In his eight years since professing first vows with the Viatorians, Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, has taught history and religion, and coached football, basketball and even bass fishing at Saint Viator High School and Cristo Rey St. Viator in Las Vegas. He also has appeared in podcasts, spoken at conferences and organized retreats.
Br. Peter Lamick reads the gospel during an all-school Mass at Saint Viator High School.
But come next week, Br. Peter will chalk up a first. He has been tapped to offer the invocation at the Arlington Heights Community Prayer Breakfast. The annual gathering typically draws more than 250 business leaders and elected officials, in a local version of the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, held every year in Washington, D.C. since 1952.
“Personally, it’s a real privilege,” Br. Peter says, “because I have lived in Arlington Heights for 30 years.”
Br. Peter will share the podium with leaders from other faith communities, including: Mevlüt Hilmi Cinar, president of the Niagara Foundation; David Weiner, Rotary Club president; Chuck and Teri Frankiewicz, lectors at St. James Catholic Church; and Pastor Bill Harder of Living Christ Lutheran Church. Music will be provided by the New Day Presbyterian Church.
Br. Peter will be joined on stage by another Arlington Heights native, former national and international soccer star, Brian McBride. He is expected to talk about his involvement with soccer and the role that faith has played in his life and career.
Br. Peter Lamick with his fellow Viatorian Brothers (L-R) John Eustice, Jhobany Orduz and Rob Robertson
The Viatorians established their Province Center in 1951 in Arlington Heights, or one year before the inception of the Presidential Prayer Breakfast. The community opened Saint Viator High School in 1961 and its members have worked in social justice initiatives and pastoral ministry as well as in education over the last six decades.
Viatorians also have collaborated with other faith leaders over the years, consequently they fully support the mission of this multi-denominational breakfast. It provides an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate its strengths and resources through their collective spirituality.
“I’ve loved living in this community that is committed to many of the ideals of the Viatorians,” Br. Peter adds, “such as education of youth and service.” .