Viatorians took a major step in their support of the Cristo Rey Network and its mission of empowering underserved youth.
At a press conference on Oct. 5, in Las Vegas, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV,
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, right, appears with (L-R) Fr. John Foley, S.J., John Killduff, and Bishop Joseph Pepe at the Oct. 5 news conference
provincial announced that the Viatorian Community would serve as the sole religious sponsor of a new high school, Cristo Rey St. Viator Las Vegas College Prep, proposed to open in the fall of 2019.
“We are blessed with the opportunity to provide support that will ensure that our underserved youth have access to a quality education,” Fr. von Behren said, “that emphasizes academic and spiritual formation, and will enrich our community for years to come.”
Fr. von Behren appeared at a press conference in Las Vegas, along with Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, Fr. John Foley, S.J., founder of the Cristo Rey Network, Bishop Joseph Pepe of the Las Vegas Diocese, and John Kilduff, president of Bishop Gorman High School.
The announcement came after a nearly year-long feasibility study by the Cristo Rey Network, and a recognition by its leaders of the Viatorians’ more than 60-year history of serving the Las Vegas and southern Nevada community.
Viatorians were among the original religious communities to support Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep when it was started in Waukegan, IL, more than 10 years ago. They wholeheartedly supported its mission of blending rigorous academic preparation with significant professional work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program, Catholic values and supporting students to — and through — college.