St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas is bustling with activity this week, with more than 80 high school and college aged teens converging on its campus. Together with their adult delegation leaders and nearly 20 Viatorian associates, brothers and priests involved, it adds up to a powerful experience for young and old.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” says Fr. Richard Rinn, CSV, pastor of St. Viator, of all of the activity taking place there this week.
What started out in 2010 as a way to bring together teens from various Viatorian ministry sites, has evolved into a leadership institute for high school faith leaders. Over the course of the four-day congress, teens and their young adult leaders will be immersed in formation, social justice and leadership training activities.
“It’s a week spent in prayer and discussion about the Viatorian mission,” says Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, president of Saint Viator High School, who helped design the youth congress when he served as vocation director for the Viatorian Community. Br. John Eustice, CSV, now serves as vocation director and he works with Bart Hisgen, associate director, and Viatorian Associate Karen Cutler, to plan the week’s events.
“The VYC helps our young faith leaders realize that they are part of a worldwide family — that is changing the world,” Fr. Brost adds.
Young adult leaders and young adult coordinators, however, drive the youth congress, serving as mentors and liasons for the teen delegates.
Delegations include young people from: Saint Viator High School, Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, St. Patrick’s Church, St. George Church, St. Viator Parish in Chicago, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Bishop Gorman High School and St. Viator Catholic Community, both in Las Vegas, and St. Thomas More, in suburban Henderson, Nev.
