Twice a year, members of the Provincial Chapter come together to hear about the state of the Viatorian Community across the Province. The daylong meeting generally takes place at the Province Center and it covers a wide range of topics.
(R-L) Br. Michael Rice, Br. Jhobany Orduz, Fr. Edgar Suarez, Fr. Daniel Belanger, Br. John Eustice and Julia Carens, secretary
“Right now we’re discussing Laudato si’ (the encyclical published in 2015 by Pope Francis) and how we can be better stewards of our resources and of our earth,” said Fr. John Peeters, CSV, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee.
Members of the professed Viatorians are elected to three-year terms on this leadership group. They are chosen to represent all of the regions across the province, so that each area of the community has a voice in the decision making process.
“We have a limited number of questions where we’re asked to vote on issues,” Fr. Peeters added. “Mostly, we’re an advisory board.”
This is the second term for Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, who serves at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais, and he is finding it enlightening.
(L-R) Fr. Moses Mesh, Br. Peter Lamick, Fr. Patrick Render, Fr. John Peeters, Fr. Daniel Lydon, Br. Michael Gosch
“It gives me a better idea of where we are as a community, from our finances to our institutions,” Fr. Mesh said.
During a break, members said they enjoyed hearing the wide variety of view points expressed by their confreres, as well as those who had expertise in certain areas. For example, Br. Michael Rice, CSV, served 20 years as plant manager at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas, where he helped the parish become a statewide leader in conservation and renewable energy. Likewise, Br. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, brought his skills as a civil engineer to the table.
“I enjoy being a part of it,” said Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, pastor of Maternity BVM. “It shows us where we are, both in terms of our operations and in advancing our mission.”