Cristo Rey St. Viator College Prep in North Las Vegas is one of 39 schools in the Cristo Rey Network across the country, but it stands out with its patron saint reflected in the name and the Viatorian charism providing a strong foundation for the school.
Fr. Tom von Behren explains the Viatorian Youth Congress to students at CRSV.
Its Viatorian heritage was evident this week when Br. Carlos Florez, CSV, called faculty, staff and administrators to the Cristo Rey St. Viator school chapel. They joined with Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, Associate Deborah Perez and several faculty and administration members to send off and bless four student faith leaders heading to the Viatorian Youth Congress as delegates.
“The students who attend this program, come back as leaders,” Fr. Tom told them.
The blessing came a little more than two weeks before before these students prepare to travel to Illinois to participate in this year’s VYC, which takes place June 3-6. The CRSV students will be among more than 40 delegates from Viatorian schools and parishes across the country and led by 15 college-age, young adult leaders.
Fr. Tom and Br. Carlos prepare for the blessing.
As the prayer and blessing concluded, the four delegates – Elizabeth Macaraig, Jonathan Macaraig, Jose Madrigal, and Andrea Sifuentes – expressed their appreciation to the faculty, staff and administrators who joined with them for this special blessing. They stated how much they were looking forward to the Congress and how they hoped it would make a difference in their faith life and involvement with the Viatorian Community.
Of special note, Elizabeth also shared how important it was to her to be able to attend a Catholic school that supports these kinds of experiences.
Faculty members, Mrs. Rosie Rinaldo and Mr. Ray Van Hollebeke will accompany the students from CRSV as chaperones and offer workshops during the Congress.