QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE CLERICS OF SAINT VIATOR Volume 3, Number 1
November 1997
T E A C H E R S
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F A I T H
Fr. "Vector's" Mission
Prayers and Perseverance
St. George Parish 125th Anniversary ~~-- Combating Science Brothers of the Clerics of Illiteracy __ St. Viator from St. Viator
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St. George Church
A small wood frame church built near Bourbonnais, Illinois in 1848 was dedicated to St. George by the French Canadians who arrived in this area of floods and strong storms. Served by the priests of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in nearby Bourbonnais, the parishioners built the first stone structure in
1869. In what was to be the first in a series of churches, this church was destroyed by a tornado just three months later. In 1872 the second stone church was completed, and the permanent mission of the parish began. A school for boys ages 10 through 24 began in the church basement in 1876, run by the
College in Bourbonnais, which heralded the beginning of Viatorian presence in the parish. Rev. Francis V. Chouinard, C.S.V. served as the first Viatorian pastor of St. George Parish from 1898 to 1903. Unfortunately, a
Once again, through prayers and perseverance, the people of St. George rebuilt and repaired the church. tornado in the early 1900's sheared off the Continued
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By: Phil Skeris F r. John Milton, C.S.V. is a physics teacher with an unusual mission. In a recent visit, he noted a special goal is to corrtbat science illiteracy. Fr. Milton is an engineer as well as priest and physicist, and he brings these talents and gifts to his teaching. He has taught physical science in high schools, colleges and universities for almost 37 years. He taught math at Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, IL and at Spalding Institute in Peoria, IL, followed by math and religion assignments at Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee. Fr. Milton served 22 years on the faculty of St. Viator High Continued
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From The Provincial's Perspective ____ _ Dear Partner in Faith,
Viator
Greetings from the Viatorians and our Provincial Center here in Arlington Heights. It is very quiet around the Province Center these days but beneath the quiet, there are several new ideas developing. The Viatorians in the Chicago Province are examining the possibility of establishing a new mission - we call it a foundation - in a foreign country. Let me explain.
Reverend Robert M. Egan, C.S.V. Provincial
Publisher Philip J. Skeris Director of Development
Managing Editor VIATOR is published quarterly by the Clerics of St. Viator, the Viatorians, for friends, fam ilies, 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 Jesu s Christ as Gosp el. In p arishes, schools, and a variety of o ther ministries Viatorians w ork with Christian communities to live, deepen and celebrate their fa ith. Our legal title is: Clerics of St. Viator.
Our Superior General in Rome has invited Viatorians across the world to consider the establishment of new foundations in new foreign countries as an opportunity for us to share the Viatorian charism with those who have not been involved in Viatorian ministry. The Chicago Province is pursuing this discernment and will visit in the near future two possible sites for our new foundation in the Caribbean and in Central America. Please keep these endeavors in your prayers as we continue to search for new ways to share the Viatorian message in our world. For over 35 years the Viatorians have ministered in Colombia at Colegio San Viator and, while continuing that ministry, we are considering the establishment of two new works in Colombia. One of these would be to establish a parish in Bogota and our second endeavor has been to accept responsibility for the administration of a school in a rural area of Colombia in a town called Libano. Some four hours driving time west of Bogota, this addition represents an expansion of our ministry in South America. As I write this letter, I am preparing for a trip to Bogota to receive the Perpetual Vows of Brother Fernando Nunez, C.S.V., and to assist at the diaconate ordination of Brother Carlos Luis Claro,
c.s.v. I would imagine that by now you have received our St. Viator Day Mailing. Traditionallyand this tradition is only 3 years old - this communication has been a marvelous success for us. From around the United States- from parishioners to parents, current students to alumni, friends to family- we hear from you with your prayer requests and spiritual support. These special prayer requests are placed on our altar here at the Province Center and your prayers join ours, especially on St. Viator Day, October 21. Thank you for your sup port and continued loyalty to the Viatorians. As always, you are included in our prayers. May God's blessings be with you and all the members of your family. Sincerely,
~ ;11 . t rrt>.AI , csv Robert M. Egan, C.S.V. Provincial
Rest in Peace Kindly remember in your prayers the following Viatorians who have recen tly died: Reveren d Thomas L. Sullivan, C.S.V. Born to Eternal Life: September 22, 1997
Reverend Eugen e
J. Sullivan , C.S.V.
Born to Eternal Life: October 10, 1997
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St. George Parish 125th Anniversary (continued) roof and damaged the 1872 church; thus more rebuilding. Once again, through prayers and perseverance, the people of St. George rebuilt and repaired the church. In the intervening years the parish survived two world wars, the Great Depression, and another tornado in 1954. A catastrophic fire gutted the church in July of 1959, and the next year a
new church was built within the stone walls of the 1872 structure. A son of the parish, Monsignor Romeo Blanchette, celebrated the Mass of Dedication in September of 1960. Monsignor Blanchette was later named Bishop of Joliet in 1966. In 1985, the bronze church bell was removed from the steeple for structural reasons and in
1986, based on age, two other parish buildings had to be replaced. The Viatorian tradition continues with Rev. Kenneth Yarno, C.S.V. as current pastor. The parish Anniversary Booklet concludes the story of this remarkably resilient faith community with the following thought: "As the people of St. George Parish
celebrate the 125th anniversary of the present church in 1997, they look to their ancestors in gratitude for providing a church community to take care of their religious aspirations. They are willing to meet the challenges they face today to provide the same faith opportunities for future generations." •
Combating Science Illiteracy (continued) School in Arlington Heights, IL, where his physics students christened him "Fr. Vector" because of his enthusiasm for all things scientific. He is currently in his 12th year on staff at DePaul University in the physical science department. He has also taught summer courses at St. Louis University and Harper College, Palatine, IL. In addition to his teaching, Fr. Milton has served the Viatorians as Novice Master and Formation Director for five years. Fr. Milton finds his role as science teacher and
priest to be very compatible, he said, "because they are two different ways of perceiving reality and seeking the truth. The search in science complements the search for truth in theology. Theology is the one field of study that takes in every other field in its search for truth." "As always," he continued, "teaching presents some unique opportunities for pastoral ministry," in particular because his students and faculty colleagues know him as a Viatorian and a priest. He was introduced to the Viatorians during high school and college.
Fr. Milton explains a laboratory project
As a college junior and senior, he realized his strong interest in teaching, and the opportunity to do so as a Viatorian was compelling. From his experience, the best part of teaching is watching
students grow along with the personal and professional contacts with students and faculty. Indeed, it was the appeal of teaching rather than parish ministry that led him to join the Viatorians. Continued on page 4
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Combating Science Illiteracy (continued) Fr. Milton lists many Viatorian mentors including Fr. Emmett Walsh, his english teacher; Fr. Bob Teed and Br. Gerry LaMarre in math and religion. He gained insights into lay involvement from Fr. Frank Williams. John summed up by
saying,"Each of these Viatorians had their own distinctive approach, and they were all good teachers!" Fr. Milton has always assisted on weekends in a variety of parishes , and is currently helping at St. Zachary Parish in Des Plaines, IL. St.
Zachary has many DePaul and St. Viator High School alums in the parish, including technically trained parishioners who come forward after Mass to visit because he "speaks the language" and recognizes the challenges in their work. •
Viatorian Jubilarians ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This year's class of jubilarians, celebrating their life as Viatorians and years of service as priests, includes the nine Viatorians listed below. They represent 165 years as Viatorian priests, and 395 years as Viatorians. The Jubilarians (from L toR):
Concelebrant Michael J. O'Brien, C.S.V. brother of Tom O'Brien, C.S.V. Lawrence R. White, C.S.V. - 50 years Priesthood Thomas G. O'Brien, C.S.V - 50 years Priesthood Thomas P. McCarthy, C.S.V. - 50 years Religious Life Thomas F. McMahon, C.S.V.
Thomas L. Sullivan, C.S.V.*
Francis P. White, C.S.V.
Andrew A. Bialas, C.S.V.
- 50 years Religious Life
- 75 years Religious Life
- 60 years Religious Life
- 60 years Religious Life
W1"ll"tam
Kenneth R. Morris, C.S.V.
- 50 years Religious Life
- 50 years Religious Life
**Also not present
c . M ayer, c .s.V** .
- 65 years Priesthood *Too ill to attend
INDULGE YOURSELF IN A HOLIDAY GIFT WHICH WILL PAY YOU INCOME FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE For information about establishing a life-income gift with the Clerics of St. Viator, Call Phil Skeris at 847/398-6805.
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Partners in Faith Provide
Points to Ponder.... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This issue lights questions regarding the need for preparing a will by illustrating the benefits of tax-advantaged giving for you and your loved ones. Over the years, we have heard of the benefits of creating a will. But we also heard that most Americans do not even have a will. We really don't own much, so why bother with a will?
Maybe we are just reluctant to think of final plans. But everyone needs a will, whether yours is a modest or a large estate! Here's why: IF YOU have a will: YOU direct the distribution of your possessions and assets to those you choose; YOU select a personal representative (executor) to oversee that your w ishes are carried out; YOU can avoid unnecessary expenses in
Viatorian Brothers To Rome Two Brothers from the Chicago Province, Dan Belanger, C.S.V. and Alejandro Adame, C.S.V. were invited to a late Fall meeting of the International Union of Superiors General in Rome, Italy. Seven delegates, representing different Viatorian Provinces around the world, will provide their expectations as young religious for the life and ministry of the
administering your estate; YOU can provide for your family, friends and relatives according to their needs;
those organizations that have had a strong impact on your life, and whose goals and mission you would like to help continue to extend in future years.
YOU can provide for minor children by establishing a trust or selecting a guardian;
If I can be of help to you or your loved ones, please call or write:
YOU can save substantial estate taxes via appropriate estate planning techniques; and only after caring for family and loved ones;
847 / 398-6805 Philip J. Skeris, CAHP, CFRE Office of Development Clerics of St. Viator 1212 East Euclid Street Arlington H eights, IL 60004 . •
YOU can consider charitable support to
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Congregation. The goal is to incorporate some of the discussions from the meeting into the work and lives of Viatorians throughout the world. Alejandro is a seminarian from Colombia in his second year of theology. Dan is stationed at St. Viator Parish, Chicago with a primary ministry of teaching religion in the parish elementary school. •
(L toR): Brothers Marcello Antonio Lamas, Chile; Dan Belanger, USA; Jean-Pierre Aiadie, Fran ce; and back row, L to R:Victor Camara, Spa in; Harry Celes tin , Haiti; Auguste Yao Bahtey, Ivory Coast; and Aleja ndro Adame, Colom bia.
Send To: Name
Development Office Clerics of St. Viator 1212 Euclid St. Arlington Heights, IL 60004 847-398-6805
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If you would like any information on the Clerics of Saint Viator or if you have any special comments, please write them here or on a separate sheet. Thank you.
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