On Wednesday evening, Viatorians in the Henderson/Las Vegas region came together at St. Thomas More Catholic Community to assemble grab-and-go bags of food, toiletries, and other key items in support of neighbors in need.
In September, St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas began donating the food collected at weekend Masses to support the food pantry at STM in Henderson, NV, which is run by Associate Cheryl Schwarz, who serves as the parish’s Director of Outreach Ministry. “We have fed so many families in these first five years. They aren’t all parishioners, but they’re neighbors who’ve been glad to find us right around the corner. It’s brought the best out of me, having this chance to be the hands and feet of Christ for others,” Schwarz said.
A look at the assembly line for the grab-and-go bags, with Associate Dan Schwarz (center) packing.
The regional leadership team wanted to support the work she leads and sustain the ministries the Viatorian Community has helped create. So, they gathered the professed, associates, and pre-associates of the area to serve together. This collaborative act of service by Viatorians strives to meet a worsening need in the Las Vegas area.
“We prioritize this initiative because homelessness is a growing problem in our region. In 2024, a single-night count recorded over 7,900 people experiencing homelessness – a 20% increase from the previous year. As the Viatorian Community, our vision includes addressing social issues and uplifting those who are often overlooked. This commitment is at the core of who we are as a community, and these bags will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who receive them,” regional leadership team member Associate Tommy Gugino said.
Bags will be provided to clients who visit STM, and any excess bags are passed on to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, the Catholic Worker, and St. John Neumann in North Las Vegas. “There are many people experiencing homelessness and needing help near St. Viator, and the park near St. Thomas More has folks coming over to us and seeking help. These bags are a great grab-and-go item, and we can pass them on to partners who can then give them to more folks, too,” Schwarz said.
Sharing a moment in prayer as part of the gathering.
Viatorians value the time spent together, especially dedicated to meeting this pressing need. About 30 people came together for the evening. “The turnout was phenomenal. It was amazing to have everyone together,” Schwarz said.
“The impact on us as Viatorians is profound. It strengthens our sense of community and deepens our commitment to social justice. These efforts remind us of our role in alleviating suffering, whether in our immediate surroundings or in the larger society. By supporting the unhoused, we contribute to the broader network of care and solidarity that helps to bridge gaps in our region and make a lasting difference in the lives of people who are too often overlooked,” Gugino said.
Such collaboration between lay associates and professed brothers and priests is the strength of Viatorian life. While lay associates do not profess vows, they commit to the charism and community life and are considered Viatorians alongside our professed men. Just as the service event gathered lay and professed Viatorians together, the regional formation team is comprised of a mix of Viatorians – Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, Fr. Larry Lentz, CSV, Associate Juliann Dwyer, and Associate Connie Gerber – while the regional leadership team happens to be four lay associates – Tommy, Associate Anthony Gugino, Associate Kim Martinez, and Associate Dan Schwarz.
Offering a blessing over the assembled bags before they are passed on for distribution.
STM was founded by the Viatorians in 1986. Though we transferred administration of the parish to the Archdiocese of Las Vegas in 2019, some Viatorian associates remain as parishioners, and some continue serving on the pastoral staff, including Schwarz and Dwyer, who provides a variety of ministerial staff support. “The best thing is that, now being a definitively committed associate, I have developed good relationships with our professed men. We’re always trying to find ways to do service together, to pray together. I don’t feel separated at all because I know I have these strong relationships, and I even run into them through archdiocesan events. I love that we still gather, meet, and serve at St. Thomas More,” Schwarz said.
Some of the folks who gathered for the evening of service: (left to right) Associate Dan Schwarz, Associate Kim Martinez, Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, Fr. Larry Lentz, CSV, Associate Paul Hartz, Pre-Associate Keely Ratajczyk, Associate Deborah Perez, Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, and Associate Tommy Gugino.