Dear Friends,

"You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at His birth." (Luke 1:14)

We hope this finds you and your communities well during these days leading up to Christmas. Please know of our prayers for you and your Marianist LIFE Communities as we await the birth of our Savior. And please take some time to read some special announcements below regarding Mid-LIFE 2009 for all adults, as well as a unique gift coming your way for all students and local communities.

Our next Mid-LIFE national gathering for moderators to retreat, network, share best practices, build community, and receive professional development is quickly approaching. Join us the weekend of January 30 - February 1 in Eureka, Missouri at the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center. We have an informative program planned, in addition to a tour of a Marianist high school and a Marianist family gathering to celebrate the foundation of lay communities. The deadline for Adult Moderators to register is January 9, 2009. For more information about Mid-LIFE 2009, please click here.

If you cannot mail us your form and money by then, please email us at marianistlife@sm-usa.org to let us know you plan to attend.

In collaboration with "LIFEr" Joe Melendrez, Marianist LIFE is mailing each Marianist LIFE Community a complimentary Rosary Rap MLC & CD. It's a helpful resource for you to use with your local LIFE groups to learn more about the Rosary and the life, witness, and faith of Mary. Keep an eye out for it in your mailbox. One packet (CD included) was mailed to each school, parish, or institution's current Moderator.

We expect all 2009 program paperwork to be available on our website by the end of January. The 2009 summer dates continue to be posted on our website. For more information, click here. We will let you know via email once all registration information is available. Thanks for your continued patience!

Wishing you joy & gladness this Christmas season and always,