin Arevalos Lupercio of St. Wenceslas Parish will serve as the new pastor when the Viatorians depart from the parish.
again. The school expanded to fill the entire building and a new church was built at its current location next door, dedicated in 1929 by Cardinal George Mundelein.
Saint Viator Rectory, Church and Convent
The church was designed by Irishborn architect Charles L. Wallace, who was responsible for over 100 buildings in the Chicago area and numerous other parishes. Over the next few decades, St. Viator Parish continued to grow – and more than The Renew My Church initiative will better equip the parish to meet the needs of its congregants and, as St. Viator Pastor Fr. Pat- one dozen new parishes would start rick Render, CSV, said, “create stronger and more viable parishes.” up in its original 25-mile territory. A rectory and convent were added Saint Viator Church Sanctuary As Viatorians near the end of this chapter of the parish’s story and embark upon the next, they can look back at the history of St. and the school building was expanded, including a recreation center Viator Parish and celebrate the role that Viatorians have played in that served myriad purposes for the busy community. people’s lives for generations. As with much of Chicago, St. Viator Parish has In 1888, Quebec Viatorian Rev. Cyrille undergone a number of Fournier, CSV, was in the process of founddemographic changes in ing a new novitiate in the Chicago area. the past 40 years. Both Archbishop Patrick Feehan, recognizing the the city and the parish need in the community, requested that the Saint Viator Kindergarten 1924 alike have seen a drop Viatorians found a parish as well in what in numbers as earlier families left for the suburbs and the existing was then the town of Jefferson, annexed populations have shifted, as has been the case with most parishes into Chicago the very next year. The small in the archdiocese. These changes are what has spurred the Renew wooden church was located at the corner of My Church initiative, Pulaski (formerly Crawford) and Belmont whose goal is to create and served the budding community of Irish, Polish, and German more vibrant, viable and Catholics. meaningful communities The community quickly outgrew the original through the consolidastructure and relocated to a new building at tion of parishes. In the Addison and Kedvale in 1902. Under Rev. case of St. Viator Parish, Thomas McCormick, CSV, it housed both Saint Viator School Staff 1965 this is not an end but a the church and newly founded St. Viator celebration of the Viatorians’ 133 years serving and supporting the School, the latter directed by the Sisters of St. community – and carrying out their mission of raising up commuJoseph of Carondelet. Twenty-five years later, nities where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated. the community had outgrown its lodgings yet 13
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Celebrating Our Jubilarians moved to the Province Center. Over these last 20 years, he has enjoyed his local community, while honing his computer skills and taking in the abundant plants, trees and small wildlife on the peaceful grounds of the Province Center.
Fr. Donald Wehnert, CSV:
Fr. Donald J. Fitzsimmons, CSV: 70 Years of Religious Life Fr. Donald J. Fitzsimmons, CSV, celebrates 70 years of religious life this year. He dates his introduction to the Viatorian Community back to 1946, when he arrived at Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, IL. He entered the community in 1950, along with several of his classmates, and began his university studies. At Loyola University, Fr. Fitzsimmons earned a B.A. in history and philosophy in 1955. After being ordained a priest on May 28, 1960, he later pursued graduate studies in religious education at Lumen Vitae Institute in Brussels and at Catholic University of America in Washington DC. Fr. Fitzsimmons spent the majority of his ministry as a high school teacher and substance abuse counselor. His wit and wisdom made him a good communicator with people and an active listener. For 18 years, he served at Saint Viator High School as a program chair and counselor. From 1988 to 1997, Fr. Fitzsimmons served as a drug abuse counselor at Lutheran General Recovery Center in Vernon Hills, IL. The next three years he worked in the Keys to Recovery Program as a substance abuse counselor at Holy Family Hospital in Des Plaines, IL. Fr. Fitzsimmons retired in 2001 and
field, Il and ultimately returning to serve in the Las Vegas parishes until 1981. Following his year of graduate studies in Berkeley, Fr. Wehnert was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Patrick Church in Kankakee, in 1982. Little did he know that except for one year serving at St. Viator Parish in Chicago, he would remain in the Kankakee area for nearly 40 years, serving first at St. Patrick Church and as pastor of St. Mary Church in Beaverville and St. Martin Church in Martinton, IL. He retired in 2002 and has remained at St. Patrick’s, where he helps in sacramental ministry.
Fr. John Palmer, CSV:
70 Years of Religious Life Fr. Donald Wehnert, CSV, also celebrates 70 years of religious life. In fact, he and Fr. Fitzsimmons were classmates at Cathedral Boys High School and they entered the Viatorian Community in 1950 together. They continued as classmates at Loyola University, where Fr. Wehnert earned a B.A. in sociology in 1955. He would go on for graduate studies at DePaul University and in the early 1980s at Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA. Fr. Wehnert originally started his ministry in Viatorian high schools, including short stints at Saint Viator High School, St. James Trade School in Springfield and Spalding Institute in Peoria, but the bulk of his years were spent in parishes. Fr. Wehnert started his sacramental ministry at St. Viator Catholic Community and Guardian Angel Cathedral in Las Vegas, from 1964-1970, before spending the next three years at St. Joseph Parish in Spring-
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50 Years of Religious Life Fr. John Palmer, CSV, celebrates 50 years of priesthood. He is a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he was ordained on Jan. 2, 1971. He holds degrees in music from several conservatories, including Acadia University in Nova Scotia, the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Trinity College of Music in London, and Northwestern University. He also earned degrees in philosophy and Latin studies from Loyola University, and theology from Washington Theological Coalition.
Fr. Palmer served as a professor of music at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, from 1973-2004 while also performing as an organist at venues across the country and in Europe.
During his tenure of 18 years at Bishop McNamara, Fr. Savela taught religion and history, served as athletic director, baseball coach, assistant principal and as principal for nine years.
Notable concerts include performances at Washington National Cathedral, the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington and at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, as well as the Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
His friends know him for his great sense of humor, his good taste and style, his enthusiasm for sports – especially baseball and the Chicago Cubs in particular. His originality and sense of humor were always obvious in the execution of his duties.
Fr. Palmer continues to perform and he frequently presents master classes in piano for the Illinois State Music Teachers’ Association. For many years he was a weekend assistant at St. Petronille Church in Glen Ellyn, IL but has stepped back during the pandemic. Fr. Palmer stays in touch with his Viatorian Community and actively supports the ministry of Viator House of Hospitality through prayer and financial contributions.
In preparation for his long career, he did undergraduate studies at Loyola University in Chicago and Catholic University of America in Washington DC. He completed a Master’s degree in religious studies at Mundelein College in Chicago and
returned to Loyola for courses to certify him as an educational administrator. After one year at Griffin High School in Springfield, three years at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas and one year at Holy Family Parish in Granite City IL, he moved to Redlands, where he served for 17 years in its 12-Step program, emphasizing its spirituality. “We are called to participate in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ which is to make us whole,” he says. “I am grateful for a community that allowed me to do that – one day at a time.” Fr. Savela retired in 1995 for health reasons and continues to reside in Redlands.
Fr. Erwin Savela, CSV: 50 Years of Religious Life Fr. Erwin Savela, CSV, celebrates 50 years of priesthood this year. His two longest assignments as a Viatorian have been at Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee and at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Redlands, CA as a chaplain. 15
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Clerics of St. Viator 1212 E. Euclid Avenue Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5799
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Newsletter –Spring 2020
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Around the Province... For the second straight year, Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV, was named “best pastor” by readers of the Kankakee Daily Journal as part of their Readers’ Choice Awards. For his part, Fr. Belanger described the award as “humbling.” “It is my parishioners who teach me what it means to walk with Christ,” he said. “Our main ministry is to bring people closer to Christ.”
Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV
Parishioners at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas, led by their Pastor, Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, showed their support for the Viatorians’ newest school, Cristo Rey St. Viator, with a special gift: a statue of their patron saint. The statue was delivered earlier this spring and Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, President, Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV says the image will be dedicated in front of the school, just as it stands in front of St. Viator Parish. Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, and the faculty and staff at Colegio St. Viator in Tunja, Colombia drew a big award this winter. In just its fifth year as a Viatorian school, Colegio St. Viator was recognized as “excellent” by the European Foundation for Quality Management. “We were recognized as a school in the European model of excellence in its processes,” Fr. Hererra Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV said. The honor came just one year after the Colegio St. Viator in Bogotá, the Viatorians’ original school in Colombia, won a similar honor.
Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV, has a full plate these days, between winding down his duties as associate vicar at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais and preparing to take over as president of Saint Viator High School in July. But he made time to complete a special project: the publishing and distribution of a more concise biography of Fr. Louis Querbes. Called “Louis Querbes: Proclaim Jesus Christ, Fr. Daniel Lydon, CSV Especially to the Poor,” it is just 16 pages and features such primary sources as original photos, documents and artifacts on each page. “Now that Fr. Querbes is on the road to beatification,” Fr. Lydon says, “we’re trying to do all we can to make his story known.” What do Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, Fr. Robert M. Egan, CSV, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Fr. Daniel Hall, CSV, Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, and Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV, all share in common: They all either attended, taught or led Saint Viator High School – or all of the above. With their connection to the school, they all helped out last month to offer the sacrament of reconciliation to students in religion classes. Groups rotated through the Alumni Memorial Chapel during one week in Lent, when students took the opportunity to examine their consciences and to quietly reflect in the chapel. If they wanted, they could celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. The Lenten season offered an important time to consider the sacrament, their teachers said, as part of a commitment to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
