Not every retreat opens with a rafting excursion from the Hoover Dam down the Colorado River in Nevada. But the most recent Viatorian retreat for young men, which took place over the weekend in Las Vegas, did just that.
Fr. John Eustice, Br. Rob Robertson, Fr. Dan Belanger and Br. Jhobany with retreat participants before rafting down the Colorado River
Over the course of four days, they volunteered at two local organizations that serve the homeless, hiked in in a nearby wooded canyon and enjoyed a cookout with professed Viatorians living and working in Las Vegas. Associates Paul and Rosy Hartz also organized an evening that connected participants with young adults active at St. Viator Catholic Community.
Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, leads the Viatorian ministry team. He described the retreat as an immersion experience for young adult men focused on contemplation.
“We connected them to nature in the desert mountains and to people experiencing homelessness,” Br. Peter said. “We wanted them to encounter Christ in both realities: to see and reflect on the beauty and goodness in the world — and on human suffering.”
Enjoying an evening with young adults involved at St. Viator Parish
Viatorians who participated in the retreat included: Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, Fr. John Eustice, CSV, Br. Jhobany Orduz, CSV, and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV. The young men who joined them included Saint Viator High School graduates and well as a pair who were active participants at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas, and another young man who attends Creighton University.
Br. Peter Lamick and retreat participants before entering one of Las Vegas’ flood channels
Together, they volunteered at Catholic Charities and with an organization called, Shine a Light Foundation, which serves the hundreds of people living in the underground flood channels of Las Vegas. However, the group did more than hand out care packages.
“We were there to learn — and affirm the dignity of people who are some of the most forgotten and rejected of society,” Br. Peter said.
Viatorians who accompanied them described the retreat as “amazing” and they came away just as energized as the young men themselves.
“I was so grateful to be with my brothers and young men who are listening for God’s invitation,” Fr. John said, “through community, service and prayer, even in the mountains!”
Hiking in Fletcher Canyon
This immersion retreat introduced retreat participants to some of Southern Nevada’s most beautiful natural landmarks. Their last day they hiked through Fletcher Canyon, along its boulders and ridges and located in the Spring Mountains.
“The comments from the participants have been overwhelmingly positive,” Br. Rob said. “They have enjoyed meeting so many Viatorians and participating in meaningful ministry and conversation with the professed.”