Viatorians have been serving the Las Vegas area for more than 60 years, but the chance to take their mission to a new and wider audience never gets old. That was the case Friday and Saturday when Viatorian associates and professed combined with parish and school staff members to work the Las Vegas Diocesan Conference again this year.
Fr. Richard Rinn with staff members from St. Viator Parish School
“It’s always a blessing to be with the great people of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas at the annual conference,” says Pre-Associate Dan Masterton, Coordinator of Pastoral Ministries. “Las Vegas has been an integral place for the Viatorian charism and ministry in the US.”
The annual conference serves as a gathering point for prayer and fellowship, as well as a networking opportunity for those involved in formation. Presenters offered sessions to teachers and catechists for their ongoing formation, all wrapped around this year’s theme: Self-giving Love, or one that challenges Catholics to show the world what it means to BE the Body of Christ.
Viatorians were visible throughout. For starters, Associate Rosy Hartz served as one of the emcees at the two day event, while Associate Julianne Dwyer worked in registration and Associate Anthony Gugino sang in the choir, even performing some solos.
Br. Carlos Florez, CSV, and co-workers from Cristo Rey St. Viator had a table in the exhibit hall, promoting the school’s innovative model. Right next to them, Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, Director of Vocation Ministry, worked a table with Masterton that drew even Archbishop George Leo Thomas to stop by.
Br. Carlos Florez, left, with administrators from Cristo Rey St. Viator
“It was wonderful to hear so many amazing comments and recognize that Cristo Rey St. Viator is so well known throughout the Archdiocese of Las Vegas,” Br. Florez said. “It seems that we are a true blessing for the Las Vegas Valley.”
The conference came after Pope Francis elevated the Diocese of Las Vegas to an Ecclesiastical Province in May. Consequently, the new Province now includes the Diocese of Reno and the Diocese of Salt Lake City, with the Archdiocese of Las Vegas serving as the metropolitan see, and Archbishop George Leo Thomas as the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Las Vegas.
All of which offered an expanded audience for the speakers and exhibitors at the conference to reach.
“It was wonderful to represent the Viatorians,” Br. Lamick said. “The faculty and staff from Bishop Gorman, Cristo Rey St. Viator, and St. Viator Grade School expressed their thanks that we were present.”