President's Message  

The Baltimore Catechism definition of a sacrament is "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace." Today's catechism says, "The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith."

When it comes to the sacrament of marriage the catechism adds, "How wonderful the bond between two believers, now one in hope, one in desire, one in discipline, one in the same service!"
  
     Mike and Paula Zeimski cutting their 25th anniversary cake.

 
Mike and Paula Zeimski began to discern their vocation of marriage on a Teens Encounter Christ Retreat in Pittsburgh. (At least Mike began discerning, it may have taken Paula a bit longer to see the potential here.) They made their perpetual vows in 1983 with the words, "I do."


For twenty-five years Paula and Mike have followed the directives of our Church by giving birth to Micah, Maura and Jordan. They have pursued mission with a stint as leaders in Engaged Encounter and Marriage Encounter, and a commitment to the Marianists through Mary's House at Cape May, New Jersey. They also serve together, "one in service," as co-directors of financial development for MLNNA.


With their help we have developed a request that you will soon see in your mailbox - the MLNNA annual plea for financial help. This letter outlines our case for funds and lets you know how your money is spent.

 
Paula and Mike have also helped us get online for fundraising through Network for Good. If you go to this link you can donate safely without the need for checks or stamps. Your gift will be acknowledged and will be tax deductible from you income in the United States.


Thanks to Mike and Paula living out their marriage sacrament through mission and service we hope to be able to help our Marianist sisters and brothers in developing nations and hope to promote the causes of social justice through the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative. We also hope to continue improving our communication and support to you.


One more statement about marriage from the catechism: "Since God created him man and woman, their mutual love becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves man. It is good, very good, in the Creator's eyes. And this love which God blesses is intended to be fruitful and to be realized in the common work of watching over creation."

Thanks to Paula and Mike's we all share in this sacramental spirit.

peace and love,
aj

Marianist Family Council of North America
 
The Marianist Family Council of North America met on Saturday and Sunday,
November 8 and 9, 2008 at the Marianist Provincial Offices in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose of the Family Council is to encourage the implantation of the Marianist Family in North America and to facilitate the cooperation of all its members in implementing the mission of the Marianist Family in North American culture. At present, the Council
supports two major initiatives: the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) and the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative (MLFI).

The following people represent the various branches of the Marianist Family on the Council:

• MLNNA: Ms. Kay Stone and Mr. A.J.Wagner
• Marianist Sisters: Sr. Evangeline Escobar and Sr. Gretchen Trautman
• Society of Mary: Bro. Steve Glodek and Rev. James Fitz

The Marianist Lay Formation Initiative is now sponsored under the umbrella of the North American Center for Marianist Studies and is directed by Ms. Pati Krasensky. The goal for participants in the Initiative is to begin a new Marianist lay faith community or
reenergize an existing community. The current cohort has 12 participants. 14 others have completed training in earlier cohorts. Each participant is given a mentor. These mentors have also met to discuss their important role.

The annual report of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative highlighted the Collaborative's efforts on communication, action and dialogue opportunities, collaboration with Marianist institutions and ministries, and funding issues. During the discussion of the report, the Family Council was joined in a conference call by Fr. Ted Cassidy, chair of the Collaborative Steering Committee; Mr. Jim Vogt, Director of the Collaborative; and Sr. Leanne Jablonski and Ms. Brenda Fitzpatrick, members of the Collaborative Steering Committee. The Family Council commended the Collaborative for its many initiatives for the sake of social justice and discussed some key issues for its future.

                           Donate to MLNNA on-line!!

We are working with Network for Good to collect financial contributions electronically. Check out our Donation Page.

Please remember that your contributions support this MLNNA E-news, the Saying Yes reflection, the Magnificat and Gifts and Tasks. Your contribution also supports the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, the International Organization of Marianist Lay Comunities and the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative.

We want to do more for you and for our mission to others, but our budget is very limited. Our only source of contributions is our members, so any gift is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or comments about our fundraising or our spending or if you have any suggestions, please let me know at aj@marianistfamily.org.

 
No Longer Lost and Alone 
 By Greg Calhoun

"It's not about you."  Joan Wagner spoke this powerful phrase last December to the Embers community as they made their first vows in Immaculate Conception Chapel.  This reminder was poignant on a day where we celebrated that these young people, all committed pillars of faith and service on UD's campus, were choosing to come together for a higher purpose.  These newly christened Embers had such great hearts that poured out love, and were readying themselves to commit to a year of doing so together while hoping to do so for a lifetime.  But Joan was right.  The truth for them and for all those in the Marianist family gathered is that all we do is not for ourselves but for God.
 
I was preparing to enter formation in the New Year when I heard those words.  My heart was pure joy as I watched these young men and women lose themselves for the sake of community with others and with God.  This is the path I continue to follow as a Jesuit Volunteer in Cleveland, where I have embraced a new community.  Although my Marianist experience is less intimate, it is a blessing to know that I have the prayers of the Summons and those of the global family guiding my steps.  This comfort allows me to enter my present community with full intention of heart, mind, and soul.  And it is through community that I trust my vocation in life will be revealed as I grow closer to Christ by Mary's intercession.  My life is no longer about me, and I do not regret the summons into community for even a second.
 

 

                                                Prayer for Advent

The following prayer was sent by Jessica Gonzalez, a member of the Grand Walkers Community in Dayton, Ohio.

Praying Through Exhaustion

Oh Lord, I am so tired.  It seems like the lists of to-do's get longer each day, the frenzy in my home each night gets wilder.  It seems like the holidays have barely started and already I am behind.

Help me, dear Jesus.  Let me feel your loving arms wrap me tightly in the warm embrace of your endless love. Teach me to make choices about my time, to remember what is important this season and to say "NO" whenever my Yes would take me away from your peace.  Fill me with patience, love and a sense of humor. Remind me of your deep love for me and let the fire of that love be something I can share with everyone around me.

Want Ads
Principal for Central Catholic High School (enrollment 525: 71% minorities, 89% Roman Catholic), a boys' college preparatory high school operated by the Society of Mary (Marianists), a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. Open July 1.

Candidate must be an active Roman Catholic. Advanced degree with 15 semester credits in administration/
supervision required; certified or certifiable as secondary principal in Texas; three years of classroom experience required and administrative experience preferred. Major function is to assist the President in fulfilling the Marianist educational mission of the school. Management responsibilities include instructional leadership, Spiritual Life, accreditation duties, faculty and curriculum development, student activities, budgeting and parents' relations. Will be expected to participate in appropriate local and national professional educational groups and organizations. Term of position: Three year renewable (unlimited). Salary and benefits competitive.

Screening begins January 5. Additional information available upon request. Send letter of application, resume, complete college transcripts and three letters of recommendation to:
Br. Peter A. Pontolillo, S.M., Ph.D., President, Central Catholic High School, 1403 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, Texas 78215.
A Marianist College Preparatory Institution Since 1852 1403 N. St. Mary's St. · San Antonio, Texas 78215-1785
Web site: www.cchs-satx.org