Center for Marianist Spirituality & Communities E-News
"To bring Jesus Christ to all people, especially by initiating, forming & animating lay faith communities in the Marianist tradition & charism."

February invites us to . . .

Even though this reflection is meant for February, it is very difficult to let go of the month of January. Today is January 23rd. Driving and blowing snow is doing its best to live up to the billing of the weather channel's prediction: the Blizzard of 2005. White is the color of the beach, the streets, the roofs and the large drifts holding the cars fast in our parking lots. The torn, brave flag on the pole in the next street reminds one of the one which inspired our national anthem. Today is a very wintry day. Today is a good day to stay home, spend time with family, read a book, think about things, pray, and enjoy the Sabbath.

February is also a month which invites us to be quiet and reflective. Silence is not one of the traits of our times. Even our religious community has more than one TV set. Cell phones even ring during our meals as one brother must keep a line open. It occurs to me that one might call this an invasive age.

February 9th is Ash Wednesday. Lent invites us to silence, prayer, reflection, sacrifice and good deeds. Lent invites us to step off the treadmill to check our connections with our God, our world and ourselves. One resolution I keep making during my annual retreat is to take some Sabbath time each month. I need to keep making that resolution because taking that time challenges my inclination to keep active, busy, etc. Yes, it is difficult for me even though our religious community has daily prayer and the Eucharist which ought to provide opportunities for me to realize that there is need in my life for more quiet and down time-not more TV time.

February brings Lenten resolutions. I am considering giving up TV news for Lent. Yes, I am addicted to the nightly BBC, etc. It might help me to be more reflective and thoughtful if I did not fill my mind with the NEWS. (I will count on my community, friends and the computer to keep me in touch.) And I might discover other issues which need my attention which are lost in the noise of life. How will you benefit from the experience of Lent?

CMSC Lenten Events & Resources
Ash Wednesday Prayer Service - the staff of the Marianist office in Philadelphia will hold a prayer service, with distribution of ashes, for the tenants in the office building. They plan to follow-up with prayer and reflection on Fridays at noon during Lent.

Attention: Members of the Marianist Family in the NY Metro Area.
You are invited to attend a Lenten Afternoon of Reflection on Sunday, February 13, 1:00-5:00PM at St. John's of Rockaway Beach. The program will include a presentation by Pati Krasensky & Wall Rodier, prayer and time for reflection. The cost is $5. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Bro. Walt Oberster, SM at woberstersm@hotmail.com or 718-945-2800. Please register as soon as possible to assist in the planning, etc.

BOOKS: Ronald Rolheiser has written several books. I would recommend checking out: The Holy Longing (on Spirituality) which has sold 100,000 copies and the Restless Heart (on loneliness). I have read both books and found them excellent.

Wondering about Fasting? There is a book by Carole Garibaldi Rogers entitled: Fasting which is published by Sorin Books of Notre Dame, Indiana. This book looks at fasting from many traditions including: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. I have not read this one.

Quote for Lent: "If we cannot come to control our appetites and hold to a simple fast, how can we eventually overcome the temptation to judge and condemn others and succeed at the formidable task of controlling our tongues?" Bishop Chryrostamos
This is a quote from the Rogers book.

Lenten Resources on the Web
Marianist Vocation Website
University of Dayton Lenten Pages
US Conference of Catholic Bishops
St. Anthony Messenger

Affiliated?
Have you been affiliated to the Society of Mary? I am trying to assemble a directory of affiliates. When one is affiliated, one receives a certificate of affiliation and a medal. There is an affiliation ceremony. Please let me know. You may email me at woberstersm@hotmail.com, or write to me at 144 Beach 111th St. /Rockaway Park, NY 11694. Thank you.

National Association of Family Life Ministers (NACFLM)
It seems as though ministry to families is becoming more and more essential both to the health of our Church and also to our American culture. There is so much to do! Yet we are all limited in time, talent and treasure. NACFLM is a bright spot as it helps us connect, network ideas, hopes, frustrations, and challenges. Together we can do and be more.
NACFLM is holding a Day of Enrichment On April 20, 2005 in Danville, PA. They will have a nationally know speaker/facilitator - Tom McGrath whose topic is "Raising Faith Filled Kids". There will be time for dialogue with one another and there will be a "mini ministry fair".
If you would like more information on this event or on NACFLM, please contact Cathy O'Rourke at cmsccathy1@aol.com

Special Days in February:

2 Presentation of the Lord
3 Feast of St. Blaise
9 Ash Wednesday - beginning of Lent
10 Our Lady of Lourdes

CMSC Activities
February 4: Ministry Tam meets at St. Vincent DePaul in Richboro, PA to prepare for March Family Retreat
February 7: Cor Maria (MLC) meeting
February 11-13: Marianist Affiliate Retreat at St. John's in Rockaway
February 13: Lenten Afternoon of Reflection for Marianist Family at St. John's (see information in this E-letter)
February 21: Marianist Associates of Long Island meeting
February 23-25: Bro. Walter attends Marianist Volunteer Service steering committee meeting
Feb. 28- March 4: Bro. Walter assisting NACMS "Lest We Forget" project.

Please pray for:
Jean Canning who is quite ill but slowly recovering.
In thanksgiving with Margie Foley for good news from her doctor.
Safe delivery of her child for Regina Linge.
Herb Verbesey, former Marianist religious, who has cancer
For peace in Iraq, between the Israelis and Palestinians, and in the Sudan.
For a cure for AIDS.
For an end to Abortion
The parish family retreat sponsored by CMSC.

Bro. Walter Oberster, SM, Acting Director
woberstersm@hotmail.com

Cathy O'Rourke, Administrative Assistant
cmsccathy1@aol.com