Viatorian Voices: Conversations on the Way

In this episode, we explore the idea of commitment. Why do we decide to commit to things? Why do we hesitate to commit? Why do we fear commitment? But perhaps most importantly, what does commitment enable? What we do we gain within the commitments we make? Members of the Viatorian Vocation Ministry Team gathered to share their experiences of commitment, reaching back to their time before religious life to share their perspectives as single men and then moving forward in their stories through formation and professing vows and into their lives as perpetually professed Viatorians. (This episode debuted on December 16, 2024.)Celebrating our 100th episode! With our 7-episode special series on Catholic Social Teaching and our 13-episode special series on ministerial development, this 80th regular episode of Viatorian Voices puts up at 100 episodes total. Thank you to all of you who listen and reflect with us on the way. Here's to many more!

Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV is getting settled into his fresh placement as parochial vicar of St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas. Before that, he served as pastor of St. George in Bourbonnais, IL for 15 years! From 2009 to 2024, he strived to do much with and for the great community of St. George. As you look around the beautiful grounds, the thoughtful art and environment in the church, the Fr. Querbes Youth Ministry Center, the media studio, the hall and coffee bar, and so much more, you can see the great partnership of this Viatorian priest and his congregation with a dedicated community of lay people, including many Viatorian associates! Celebrate St. George Parish with us. (This episode debuted December 2, 2024.)

Associate Karen Cutler grew up in Springfield, Illinois, where she first heard about Viatorians from their ministry in her brothers' high school. She went on to work with Viatorians on Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreats and followed their encouragement to grad school in theology, campus ministry work in Nevada, and pastoral work for the province based in Illinois. Here, we get to enjoy Karen's stories of connection with Viatorians, her fidelity to God's invitations, and her witness as a lay associate of over 20 years, and counting! (This episode debuted on November 18, 2024.)

In this episode, we are observing National Vocations Awareness Week, a time for promoting vocations to religious life and priesthood through prayer, invitation, and education. Over the past few months, our Viatorian Vocation Ministry has undertaken a wide-reaching research project to better understand the landscape of vocation ministry today, report significant findings to Viatorians, and identify key strategies and questions to direct our ministry most effectively going forward. We drew upon interviews with peers and colleagues, fresh data on religious life, articles from Catholic and secular news sources, and media online, including first-person reflections and videos and other articles from peer congregations. We're now excited to share some findings and inform our ongoing ministry. (This episode debuted on November 4, 2024, during NVAW 2024.)Executive Summary of our reportAnnotated Bibliography of report sourcesOur full report: Vocation Ministry Today

Do you know the etymology of the word and name "Viator"? Do you know the longer story of this lector and catechist from 4th century Lyon, France? Do you know about why Venerable Louis Querbes turned to St. Viator to name the society he envisioned? Celebrate the feast day of St. Viator, October 21, with Viatorian Voices about our patron saint! (This episode debuted on October 21, 2024.)Venerable Louis Querbes, inspire us! Saint Viator, pray for us! Adored and loved be Jesus!

Every year, Viatorian brothers, priests, and associates converge for a provincial assembly. We share in prayer and Sacraments, faith formation, consultative discussions to inform leadership, and celebrations of associate commitments and professed men's jubilees. It's a time of prayer, joy, and fellowship – and a great time to invite Viatorians to pay witness to the Viatorians charism, ministries, and community life. In this special live episode recorded during Day 1 of our 2024 Provincial Assembly, Viatorians share some brief thoughts on what makes the Viatorian Community special, distinct, and impactful for them and for our Church. (This episode was recorded on October 8, 2024, and it debuted on October 9, 2024.)

Every six years, Viatorians in each country where we serve elect delegates to represent them in the General Chapter, the top decision-making group in the congregation of the Clerics of St. Viator. These brothers and priests gather for discussions, governance, and the election of their Superior General, or leader of the worldwide congregation. As it happens, Fr. Mark Francis, CSV – who participated in this past summer's General Chapter as Provincial Superior of the Province of Chicago – has been at every General Chapter since 1978! Drawing on his experience as a translator, an elected delegate, and an elected leader, Fr. Mark shares his unique perspective and insightful reflections on this part of religious life in the Viatorians. (This episode debuted on September 23, 2024.)

Viatorians are committed to walking with youth, accompanying them in living lives anchored in prayer, Eucharist, and service and doing faithful discernment toward their lives' vocations. So how do Viatorians stay connected with young adults? How do we try to stay in touch, offer ongoing support, and keep them connected to one another, to the Viatorians, and to Christ in the Church? Viatorian Youth Leader Abby Hartz has stepped up to serve our young adult community as our social media coordinator. More than just making eye-catching graphics or staffing an account, Abby stays in touch with people, shares their bios and news, and finds creative ways to help interconnect her peers. Hear more about her approach to this ministry! (This episode debuted on September 9, 2024.)

Pre-Associate Jen Anderson and Pre-Associate Larry D'Urso have just completed two years of pre-association. After discernment and formation, they have each requested to make their first commitments as Viatorian associates, and they have been invited to do so this fall. Here, they share about applying for formation, engaging in the process with Viatorians, and choosing to move forward and deepen their faith and their Viatorian commitment. (This episode debuted on August 26, 2024.)