At Saint Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas, students’ active faith participation doesn’t end when they graduate from eighth grade. Thanks to Viatorian associates — who partner with Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, Pastor and Fr. Lawrence Lentz, CSV, Parochial Assistant — that connection to the Viatorian charism remains strong long after they leave the school.
(L-R) Associates Anthony Gugino and Paul Hartz, Taylor Bair and Associate Rosy Hartz
On Wednesday, Associate Rosy Hartz led a group of Viatorians in visiting St. Viator graduates at Bishop Gorman High School. The hook was the chance to take a break to enjoy donuts, but the impact of seeing their parish associates — and just the Viatorian banner — went deeper.
They had been invited by the Campus Ministry department at Bishop Gorman, including Fr. Jacob Knee, chaplain, and Greg Sinclair, campus minister.
Rosy was accompanied by her husband, Associate Paul Hartz, as well as Associate Anthony Gugino and Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, who just started his new assignment as Parochial Vicar of St. Viator Parish and is eager to experience all aspects of youth ministry. Taylor Bair also came along. She is a graduate of St. Viator and Bishop Gorman, and is a former young adult leader of the Viatorian Youth Congress.
During their stop, they drew visits from Associates Kathy Keating, Kim Martinez and Bridget Michlik, all on staff at Bishop Gorman, as well as teachers who were St. Viator alumni themselves, including: A.J. Crame, Daniella Desio and John-Paul Manfredi.
Associate Paul Hartz, center, with St. Viator grads and Bishop Gorman teachers Daniella Desio and A.J. Crame
“The visit allows us to promote our Viator Youth Group and staying involved with the parish,” Rosy says, “but at the same time it’s a fun way to walk with teens in a small way.”
The visit also reaffirmed the Viatorian mission and identity with students, and just how much they enjoyed seeing associates from their parish. Snacking on donuts, with familiar adults from their parish, well, felt like home.
“It was all about Viatorian hospitality and being present,” Rosy says, “and living out the charism.”