Provincial Assembly 2010 in Las Vegas

Wow! This year’s annual Viatorian Community meeting was held in Las Vegas, NV and I never even blogged about it…until now…more than a month later. The Viatorians have been ministering in the Vegas-Henderson region for over 50 years and currently minister at 3 parishes. This was the first year the assembly was held there – what a special treat!

The theme of the assembly was “Ministry in the 21st Century” and was presented by Fr. Robert Schreiter, C.PP.S., a professor at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. We met for two days on this topic and the third day was the Viatorian business meeting. Each afternoon we were bused to one of the parishes, attended Mass there and then enjoyed a special dinner. It was a really meaningful and fun trip!

Monday, July 5, 2010

The meeting and accommodations were at the South Point Hotel and Casino, located at the very south end of the strip. We set up the Jubilarian and deceased confrere displays in the afternoon. Thanks to all who helped, it sure made it easier and fun!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The parish visit today was at St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson. Fr. Pat Render, CSV, Pastor, gave us a presentation on the parish history and the ministries they are currently involved in, as we enjoyed the homemade cookies by Margery Gill. This was followed by a tour of the beautiful church and grounds. Mass was so wonderful with the youth choir and musicians. Here we celebrated Associates Donna and Tim Schwarz’s final committment to the Viatorians. A reception and Mexican fiesta followed – the margherita machine being a big hit!

This was a great first day…the meeting was off to a great start.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Guardian Angel Cathedral on the Vegas strip was the parish visit after the meeting today. Fr. Larry Lentz, CSV, Rector, gave us a tour and talk about the church, stained glass windows, mosiacs and murals. The Jubilarians concelebrated Mass followed by a reception where we were entertained by a harpist from the Las Vegas Symphony. We then enjoyed a wonderful gourmet dinner of lamb, salmon and spinach stuffed chicken. The Jubilarians received their awards tonight – a crystal cross.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

The last parish visit of the assembly was at St. Viator Church and School in Las Vegas. First we toured the school and met Principal Kathleen Daulton in the newly remodeled library. I loved the handpainted tiles by the students that were displayed on the walls and posts.

Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, Pastor, showed us a new DVD on the parish ministries in the Community Center while we enjoyed ‘make your own’ sundaes. The church, chapel and grounds were lovely – so much to take in. At the Mass, we all received a new Viatorian medal on a black cord – it has St. Viator on one side and Fr. Louis Querbes on the other side.

This year’s assembly was great – to see the parishes, the Viatorians and staff who minister there, learning about their history and ministries – it just makes it real now. Thanks to everyone involved in the planning and preparation of the assembly – it was beyond my expectations!

Associate Joan Sweeney, Viatorian Archivist