Br. John Eustice, CSV, gives a vocations talk that is, well, slightly off the beaten path.
Br. John Eustice, CSV
In it, he points to a road trip from Las Vegas to the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, more than 15 years ago, after which his car broke down forcing him to wait at the Viatorian residence for it to be repaired.
In a sense, he never left. Within a year, he joined the Viatorian Community as a novice, and on July 11, 2005 took his first vows.
Br. John grew up attending St. Thomas More Catholic Community in suburban Las Vegas — a Viatorian parish founded more than 30 years ago — where he participated in its vibrant Life Teen program.
Br. John Eustice is a frequent presenter at the Viatorian Youth Congress, as seen here in 2014 in Las Vegas
He brings his own rich experience in youth ministry to the table, and over his years of ministry, he has developed a special interest in bringing teens closer to Christ, much like his own formative years.
His years as a Viatorian have taken him across all parts of the Chicago Province, from St. Patrick Parish in Kankakee, to his work as a youth minister at the Viatorian mission in Belize, and in 2014 to Saint Viator High School, where he served as co-director of Campus Ministry.
He recently served on the leadership team of the Viatorian Community as a member of its Provincial Council, and also spent the last 18 months working with youth and young adult ministry at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais.
(L-R) Br. John Eustice, Fr. Albeyro Vanegas, Fr. Dan Hall, Fr. Mick Egan and Fr. Mark Francis
In January, Br. John was called to return to Saint Viator High School to serve as Vice President of Viatorian Identity and Mission. Currently, he serves as a transitional deacon at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais, while continuing his graduate work at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, with an eye toward ordination.
It all adds us to a religious vocation that Br. John might not have seen coming before taking his infamous road trip. Yet, he continues to be called to the Viatorian mission statement, that calls members to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ — especially among the young and abandoned in today’s world — and to work to advance peace and social justice.
Edited Sept. 28, 2023