Viatorian Voices: Conversations on the Way

The conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV the first American pope will likely be a "where were you when" memory for many Catholics, especially Americans and Viatorians. In this episode, we collect a few stories from the big day and invite your reflection and prayer for Pope Leo XIV as he approaches the first anniversary of this election as pope. (This episode debuted May 4, 2026.)00:00 Introduction01:50 Pre-Associate Patrick McGarry03:03 Associate Dan Schwarz05:04 Pre-Associate Joanne Andrews06:32 Fr. John Eustice, CSV07:44 Associate Dan Masterton09:46 Fr. Charlie Bolser, CSV11:46 Fr. Mark Francis, CSV13:26 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This series exploring our global solidarity has helped demonstrate the amazing joy and vitality of our worldwide Viatorian Community. That joy is perhaps most evident as people from all around our worldwide community share their encouragement for those who might be considering Viatorian association or religious life. So, in this episode, we’re gathering this global chorus of encouragement in one place to show the rich tapestry of our charism and community life and spotlight the warm welcome people will find with us. While we did not get to do full English-language episodes with Japan, Peru, and Chile, their reflections are included here in this wrap-up episode. (This episode debuted on April 20, 2026.)00:00 Introduction01:31 Opening Reflection from Japan03:13 Haiti04:04 Colombia04:52 Canada05:44 Spain06:39 Burkina Faso07:43 Ivory Coast08:31 Honduras09:23 France10:18 Chile (Spanish, then English)12:10 Peru (Spanish, then English)14:39 Japan16:23 United States17:46 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue exploring our global Viatorian solidarity by connecting with the Province of France and Associate Claire Fayolle. Claire is a retired infant/child psychologist who has known the Viatorians from parish life in Oullins, just outside Lyon. She became an associate in 2020 and was a delegate for France to the General Assembly in 2025. The Venerable Louis Querbes was born and raised in Lyon, France, and became a priest of the archdiocese; it was during his ministry in Vourles that Fr. Querbes imagined and founded the Viatorians. In the almost 200 years since, our community has spread from France to ministry and community life in several countries around the world. (This episode debuted on April 7, 2026.)00:00 Introduction01:48 How Claire Became a Viatorian03:34 Catholic Life in France06:09 The French Viatorian Community07:48 Living the Charism in Ecology and Immigration Justice11:07 Faithful and Welcoming Community Life13:24 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue exploring our global Viatorian solidarity by speaking with Danilo José Hernández Caretero of Honduras. Though Danilo is not a Viatorian, he belongs to a Viatorian parish and has worked with Viatorians for a while. For 16 years and counting, Danilo has worked for SERSO Honduras, the Viatorians’ charitable and community development organization. Danilo is a civil engineer, so he worked first for SERSO as a construction technician and then became project manager. Then three years ago, he began working also as a middle and high school math teacher in our school, Centro Educativo San Viator. The Province of Spain sent professed Viatorians to Honduras in 1998, and they planted the Viatorian charism in Jutiapa. Over time, lay associates have joined, and the Viatorians have developed ministries in the school, ongoing parish work, outreach around the Jutiapa municipality, and SERSO Honduras, modeled after the SERSO organization in Spain. (This episode debuted on March 23, 2026.)00:00 Introduction01:59 Meet Danilo04:20 Our Viatorian Community in Honduras06:38 How Viatorians Serve in Honduras07:49 SERSO Honduras10:47 Encouragement for Discerners11:58 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we continue exploring our global Viatorian solidarity by speaking with Fr. Maurice Kouadio of Ivory Coast. Fr. Maurice professed first vows in 2006 and was ordained a priest in 2024. He is director of the school, Groupe Scolaire Saint-Viateur in Bouaké, which includes nursery, primary, and secondary schools, and he serves as vicar to the quasi-parish that utilizes the school chapel there. (This episode debuted March 9, 2026.)00:00 Introduction01:44 How Fr. Maurice Became a Viatorian03:34 Viatorian Community in Ivory Coast06:06 Becoming a Viatorian Region08:29 Guidance for Discerners09:47 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore our international Viatorian solidarity with Burkina Faso and Associate Julien Magloire Oubda. Julien has backgrounds in sociology and management, and he most recently worked as a contractor with United Nations Food and Agriculture programs. He committed as a Viatorian Associate in 2023, alongside his wife, Esther, with whom he has three children, and he participated in Viatorian General Assembly in 2025 as a delegate for the Region of Burkina Faso. He shares with us about his Viatorian vocation, the context in Burkina Faso, our charism and ministry there, and his encouragement for Viatorian discerners. (This episode debuted on February 23, 2026.)00:00 Introduction02:00 Meeting the Viatorians and Joining the Community04:26 Our Context in Burkina Faso06:48 Viatorian Ministry and Charism in BF09:53 Growing into a Viatorian Region11:37 Guidance and Encouragement for Viatorian Discerners13:10 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore our international Viatorian solidarity with Spain and Br. José Javier García García, CSV, Associate Ilse Kugel, and Associate Javier Elena Carrero. They all teach at Colegio Fátima in Madrid, including teaching English; Br. JJ oversees campus ministry, and Ilse and Javier help moderate Scouting groups. They all also belong to La Comunidad de Nuestra Señora de Fátima in Madrid. (This episode debuted on February 9, 2026.)00:00 Introduction02:04 Meeting and Joining the Viatorians05:18 The Church in Modern Spain08:36 The Viatorian Community in Spain12:08 Serving Together with SERSO15:27 Encouragement for Discerners19:05 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore our international Viatorian solidarity with Canada and Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV. Fr. Alain professed first vows in 1980 and was ordained a priest in 1986. He served in several leadership roles for the Province of Canada and was elected to a six-year term as our Superior General in 2012, succeeding our own Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, for whom he was General Councilor, preceding our own Fr. Mick Egan, CSV. Fr. Alain now serves as the executive director of the Canadian Religious Conference, which networks religious communities across the Church in Canada for collaboration. (This episode debuted on January 26, 2026.)00:00 Introduction01:34 How did you first encounter the Viatorians?04:00 What is the Viatorian Community like in Canada?05:34 What is the Church like in Canada?09:01 How has Canada’s mission impulse unfolded?13:20 What sticks with you from your time as Superior General?18:10 What would you say to someone considering Viatorian life?19:39 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue exploring our global Viatorian solidarity in this conversation with Br. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, of Colombia, a foundation of the Province of Chicago (US). Br. John professed first vows in 2019 and perpetual vows in 2022; he was ordained a transition deacon in 2025 and will be ordained a priest later in 2026. After studying philosophy, theology, and education in Colombia, he came to the US a few years ago to learn English and continue theological studies at Catholic Theological Union. Here, he reflects on Viatorian and Catholic life in Colombia and how language and culture have opened connections and shown him the movement of the Holy Spirit. (This episode debuted on January 12, 2026.)00:00 Introductions02:23 Encountering and Choosing Viatorian Life04:24 Church Life in Colombia06:33 Coming to the US for Studies09:31 Language, Culture, and the Holy Spirit10:51 Why the Viatorian Community Is Special12:49 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we speak with Fr. Dudley Pierre. Fr. Dudley is a native of Haiti, where he met and joined the Viatorians. He professed first vows in 2002 and was ordained a priest in 2009. In his religious life, he’s studied and ministered all around the world, including his current graduate studies in Spain. In this episode, we talk about the Viatorian Community in Haiti, studying multiple languages, learning several cultures, and Fr. Dudley’s insights for those considering Viatorian life. (This episode debuted on December 15, 2025.)Chapters00:00 Intro01:52 Fr. Dudley’s Vocation Roots03:25 Viatorians in Haiti05:09 Multilingual and Multicultural Religious Life08:15 Seeing Language like Music09:58 Insights for Discernment11:39 Conclusion14:16 Bonus Deleted Scene Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the Fourth Viatorian General Assembly in October 2025 in France, leadership invited six delegates to share their vocation stories with the full group. Among a mix of women and men, associates and professed religious, and English, French, and Spanish speakers, Associate Rosy Hartz shared her story. Rosy has been an associate since 2009 and served as Director of Youth Ministry at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas for almost 25 years. She was elected to the assembly by her fellow associates in the US. Her talk is shared here, edited down to minimize the pauses and careful pace required for speaking with live interpreters serving the audience there. (This episode debuted on November 17, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During National Vocations Awareness Week (Nov. 2-9, 2025), the People of God are invited to intentionality in prayer and reflection around vocations, perhaps including personal discernment, too. In our Church, we honor single life, married life, religious life, and priesthood, and in our Viatorian Community, we celebrate professed religious brothers and priests and committed women and men lay associates as well as youth leaders.Here, we ask three questions of three panelists, Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, Associate Ann Perez, and Viatorian Youth Leader Madeline Denk: What does discernment clarity look like? What prayer helps your discernment? What does your Viatorian vocation mean to you? Come with us on this lightning round as we pray for vocations and reflect further in our own hearts. (This episode debuted on November 3, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Viatorian Community held the Fourth Viatorian General Assembly in October 2025 near Lyon, France. Delegations of associates, brothers, and priests from 11 countries gathered with support staff, provincial and regional superiors, and Fr. Nestor Fils-Aimé, CSV, our Superior General, and his General Council. During week of prayer, pilgrimage, and discussion on fraternity, synodality, and mission, we caught up with a few English-speaking delegates who agreed to share greetings with our listeners in the US. Enjoy! (This episode debuted on October 27, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As much as our charism lives in the members of our community, our stories from our past, and our ministry today, we also preserve and maintain our charism through our archives – the home of countless papers, books, artifacts, and other special items that help tell this story even more colorfully. Rebecca Skirvin is the Viatorian Archivist, and it's her responsibility to sustain order in this collection so that it may serve us well. For National Archives Month, we're getting the scoop – so, what's her background? What kind of work does she do? And what sorts of items come into her possession? We talk about all this, and Rebecca reflects on the vocation of it all, whether in a full-time archivist career or simply by tending to our community or family's history. (This episode debuted on October 6, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the beautiful grounds of the Viatorian Province Center, tucked away near the back, is a white fence that encloses 25 raised garden beds. Volunteer gardeners from around the community come week-in-and-week-out to tend their gardens, and the produce these plots yield benefit local food pantries. The Community Giving Garden started with an idea from Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, who worked with the Provincial Council to set it up. He's now handed it on to Associate John Dussman to coordinate, and the volunteer team has grown to a wide slate of community partners and a waiting list of more folks who want to join in. And each year, the gardeners donate over one ton of produce to food pantries. Learn more about this ministry caring for God's Creation and opting for our neighbors in need. (This episode debuted on September 22, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viviana Tellez grew up around Viatorians at St. Viator Parish in Chicago, including her mom, Susanna, who is a Viatorian Associate. Gradually, Viv came to realize her deep joy in pastoral ministry, and thanks to faithful mentorship and empowerment, she decided to go to graduate school, study theology, a pursue a career in pastoral work. Hear from Viv about discovering God's invitation to campus ministry, especially through Viatorian ministry and community life. (This episode debuted on September 8, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In March, Viatorians began our newest ministry: administering Sacred Heart Church, a small faith community in Pembroke Township, Illinois, part of our region of Bourbonnais-Kankakee and the Diocese of Joliet. Viatorians have been doing community service projects there for 25+ years and building strong relationships with neighbors. Now, we can also serve as pastors for their church. Here, we're introduced to Sacred Heart and Pembroke Township by Bishop Glancy, parish administrator; Fr. Moses, a frequent celebrant of Sacraments there; and Associates Ken and Michelle Barrie, longtime service leaders. (This episode debuted on August 25, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About once a month, Fr. Corey Brost, CSV and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV coordinate a public witness for immigrants in downtown Arlington Heights, Illinois, where the Viatorians are headquartered. Beside two very busy streets and commuter trains' tracks, people stand with signs sharing messages of advocacy, hope, and justice to passersby, receiving a mix of support and criticism. What's the point? Why go out, make a stand, or speak up? We speak with Fr. Corey, Br. Michael, Fr. Tom Long, CSV, and some of the public witnesses who show up to hear their why, live from downtown Arlington Heights on August 1, 2025. (This episode debuted on August 11, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VYC 2025 begins today, and we're checking in with the Young Adult Leaders, who have completed their training and are getting this year's teens delegates into their retreat. Enjoy hearing from Koskani, Felipe, Abby, Amy, Walt, Viv, Fareed, Carli, Kyla, Madeline, and German! VYC 2025 is underway with teen delegates from our parishes and schools gathered with Viatorian associates, brothers, and priests at Casa Iskali - Our Lady of Guadalupe campus in Des Plaines, IL. (This episode debuted on July 28, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Br. Michael Rice, CSV grew up in Galesburg, Illinois, just within the orbit of Peoria Viatorians who happened to visit his high school. Br. Michael entered formation out of high school and began undergrad studies within the Viatorian scholasticate – it's from there that his career in teaching, school administration, and, later, buildings and grounds management took off! Br. Michael reflects on those roots, connects the dots through stories of ministry and religious life, and bring us to his new passion project today: telling the untold and compelling stories of Catholics in Galesburg. (This episode debuted on July 14, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In January 2025, Viatorian associates gathered for a morning of faith formation, studying the charism and mission of the Viatorian Community together. The presenter for the morning was Fr. Arnie Perham, CSV, who passed away in June. Fr. Arnie compiled a rich presentation combining Viatorian documents, liturgy and sacred music, and stories and photos from Viatorian communities around the world, as well as clever teaching metaphors, comparing it all to Bob Dylan's music, the Chicago Cubs, and more. Here, we collect some of the highlights of Fr. Arnie's presentation and share his insights on the Viatorian charism with you. (This episode comes from audio recorded on January 25, 2025, and it debuted on June 30, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Associates Deborah and Romeo Perez moved to Las Vegas about 20 years ago. Since then, they've had two children and put down deep roots in Las Vegas – including running a family law practice, finding a home at St. Viator Parish and School, and becoming Viatorian associates. As they realize are part of a big portion of our 70-year history in Las Vegas, we talk about how they found home and community with the Viatorians and the ways they live out our charism. (This episode debuted on June 2, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both of these women work on staff at St. Thomas More Catholic Community – Cheryl as Director of Outreach Ministry and the parish gift shop and Juliann as ministry support staff. Viatorians led the parish from its founding, including the construction of the community center and church, before transferring administration in 2019 to the Archdiocese of Las Vegas. Several Viatorian associates continue on staff, as volunteers, and as parishioners, and new vocations to association are still emerging from this Viatorian-founded community. We talk with Cheryl and Juliann about their continued ministry, their living out the charism, and the hope they see in its continued vitality. (This episode debuted on May 19, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore God's invitations with Fr. Jhobany Orduz, CSV. Jhobany is a native of Cúcuta, Colombia. He is a military veteran, civil engineer, and higher education professor and administrator. His journey took him more deeply into service and opened his heart to the unique freedom possible in religious life. Here, he reflects on discerning God's invitation to religious life, living out his calls to service alongside civil engineering and religious life, and sharing how he surprisingly sought priestly formation and ordination – as a service to his community and the Church. (This episode debuted May 5, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we visit with Viatorian Youth Leader, Koskani Montoya. Koskani grew up in Las Vegas and still lives there. His family belongs to St. Viator Catholic Community, and over time, he has become more and more involved there – starting with his mom tossing him into choir and growing deeper through VYC attendance, Viator Youth Ministry volunteering, and getting more involved with service. Here, we discuss how Koskani’s faith has quietly and steadily been a part of his maturation and the perspective he carries through life as a young adult. (This episode was recorded in March 2025, and it debuted on April 22, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Lent, we offer a deeper dive into Viatorian spirituality to aid your prayer in this holy season. In Part 3 of this 3-part series, we explore the spirituality of our prayer. We reflect on the ways we pray as individual Viatorians and in Viatorian community gatherings, how we use prayer to review our ministry, and the approaches and prayer styles that work best for us. Toward the end, we offer space for reflection with these specific reflection questions:What distinguishes my prayer? How do I pray individually? How do I pray with others?What helps me reflect on my ministries and daily life?What questions, approaches, or styles most strengthen my prayer and help me live and serve faithfully?(This episode debuted on April 7, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPECIAL SERIES: VIATORIAN SPIRITUALITYThis Lent, we offer a deeper dive into Viatorian spirituality to aid your prayer in this holy season. In Part 2 of this 3-part series, we explore the spirituality of our ministry. We examine our commitments to teaching the faith, serving the holy altar, and accompanying and serving people society tries to account of little importance. Toward the end, we offer space for reflection with these specific reflection questions:What does it mean for you to teach or model the faith?What does it mean for you to serve the holy altar?What does it mean for you to accompany and serve people who society tries to say are unimportant?Do you already minister and serve with a Viatorian spirituality? What is strongest in your heart of service?(This episode debuted on March 24, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPECIAL SERIES: VIATORIAN SPIRITUALITYThis Lent, we offer a deeper dive into Viatorian spirituality to aid your prayer in this holy season. In Part 1 of this 3-part series, we explore the spirituality of our founder, the Venerable Louis Querbes. We take a look at this motto, the virtues he articulated for great catechists, and his trust in God. Toward the end, we offer space for reflection with these specific reflection questions:What does it mean for you and to you to make Jesus adored and loved?What makes your life of faith lively? How can you turn to Scripture, spiritual reading, faith-sharing, faith-filled friends, companions, and mentors, and other meaningful sources to enlighten your faith?What does zeal look and feel like for you? How can you practice it in your life of faith?How do you struggle to trust in Providence? How are you able to trust in God?(This episode debuted on March 10, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Zundel has been serving in various educational ministry roles at Christ the King College Prep in Chicago for 15 years. His vocation as a teacher and companion to young people can be traced back through his time as a volunteer, his studies of teaching as an undergrad at Loyola University Chicago, and all the way back to Saint Viator High School! There, he credits his Viatorian teachers and campus ministers with helping him develop a dedication to serving others and living out a faith that does justice. We caught up with Daniel just as he is being recognized by LUC with its Teaching and Learning Distinguished Alumni Award. Daniel also holds a Masters in Education from the University of Notre Dame and currently serves CtK as Senior Director for the Corporate Work Study Program. (This episode debuted on February 17, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

St. Viator School is the only inclusive Catholic school in Nevada. At our Viatorian parish school, the Micah Program assists students, each with unique learning styles and varying exceptionalities, to grow into the fullness of life in Jesus, to be members of the faith community, and to teach the redeeming message of God's love. Students with conditions such as Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorder receive educational approaches tailored to help students mostly learn in the general education classroom with peers and then have intensive portions of their day spent in individualized instruction. Mrs. Angela Sligar directs the Micah Program, and in this episode, she shares some of the history, mission, and stories of this exceptional ministry. (This episode debuted on February 3, 2025.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the idea of commitment. Why do we decide to commit to things? Why do we hesitate to commit? Why do we fear commitment? But perhaps most importantly, what does commitment enable? What we do we gain within the commitments we make? Members of the Viatorian Vocation Ministry Team gathered to share their experiences of commitment, reaching back to their time before religious life to share their perspectives as single men and then moving forward in their stories through formation and professing vows and into their lives as perpetually professed Viatorians. (This episode debuted on December 16, 2024.)Celebrating our 100th episode! With our 7-episode special series on Catholic Social Teaching and our 13-episode special series on ministerial development, this 80th regular episode of Viatorian Voices puts up at 100 episodes total. Thank you to all of you who listen and reflect with us on the way. Here's to many more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV is getting settled into his fresh placement as parochial vicar of St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas. Before that, he served as pastor of St. George in Bourbonnais, IL for 15 years! From 2009 to 2024, he strived to do much with and for the great community of St. George. As you look around the beautiful grounds, the thoughtful art and environment in the church, the Fr. Querbes Youth Ministry Center, the media studio, the hall and coffee bar, and so much more, you can see the great partnership of this Viatorian priest and his congregation with a dedicated community of lay people, including many Viatorian associates! Celebrate St. George Parish with us. (This episode debuted December 2, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Associate Karen Cutler grew up in Springfield, Illinois, where she first heard about Viatorians from their ministry in her brothers' high school. She went on to work with Viatorians on Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreats and followed their encouragement to grad school in theology, campus ministry work in Nevada, and pastoral work for the province based in Illinois. Here, we get to enjoy Karen's stories of connection with Viatorians, her fidelity to God's invitations, and her witness as a lay associate of over 20 years, and counting! (This episode debuted on November 18, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we are observing National Vocations Awareness Week, a time for promoting vocations to religious life and priesthood through prayer, invitation, and education. Over the past few months, our Viatorian Vocation Ministry has undertaken a wide-reaching research project to better understand the landscape of vocation ministry today, report significant findings to Viatorians, and identify key strategies and questions to direct our ministry most effectively going forward. We drew upon interviews with peers and colleagues, fresh data on religious life, articles from Catholic and secular news sources, and media online, including first-person reflections and videos and other articles from peer congregations. We're now excited to share some findings and inform our ongoing ministry. (This episode debuted on November 4, 2024, during NVAW 2024.)Executive Summary of our reportAnnotated Bibliography of report sourcesOur full report: Vocation Ministry Today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know the etymology of the word and name "Viator"? Do you know the longer story of this lector and catechist from 4th century Lyon, France? Do you know about why Venerable Louis Querbes turned to St. Viator to name the society he envisioned? Celebrate the feast day of St. Viator, October 21, with Viatorian Voices about our patron saint! (This episode debuted on October 21, 2024.)Venerable Louis Querbes, inspire us! Saint Viator, pray for us! Adored and loved be Jesus! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every year, Viatorian brothers, priests, and associates converge for a provincial assembly. We share in prayer and Sacraments, faith formation, consultative discussions to inform leadership, and celebrations of associate commitments and professed men's jubilees. It's a time of prayer, joy, and fellowship – and a great time to invite Viatorians to pay witness to the Viatorians charism, ministries, and community life. In this special live episode recorded during Day 1 of our 2024 Provincial Assembly, Viatorians share some brief thoughts on what makes the Viatorian Community special, distinct, and impactful for them and for our Church. (This episode was recorded on October 8, 2024, and it debuted on October 9, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every six years, Viatorians in each country where we serve elect delegates to represent them in the General Chapter, the top decision-making group in the congregation of the Clerics of St. Viator. These brothers and priests gather for discussions, governance, and the election of their Superior General, or leader of the worldwide congregation. As it happens, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV – who participated in this past summer's General Chapter as Provincial Superior of the Province of Chicago – has been at every General Chapter since 1978! Drawing on his experience as a translator, an elected delegate, and an elected leader, Fr. Mark shares his unique perspective and insightful reflections on this part of religious life in the Viatorians. (This episode debuted on September 23, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viatorians are committed to walking with youth, accompanying them in living lives anchored in prayer, Eucharist, and service and doing faithful discernment toward their lives' vocations. So how do Viatorians stay connected with young adults? How do we try to stay in touch, offer ongoing support, and keep them connected to one another, to the Viatorians, and to Christ in the Church? Viatorian Youth Leader Abby Hartz has stepped up to serve our young adult community as our social media coordinator. More than just making eye-catching graphics or staffing an account, Abby stays in touch with people, shares their bios and news, and finds creative ways to help interconnect her peers. Hear more about her approach to this ministry! (This episode debuted on September 9, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-Associate Jen Anderson and Pre-Associate Larry D'Urso have just completed two years of pre-association. After discernment and formation, they have each requested to make their first commitments as Viatorian associates, and they have been invited to do so this fall. Here, they share about applying for formation, engaging in the process with Viatorians, and choosing to move forward and deepen their faith and their Viatorian commitment. (This episode debuted on August 26, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Associate Kim Martinez is going into her 30th year leading high school campus ministries and teaching theology at Bishop Gorman High School. So why did she go back to school a few years ago and earn a Masters in Pastoral Studies? Hear Kim's journey from student at a Viatorian school to staff in a Viatorian ministry to a career at a Viatorian-founded school, and now student and alumnus of a Viatorian-sponsored graduate school. (This episode debuted on August 12, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we offer brief explanations of various outlooks you can adopt to process major moments of discernment. Each "lens" comes with a short description and some directions, and we hope these tidbits can be of help to you as you think, converse, and pray amid important decisions. (This episode debuted on June 24, 2024.)For a copy of either of our discernment aid books, email [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @ViatorianUSA or @ViatorianYAOnTheWay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each summer, the Viatorians hold the Viatorian Youth Congress. VYC is a four-day leadership and faith formation retreat for teens from our parishes and schools. This time together is focused on prayer, Eucharist, and service, and learning to identify God's ongoing invitations and discern a response. We send our youth back to their home communities as Viatorian Youth Leaders who have discerned a response to God's invitations. Here, two of our trained veteran young adult leaders, Milly Colbert and Trevor Lyon, share a bit more about what makes VYC distinct, Viatorian, and impactful, ahead of leading VYC 2024. (This episode debuted June 3, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Br. John Eustice, CSV professed first vows as a Viatorian in 2005. After several years of religious life, he discerned a call to priesthood, so he approached leadership about resuming theological studies and put together a plan for priestly formation. Now, after several years of philosophy, theology, practicum, and other formation, Br. John has been ordained a transition deacon (June 2023) and is about to be ordained a priest (June 2024). Here, John reflects on the studies and formation, his religious life as a brother, and the ways he hopes to serve the People of God well, continuing his Viatorian life as a priest. (This episode was recorded in February 2024, and it debuted on May 20, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As teens reach college and young adulthood, big questions arise and get asked often: what do you think you'll major in? What career are you preparing for? To help others with faithful discernment, Viatorian Voices has caught up with several Viatorian young adults into the first years of their careers; now, we're turning our attention to college students for the last installment in this series.Here, we talk to three college students. Amy Ochoa is studying business at the University of Iowa; German Laiton is studying engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology; Kyle Wallisch is studying education at St. Norbert College. (We recorded in March 2024, and this episode debuted on May 6, 2024.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As teens reach college and young adulthood, big questions arise and get asked often: what do you think you'll major in? What career are you preparing for? To help others with faithful discernment, Viatorian Voices is catching up with Viatorian young adults into the first years of their careers.Here, we talk to Eddie Jurkovic. Eddie grew up at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Viatorian parish in Bourbonnais, Illinois. For college, he went off to the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in business management with a focus on Information Technology. His time as a teacher and grad student in ACE helped point him toward his current job: Program Manager for the Pulte Institute for Global Development, part of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs. (This episode debuted on April 22, 2024.)Young adults who are interested in connecting with the Viatorians can check-in via our welcome form and follow our young adult Instagram @ViatorianYAOnTheWay. We look forward to hearing from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As teens reach college and young adulthood, big questions arise and get asked often: what do you think you'll major in? What career are you preparing for? To help others with faithful discernment, Viatorian Voices is catching up with Viatorian young adults into the first years of their careers.Here, we talk to two teachers. Georgina Martinez grew up at Viatorian-founded parish, St. Thomas More in Henderson, NV; she studied education at Grand Canyon University and now teaches kindergarten in Clark County Public Schools. John-Paul Manfredi grew up at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas and attended Viatorian-founded Bishop Gorman High School; he went to a small school in San Francisco for theatre and studied graduate theology at the University of Notre Dame, and he now teaches theology at Gorman. (This episode debuted on April 8, 2024.)Young adults who are interested in connecting with the Viatorians can check-in via our welcome form and follow our young adult Instagram @ViatorianYAOnTheWay. We look forward to hearing from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As teens reach college and young adulthood, big questions arise and get asked often: what do you think you'll major in? What career are you preparing for? To help others with faithful discernment, Viatorian Voices is catching up with Viatorian young adults into the first years of their careers.Here, we talk to Brooke Major, who studied science as an undergrad, has continued on to earn a master's degree in precision medicine, and is now working toward her doctorate in optometry, which she will finish next year. We also speak with Grace Castellese, who is in year five of a six-year undergrad-grad program in pharamacology that she will finish next year. (This debuted on March 25, 2024.)Young adults who are interested in connecting with the Viatorians can check-in via our welcome form (link) and follow our young adult Instagram @ViatorianYAOnTheWay (link). We look forward to hearing from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As teens reach college and young adulthood, big questions arise and get asked often: what do you think you'll major in? What career are you preparing for? To help others with faithful discernment, Viatorian Voices is catching up with Viatorian young adults into the first years of their careers. Here, we talk to Iris Sanchez, who works as a campus minister at Cristo Rey St. Martin, and Ben Paolelli, who works as director of campus ministry at Notre Dame College Prep, about their careers in ministry and the paths that led there. (This episode debuted on February 26, 2024.)Young adults who are interested in connecting with the Viatorians can check-in via our welcome form (link) and follow our young adult Instagram @ViatorianYAOnTheWay (link). We look forward to hearing from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As teens reach college and young adulthood, big questions arise and get asked often: what do you think you'll major in? What career are you preparing for? To help others with faithful discernment, Viatorian Voices is catching up with Viatorian young adults into the first years of their careers. Here, we talk to Mike Leahy, a school counselor formerly at Saint Viator High School and now for Lake Zurich (IL) District 95, and Mike Masterton, a Saint Viator High School alumni ('08) and school counselor for Carmel Catholic High School. (This episode debuted on February 26, 2024.)Young adults who are interested in connecting with the Viatorians can check-in via our welcome form (link) and follow our young adult Instagram @ViatorianYAOnTheWay (link). We look forward to hearing from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As teens reach college and young adulthood, big questions arise and get asked often: what do you think you'll major in? What career are you preparing for? To help others with faithful discernment, Viatorian Voices is catching up with Viatorian young adults into the first years of their careers. Here, we talk to Pre-Associate Patrick Aller, who works in hospitality for Hilton and event planning and management, and Associate Jason Wilhite, who works in environmental activism and education for Patagonia, about their paths into careers in business. (This episode debuted on February 12, 2024.)Young adults who are interested in connecting with the Viatorians can check-in via our welcome form (link) and follow our young adult Instagram @ViatorianYAOnTheWay (link). We look forward to hearing from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.