It happens every year during professional development week at Cristo Rey St. Viator in Las Vegas, when faculty and staff hear a presentation about what makes their school different: its Viatorian identity. It’s a message that underscores the mission of the school — and it never gets old.
Br. Carlos Florez
Once again, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, founding president, and Br. Carlos Florez, CSV, director of Catholic and Viatorian identity, combined to share the presentation. Their topics included core values of Viatorian spirituality, as well as a history of the Viatorians and their founder, the Venerable Fr. Louis Querbes, and ultimately the hallmarks of a Viatorian school.
“It is an important presentation that highlights our mission and identity to the entire faculty and staff,” Br. Carlos says. “We give this presentation every year at the beginning of the school to emphasize the importance of our focus as Catholic and Viatorian.”
In describing the essence of Viatorian spirituality, they quoted Fr. Querbes and his call for a “lively and enlightened faith.” They also highlighted caring for those of little importance and that Viatorians strive to build up communities where faith is lived, deepened and celebrated.
Cristo Rey St. Viator is one of 40 schools across the country that make up the Cristo Rey Network. They all are endorsed by a religious community and feature an education that is career-focused with their innovative corporate work study program, and a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum.
Fr. Thomas von Behren
At Cristo Rey St. Viator, its mission strives to be an open and welcoming community, where Jesus is present in word and action. Its doors are open to all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, personal background, wealth, sexual orientation, gender identity or religious beliefs. All persons reflect the face of God and are deserving of love and respect.
“The presentation was very well received,” Br. Carlos said, “especially with the emphasis on being a welcoming community, inclusive of all, identifying Jesus as the center of all that we do.”