Terry Granger, has partnered with Viatorians for more than 20 years, serving as principal of its schools in Bourbonnais/Kankakee, before serving as president and principal of Bishop McNamara Catholic School, which encompasses schools in Bourbonnais, Bradley and Kankakee.
Fr. Mark Francis welcomes new Associates Terry Granger, left, and Buddy Miller.
Now, Granger has made his relationship with the Viatorians official. He made his first commitment as an associate last month.
Joining him was new Associate Charles “Buddy” Miller, who works by day as a band director in Gilman, IL. While he grew up surrounded by Viatorians at Maternity BVM Parish, he deepened his connection to the charism when he attended the Viatorian Youth Congress, beginning in 2015 and later serving as the young adult coordinator, twice.
Both of these new associates made their commitments at a ceremony at St. George Parish in Bourbonnais, on St. Viator Day. Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, and Fr. Patrick Render, CSV, Coordinator of Association, presided. Together, Terry and Buddy bring their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to the work of the Viatorians to the community.
Fr. Mark Francis with 25-year Associates (L-R) Marilyn Mulcahy, John Ohlendorf and Mary Finks
But they are not alone. At this same prayer service, the very first associates in the Viatorian Community were recognized for their 25-year commitments. Associates Mary Finks, Marilyn Mulcahy and John Ohlendorf changed the framework of the Viatorian Community when they made their first commitments in 1999.
Prior to that year, the Viatorian Community had consisted of religious brothers and priests. With associates making their first commitments, the Viatorian Community expanded to include lay and religious working together to advance the Viatorian charism and share in its spirituality and community life.
That shared partnership with associates continues to be relevant as evidenced by the renewed commitments of Associate Mickie Prault (3-years) and Associates Bobby and Julie Lampley, and Associate Paula Wasser (5-years). Together, they play important roles in Viatorian parishes in the region in helping to advance the mission.
Fr. Francis with Associates Bobby and Julie Lampley
Associate Mickie Prault leads the Fishers of Men ministry at Maternity BVM Parish, which meets weekly for reflection and spiritual formation. He also serves on the Parish Council. Associate Bobby Lampley also serves on the Parish Council, but at St. George Parish, where he and his wife, Associate Julie Lampley, were instrumental in leading church ministries during the transition in pastors over the summer.
Associate Paula Wasser also belongs to St. George Parish, where she leads many of its peace and justice initiatives, while also serving on the regional leadership team and associate formation team in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region.
Back in 2019, when association reached 20 years in the Viatorian Community, then-Provincial, Fr. Dan Hall, CSV, summed up their commitment this way: “Our community has been greatly enriched by the incorporation of our associates. They are a blessing to us all.”