Eighty-two Viatorian associates, brothers, priests, and collaborators from Viatorian institutions in Belize and the United States gathered for the annual Viatorian assembly held at the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, IL July 7-9, 2009.  In explaining the purpose of the assembly, Provincial Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, stated,   “We have three goals:  to share community and forge relationships; to share prayer; and to our enhance our ministry by taking the information we learn during our time together and bringing it back to where we minister.” 

Two key note speakers, Paul Wilkes, author of Excellent Catholic Parishes and In Due Season, and Fr. Joseph Creedon, pastor of  Christ the King parish in Kingston, Rhode Island, invited those assembled to move beyond their comfort zone as they minister in the Church today.  Mr. Wilkes encouraged approaching people with “an incredible prejudice in their favor” and remembering “personalize, personalize, personalize” as much as possible since people want to be known.  Fr. Creedon encouraged banning the word “volunteer” from churches and schools and replacing it with the word “steward”.  In doing so, people are reminded that they are responsible for living their faith.  He emphasized that “Stewardship is spirituality, not a program.  With stewardship there are no bystanders; everyone is a witness to the faith that unites us.  Everything is a gift from God,” whether it be one’s time, talent, or treasure.

Special time was set aside each day for prayer, sharing, deepening the bonds of community.