Download - Viator Newsletter 1997 November
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE CLERICS OF SAINT VIATOR Volume 3, Number 1 November 1997
T E A C H E R S 0 F F A I T H
Prayers and Perseverance
St. George Parish 125th Anniversary~~--
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
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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
Brothers of the Clerics of
St. Viator from St. Viator
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 011 page 3
Fr. "Vector's" Mission
Combating Science Illiteracy __ 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 0 11 page 3
2
Viator
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, 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 fa ith.
Our legal title is: Clerics of St. Viator.
From The Provincial's Perspective ____ _ Dear Partner in Faith,
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.
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. Traditionally
and 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 support 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>.AII , 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 new church was built
1872 church; thus more within the stone walls of
rebuilding. Once again, the 1872 structure. A son
through prayers and of the parish, Monsignor
perseverance, the people Romeo Blanchette,
of St. George rebuilt and celebrated the Mass of
repaired the church. Dedication in September
In the intervening years of 1960. Monsignor
the parish survived two Blanchette was later
world wars, the Great named Bishop of Joliet in
Depression, and another 1966.
tornado in 1954. A In 1985, the bronze
catastrophic fire gutted church bell was removed
the church in July of from the steeple for
1959, and the next year a structural reasons and in
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.
1986, based on age, two celebrate the 125th
other parish buildings anniversary of the
had to be replaced. present church in 1997,
The Viatorian tradition they look to their
continues with Rev. ancestors in gratitude for
Kenneth Yarno, C.S.V. as providing a church
current pastor. The community to take care
parish Anniversary of their religious
Booklet concludes the aspirations. They are
story of this remarkably willing to meet the
resilient faith community challenges they face
with the following today to provide the
thought: "As the people same faith opportunities
of St. George Parish for future generations." •
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
4
Combating Science Illiteracy (continued) Fr. Milton lists many saying,"Each of these Zachary has many
Viatorian mentors Viatorians had their own DePaul and St. Viator
including Fr. Emmett distinctive approach, High School alums in
Walsh, his english and they were all good the parish, including
teacher; Fr. Bob Teed teachers!" technically trained
and Br. Gerry LaMarre Fr. Milton has always parishioners who come
in math and religion. assisted on weekends in forward after Mass to
He gained insights into a variety of parishes ,
visit because he "speaks
lay involvement from Fr. and is currently helping
the language" and
Frank Williams. John at St. Zachary Parish in recognizes the chal-
summed up by Des Plaines, IL. St. lenges 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):
Francis P. White, C.S.V.
- 60 years Religious Life
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
Andrew A. Bialas, C.S.V.
- 60 years Religious Life
Kenneth R. Morris, C.S.V.
- 50 years Religious Life
Thomas F. McMahon, C.S.V. Thomas L. Sullivan, C.S.V.*
- 50 years Religious Life - 75 years Religious Life
W"ll" c M c s V** - 65 years Priesthood 1 tam . ayer, . . .
- 50 years Religious Life
**Also not present
*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.
5
Partners in Faith Provide
Points to Ponder .... _ _ _ _______ _ This Maybe we are just administering your those organizations that
issue reluctant to think of estate; have had a strong
final plans. But YOU can provide for impact on your life, and
lights everyone needs a will, your family, friends and whose goals and
questions whether yours is a relatives according to mission you would like
regarding the need for modest or a large estate! their needs; to help continue to
preparing a will by Here's why: IF YOU extend in future years.
illustrating the benefits have a will: YOU can provide for If I can be of help to you
of tax-advantaged minor children by YOU direct the or your loved ones,
giving for you and your establishing a trust or distribution of your please call or write:
loved ones. selecting a guardian; possessions and assets
847 / 398-6805 Over the years, we to those you choose; YOU can save
have heard of the substantial estate taxes Philip J. Skeris, CAHP, CFRE
benefits of creating a YOU select a personal
via appropriate estate Office of Development
representative Clerics of St. Viator will. But we also heard planning techniques;
(executor) to oversee 1212 East Euclid Street that most Americans do that your w ishes are
and only after caring for Arlington Heights, IL
not even have a will. family and loved ones; carried out; 60004 . •
We really don't own YOU can consider much, so why bother YOU can avoid charitable support to with a will? 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
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, Colombia.
Name
Address
Send To: Development Office
Clerics of St. Viator
1212 Euclid St.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
847-398-6805
Telephone ________________________________________________ __ Please include your current label.
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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