Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, first met the Viatorians when he was a student at the former Spalding Institute in his native Peoria. They made such a strong impression that he entered the community after graduation in 1959 and professed his first vows one year later, in 1960.
Fr. Pat Render (left) and Associate Pat Mahoney (right), confer in 1969 in the Dean’s office at SVHS
While in the community, Fr. Render completed his undergraduate degree at Loyola University, before pursuing graduate work at Catholic University of America, Northern Illinois University and the University of North Carolina in Charlotte.
His first assignment came in 1968, to serve as Dean of Men and teach religion at Saint Viator High School. Fr. Render would remain there for 15 years, ultimately helping to lead the school as principal and president.
His leadership qualities drew his confreres to elect him as their provincial superior, a role he held for two terms, or eight
Fr. Render led St. Thomas More for 14 years as pastor
years. From there, Fr. Render entered pastoral ministry, serving as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Springfield for five years, at St. Thomas More in Henderson, NV for 14 years and currently at St. Viator Parish in Chicago, where he started in 2015.
Fr. Render continues to serve as a leader among the Viatorians. Currently, he also chairs the Viatorian Community Council and serves on the Arlington Heights/Chicago regional committee. In both roles, he continues to look for ways to animate the Viatorian charism in community life, spirituality and mission.