Viator Newsletter Spring 2021

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.

Q . We understand you’re a pre-associate. Congratulations! We’re wondering what was it about the Viatorian Community that drew you to consider this vocation?

A. Definitely the combination of the community and justice Pre-Associate Jason Wilhite 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 . 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 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 Viatorian charism do you impart to your students?

A. Faith in action and caring for those accounted of little 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.

Q . We know you attended the Viatorian Youth Congress as a presenter in 2018, what came about as a result?

A. I spoke about a campaign to provide access to quality 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.

Q . How did you become interested in educating children in a developing country?

A. As a college student, I was interested in integrating 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 . And finally, what are your aspirations of becoming a Viatorian associate and of being an active part of the Viatorian Community?

A. Two things: 1) to deepen my understanding of God’s invitation for me as a lay person, and 2) to contribute to Viatorian efforts to create more meaningful programs/ experiences for and with young adults.