QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE CLERICS OF SAINT VIATOR Fall 1996
Volume 2, Number 3
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Hispanic St. Thomas More Church Dedicated _ _ __ Ministry Established _ continued gifts of time,
"With hearts full of joy... "
talent and treasure in making their new house of prayer a reality. Bishop Walsh celebrated the dedication ceremony, which included the Sprinkling Rite; the Anointing, the Incensation and the Lighting of the Altar and Snnctunry of St. Tho111ns More Church
A thirteen year journey of hope in the Green Valley area of Henderson, Nevada was beautifully realized on Thursday, September 26th with an evening Dedication Liturgy for the new St. Thomas More Church attended by more than 1,500 parishioners. The mass processional was led by Bishop Daniel F. Walsh, Rev. Daniel T. Nolan, C.S.V. Pastor of St.
Thomas More, and Rev. Kenneth R. Morris, C.S.V., Associate Pastor. The processional included representatives and their families from the parish Building and Fund Raising Committees; the Parish Council, the Pastoral and the Parish Staff, the Liturgy Committee and the Architects and Construction Company. All were selected to recognize their
"This . ceremony... ts an opportunity to renew our faith in and love of Christ and his church" Walls, followed by the Preparation of the Altar and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In the bishop's remarks, he Continued
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A new ministry with the Spanish-speaking residents of St. Viator Parish, Chicago began last September with a Sunday afternoon Mass. Many members of the parish community were present to welcome the people from Central and South American cultures who are new to the neighborhood in recent years. Long time parishioners learned to say welcome in Spanish, -Bienven ido- to serve as greeters for the first weekly mass. The commitment of the Parish to the 1:OOPM Misa En Espanol is a strong sign of encouragement to their brothers and sisters who are more Continued on pnge 7
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From The Provincial's Perspective _____ Dear Partner in Faith:
Viator Reverend Robert M. Egan, C.S.V. Provincial Publisher Philip}. Skeris Director of Development Managing Editor VIATOR is published quarterly by the Clerics of St. Viator, the Viatorians, for friends, families, parishioners and alumni of Viatorian apostolates. The Clerics of St. Viator are religious priests and brothers sent by the Catholic Church to teach the Faith and proclaim Jesus Christ as Gospel. In parishes, schools, and a variety of other ministries Viatorians work with Christian communities to live, deepen and celebrate their faith. Our legal title is: Clerics of St. Viator.
Greetings from the Viatorians and good wishes for a Happy New Year! I hope that the Christmas season was a time of joy and peace for you and all the members of your family. The Viatorians pray that the new year is filled with many blessings and new hopes for you. Our community has been twice blessed with your generosity in recent months. First, our St. Viator Day prayer request was once again well received by many of you- those who sent prayer requests doubled from last year and many of you sent unexpected and most welcome gifts to our community. Secondly, our community is extremely grateful to many of you who responded to our appeal in support of Colegio San Viator, our Foundation in Bogota, Colombia. On behalf of all the Viatorians, both here in the United States and in Colombia, I extend my deep thanks and gratitude for your generosity. Last September I was attending a liturgy marking the 150th anniversary of Maternity B.V.M. Parish in Bourbonnais, Illinois; Maternity was the first parish for the Viatorians in the United States and the celebration marked the beginning of a year long festival for the parish. At the reception I overheard someone say that they recognized me from my picture in the newsletter; it is nice to be recognized but even better to know you are reading our Quarterly Newsletter and enjoying the regular communication about the Viatorians and our ministry. This edition of VIATOR takes you from Nevada to Chicago to Colombia! You will have a chance to read about the dedication of the new St. Thomas More Church in Henderson, Nevada. You will get a chance to hear firsthand from Father Bob Bolser of his recent visit to our Foundation in Colombia after leaving there over twenty years ago. I think that you will find his reflection heartwarming and deeply touching. Finally, you will hear about our emerging ministry to the Hispanic community at St. Viator Parish in Chicago. In these locales, as well as the many others in which Viatorians minister, we continue to strive to be Teachers of Faith in the long tradition of our community. Thank you again for your continued support and loyalty to our community. On behalf of all the Viatorians, I send my good wishes to each of you. Happy reading in this newest edition of VIATOR and please know that we always welcome your comments and reactions. We would love to hear from you! Sincerely in Viator,
~ ;11. f'taNII CSv Robert M. Egan, C.S.V. Provincial
Rest in Peace Kindly remember in your prayers the following Viatorians who have recently died: Reverend. Eugene J. Lutz, C.S.V.
Born to Eternal Life June 11 , 1996
Reverend Michael J. Ranahan, C.S.V. Born to Eternal Life: November 20, 1996
Reverend John J. Monahan, C.S.V.
Reverend Philip M. Clifford, C.S.V.
Born to Eternal Life: October 6, 1996
Born to Eternal Life: January 4, 1997
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Special Report Fr. Bob Bolser, C.S.V. Returns
Colombian Pilgrimage to the Past _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I had been staring fitfully out of the American Airlines window and into the darkness for some time looking for a hint, a small sign that we were indeed nearing our destination of Colombia. How many years had it been? Twenty-two years had passed since I had last seen the place where I had lived and worked for five years and w here I had left half of my heart, March 1st, 1975. I was lost in a world of memories as we passed through the night sky. I was also, truth be told, extraordinarily excited and full of anticipation and questions. How might the cities of Bogota and Buga have changed, and how had I changed? In a quiet instant my reverie was interrupted by a faint gleam in the blackness of the night. Off in the distance I could begin to make out faintly the bronzed outline of the lights of a city stretched out along a
darkened coast. I watched it grow larger as we approached and became sure it was indeed Cartegena de los Indes. My arrival in Colombian airspace was punctuated by quiet tears of sheer joy. I was home. I was accompanying Father Richard Rinn, C.S.V. our Assistant Provincial, on his visit to the Colombian Foundation. I guess you might call this a "businessman's holiday." Part of my trip was homecoming but I was also Father Rinn's interpreter, and true to his promise, Father Rinn kept me busy. Despite the work, I began a week of renewal of relationships and areacquaintance with our Colombian Foundation. As Father Rinn and I disembarked from our plane we were met by Viatorian Fathers John Pisors and Pedro Herrera. We climbed
Bob Bolser, C.S.V. welcomed in Buga, Colombia with school Principal Jesus Gomez and his Secreta ry Marleni
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Bob return s to Colegio San Viator
into the community Jeep and began a journey through streets that were vaguely familiar and yet greatly changed. As we drove from the airport to
our school, Colegio San Viator, I was struck by the sheer magnitude of the city itself. When I left Bogota in 1975, our Continued on page 6
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St. Thomas More Church Dedicated (continued) stated that "This ceremony will not only dedicate and consecrate this building to God but will also be an opportunity for each of us to renew our faith in and love of Christ and in his church." He concluded with the hope that "This day may begin a new chapter in the life of this community of faith, a new chapter in which we worship God more profoundly and share our faith more effectively." Father Nolan's comments touched upon the community's growth and trials, journeying from the status as a Mission of St. Peter the Apostle Church and the first worship space at a Pre-School; to the interesting days - and some unusual experiences- at a funeral home chapel, on to the original parish MultiPurpose Building, and now, "our beautiful new church." He also recognized the pioneering work of St. Peter's Pastor Fr. Ceasar Caviglia and Viatorian Fr. Tom McCarthy who
(left to right) Pastor Dan Nolan, C.S.V , Bishop Walsh, Associate Pastor Ken Morris, C.S.V
St. Thomas More church and plaza
rotated the Sunday masses; and the first fulltime Pastor, Fr. Tom Long. C.S.V. "This day, more clearly than ever before, I truly understand fully the psalmist's words "I rejoiced when I heard them say, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.' " He concluded "The effort of empowering
others to assume positions of collaborative leadership was crucial. Our community has been blessed. So many people responded in so many ways. As our parish continues to grow, so do our numbers in people willing to serve others in our various liturgical and educational ministries. We have become an
active, still growing community which is joyfully striving to celebrate the presence of God among us, and at the same time be a ware of the needs and concerns of others. This evening, we gather in prayer. 'With hearts full of joy we consecrate to Your glory this work of our hands ... this house of prayer.' " •
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Viatorian Annuities Offered
Secure Your Future With a Gift _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ Are you looking to strengthen your retirement? Seeking to convert low-yielding assets into guaranteed and fixed income? Interested in converting real estate to a new income? Then we invite you to consider our Charitable Gift Annuity Agreement. This simple gift arrangement is a contract between the Clerics of St. Viator and a donor. In consideration for their gift, the Viatorians agree to pay the donor or their designated beneficiary a guaranteed and fixed payment for life. Payments depend upon the amount of the gift and the age of the donor or designated beneficiary. For example, rates of 7.2 % are available at age 65; 8.4% at age 75, and 9.4 % at age 80, as of March 1. Such an annuity is ideal for any person considering a charitable gift who also wishes a fixed and guaranteed
payment for life, or the life of some other individual. It is also suitable for two lives, such as spouses, which continues payments over both lifetimes. Annuity guaranteed payments are free of market fluctuation and inflationary pressures and are partially tax free. Your gift to establish the annuity provides you with a current Federal income tax deduction. Better yet, a gift annuity leaves no asset or contractual right remaining in the Estate of the donor or beneficiary to be subject to any Federal Estate Tax. Establishing a Viatorian Charitable Gift Annuity can provide one of the most secure arrangements available to produce income for living expenses during your lifetime while giving you the personal satisfaction and tax benefits of making a current gift in advancing the Viatorian Mission. These gifts
support the many worthwhile programs and activities of Viatorians as Teachers of Faith. Charitable gift annuities are available from the Clerics of St. Viator for a minimum gift of $5,000. There are also some minimum age restrictions for the person to receive lifetime annuity payments. Specific quotations are available by contacting the Clerics of St. Viator Office of Development staff for your individual circumstances.
For additional information about the Clerics of St. Via tor Charitable Gift Annuity or other planned giving alternatives, please contact: Philip J. Skeris, CARP, CFRE Director of Development Clerics of St. Viator 1212 East Euclid Street Arlington Heights, IL 60004 (847) 398-6805 Fax: (847) 398-6247
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school was 14 kilometers north of the city. Now I found the city encroaching on, and indeed beginning to surround the school. I wanted to see it all, but 22 years takes a toll and a bed seemed really welcome. The next morning was a wonderful and uncommonly sunny day in Bogota. Father Rinn and I went over to the school and it was a combination of familiarity and the new. At once I could see a hole in the ceiling and roof at the entrance to the school where years and years ago one of the guards, being caught sleeping by surprise, fell over and fired his shotgun, leaving a permanent memorial to himself. Ah memories! On the other hand, I saw a school much larger in scale and much changed. When I left, there were 600 students in Bachillerato, junior high and high school. Now enrollment is almost 1,300 students from pre-kindergarten through high school. There is a theater, a
small radio station, teachers offices and new computer centers. There are lots of changes to the school as it strives successfully to keep up its reputation as a center for great education, for both those who can afford it and especially for those who cannot afford it. One thing that I was impressed by, of course, was the still excited curiosity of the students. I suppose over the years they, like all students everywhere, have changed, but their genuine hospitality and natural friendliness is still very much a part of them. They were ready in an instant to question, talk, and, of course, to have their picture taken. Their faces have changed, but these are still the students I remember. I was deeply moved by
the spirit of the Faculty. They are dedicated and professional teachers. But even more importantly, I had a profound sense that they grounded their work in the mission of Jesus
Pedro Herrera with Bob renewing their friendship
Bob with Bachillernto students
Christ. They do perceive themselves as ministers, and that may be their greatest gift to the education of students at San Viator. It may also be why they are so good at what they do. Our days at the school were wonderful and so impressive. However, renewing friendships
with the Viatorians and getting to know the young men who are in the process of discerning God's call in their lives was deeply moving as well. In some ways, I felt as if I had never left. Through the sharing of prayer, the laughter and serious moments we spent together, I Continu ed on page 7
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Colombian Pilgrimage to the Past (continued) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ rediscovered a certain combination of anxious anticipation and hope that is, I think, inherent in a mission experience, whether in foreign lands or here in the United States. I felt very much at home in their midst. Perhaps most moving to me in my eight days in Colombia was an experience in Buga, a small town about 200 miles west of Bogota in the hot countryside of palm trees and cool evening breezes. Father
Rinn and I had one day there. Viatorians left Buga about 25 years ago, and the Gimnasio Central del Valle, the small school where we taught for a few short years. But our welcome was warm and genuine. I was overwhelmed by the real feelings of fondness for the Viatorians still evident here so long after we had been there. The love and respect for our time and our work there was demonstrated especially
as we toured the school and visited with the teachers and students. When we entered their small chapel, we saw a small picture of St. Viator still on the walls our presence was still there even after so many years. Their principal told us that the Clerics of St. Viator who had served there profoundly shaped and influenced the character and philosophy of the school, even to the present. I
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was awed and humbled by what this small picture reflected and represented about our story in Colombia, and about our Viatorian call to ministry. My return to Colombia was indeed a spiritual journey. It was a pilgrimage to the past, but a pilgrimage steeped in the wonders of our shared ministry in the present, and in hope in our future. •
By: Rev. Robert Bolser, C.S.V
Hispanic Ministry Established (continued) _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ comfortable worshipping in their first language. St. Via tor has long been a multi-ethnic community. Current cultures represented in the Parish include: Polish, Filipino, Colombian, Irish, Indian, Mexican and Puerto Rican, among others. Fr. Bob Bolser, C.S.V. , Associate Pastor at St. Viator, celebrates these liturgies which average 500 people each week.
As word spread that a St. Viator priest was fluent in Spanish, requests multiplied for baptisms, weddings and quinceneras (a celebration for 15 year old young women in some Hispanic cultures.) Viatorians are responding to the challenges of our Mission as they raise up communities where our Faith is lived, deepened and celebrated. • Bob Bolser, C.S.V and St. Viator-Chicago Pastor Bill Carpenter, C.S.V. with Statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe given as a gift by the Viatorians
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