The Pope was in Washington, D.C., and St. Viator students, faculty, staff, and volunteers were in Portage Park to celebrate with the Pope from a distance. St. Viator joined seven other Catholic Schools from our area for a day of prayer, music, community, and fun at the park. To begin the day, a letter from Francis Cardinal George was shared with the children. Father Jason Malave of St. Bartholomew Parish introduced important people from the Office of Catholic Schools and the City of Chicago. Mr. Mike Zak led the children in song ("Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord! Yes, Yes, Lord!") as a lead-in to the prayer service. During the prayer service, our Student Council President and Vice-President marched up with the school banner as the students of St. Viator School were commissioned to spread the Good News. Finally, all the participants shared a meal as we ate our brown bag lunches.

The event was covered by both WGN and Channel 5 News, with St. Viator students figuring prominently in the Channel 5 News report at 5:00 p.m. that day.