One month ago, the Clerics of Saint Viator welcomed a new brother into their family: Br. Peter Lamick ’07. During his time at Saint Viator, he played football for all four years, and he said he loved every minute of it. He also had a great experience in the classroom environment.

“I found classes engaging and challenging, especially my senior year British Literature course taught by Br. Robert Ruhl,” said Br. Lamick. “His course touched on some of the universal themes of life: human desire, anguish and love.”

According to Br. Lamick, this class moved him towards self-reflection on his own identity and purpose in life. He found his vocation of becoming a Viatorian brother in religion class during his senior year.

“I was doing an in-class assignment in religion class when an overwhelming feeling came over me, an idea to direct all my efforts and energies to reaching out to those in need,” said Br. Lamick.

Over time, the desire to deepen his relationship with Jesus Christ pulled him toward religious life. Br. Lamick said he believes that he discovered his vocation because of the communities, big and small, that have surrounded him his entire life.

“Faith was in the air I breathed at St. James, Saint Viator and my family’s home life,” said Br. Lamick. “My friends in high school and college lived their Catholic faith, too. It was at the heart of our identity and still is.”

Fr. Dan Hall was his football coach for two of his four years at Saint Viator, and Br. Lamick credits him as one of the major reasons he became a Viatorian Brother. His mentor’s character and faith impressed upon him that faith, sacrifice and service were central to being a man. Br. Lamick now feels called to teach high school social studies, and he just began working on his master’s degree in education at DePaul University. He is currently living at St. Viator Parish in Chicago. Since his classes are at night, he is able to do immigration ministry with another Viatorian, Br. Michael Gosch, who was his freshman English teacher at Saint Viator.

“One of the parts of my ministry is to volunteer at a house of hospitality for asylum seekers,” said Br. Lamick. “They are men from all around the world who have come to the United States to escape danger or persecution.”

Br. Lamick said these stories have changed his life because they are so powerful and moving.

“I could never have imagined I would be where I am today, but I know God longs to give us the fullness of life if we are open and willing to respond,” said Br. Lamick.

He stayed true to the Saint Viator values and ideals. He followed his heart and his love for Jesus Christ to pursue his passion, making him a great role model for current Saint Viator students.