Associate David Surprenant cannot remember a time when Viatorians were not a part of his life.
Associates Susan and David Surprenant
Literally, he was born and raised in St. George Parish in Bourbonnais, where he and his wife, Associate Susan Surprenant, raised their two sons and continue to be active members.
That is, when they’re not farming. The couple farms 450 acres in all, including raising 150 black angus beef cows in a cow-calf operation that produces calves twice a year. At the same time, the couple plants and harvests their crops of corn, beans, wheat, alfalfa and sorghum.
Over the years, David has led the youth group at the St. George, taught confirmation classes and directed its religious education program. He took a break to concentrate on his farming, but returned to teaching after making his commitment as an associate in 2006.
David Surprenant teaches confirmation classes at St. George Parish
He now leads the RCIA program at St. Patrick Church in Momence, IL. But he also has served as a lector and has served on the parish council, including stints as its president.
At one time, David served on the vocations committee of the Viatorians, a role he was happy to accept and he currently represents the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region in serving on the Viatorian Community Council.
“I’ve seen over the decades the Viatorian charism and what that feeling can instill in a community,” he says. “The Viatorians promote education and God’s mission here among us. So many people have been touched by Viatorians in special ways that this cannot be lost.”
Updated Sept. 8, 2022