For the 38th year, leaders in the Village of Arlington Heights held a multi-denominational 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.
Saint Viator High School students, Wesley Marshall and Judy Saji with Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes and Fr. John Eustice
This year’s breakfast was sold out and featured prayers and readings — as well as music — from different faith denominations in the village. The Viatorians were represented by a pair of Saint Viator High School students, Judy Saji ’28 and Wesley Marshall ’27, who offered the closing prayer. They were accompanied by Fr. John Eustice, CSV, Director of Campus Ministry and Chaplain of the school.
Viatorians have participated before, including Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, Fr. Eustice and Br. Peter Lamick, CSV, who gave last year’s invocation.
“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.” .
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.
Wesley Marshall and Judy Saji offer the closing prayer.
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.