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

1

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

3

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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