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IN ROME: THE NEW GENERAL ADMINISTRATION SETTLES IN

In November the World Council of the Marianist Family was welcomed by the newly elected General Administration of the Society of Mary: Bro. José Maria Alvira (Assistant for Education, 2nd term), Fr. André Fétis (Assistant for Religious Life), Fr. Manuel Cortés (Superior General), Bro. Edward Violett (Assistant for Temporalities). The four were photographed in the Archives Room at Via Latina by Isabella Moyer.

	Dec. 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 8 First Vow Ceremony Querétaro Dec. 8 - Dec. 10 Contact Retreat TECABOCA Dec. 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 17 - Dec. 18 Department of Education Meeting St. Louis Dec. 19 - Dec. 20 Provincial Council Meeting St. Louis MORE

FIRST VOW CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN QUERÉTARO

Juan José Ochoa Salazar will profess first vows at the Marianist community in Querétaro, Mexico, on Dec. 8, 2006. Eucharist will be celebrated at the chapel Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Amanecer, Mexico, followed by a reception in the Marianist pre-novitiate community. Our prayers and best wishes to Juan!

ORDINATIONS TO THE DIACONATE SET FOR JANUARY

Congratulations to Bros. Callistus Jeje (District of Eastern Africa), Michael Otieno (District of Eastern Africa), James Dungdung (District of India) and Marianus Lugun (District of India), who were admitted to the order of deacon by the Provincial Council on Nov. 27. The ordination ceremony is scheduled for January 2007 in Rome.

Bro. Callistus

Bro. Michael

Bro. James

Bro. Marianus

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

Read the December 2006 issue of Via Latina.

THANKSGIVING AROUND THE PROVINCE: THE PIES HAVE IT!

Stonemill-Kiefaber Community, Dayton

The Stonemill-Kiefaber community hosted the Chambers Street and Governor's Island communities for Mass and Thanksgiving dinner. Each community contributed to the meal, including the beautiful pies, top right, made by Fr. Jerry Chinchar and Fr. Paul Marshall. Shown, top left, Fr. André Fétis, general assistant for religious life, and Bro. Paul Bredestege; bottom, the Stonemill community house; and Frs. Pat Tonry and Chris Conlon and Bros. Darwin Joseph and Sean Downing. Photos courtesy of Fr. Jerry Chinchar

Casa María, Holy Rosary, Woodlawn Communities, San Antonio

In San Antonio it was a "progressive" celebration with appetizers at Holy Rosary, followed by dinner at Casa Maria and dessert at Woodlawn. LEFT: At dinner, Aspirant Brandon Alana, Fr. Kip Stander and Aspirant Ken Barrett; RIGHT: Ready to scoop, Bro. Earl Leistikow and Fr. Cris Janson. Photos courtesy of Bro. Dennis Bautista

West Hills Community, Cupertino

The West Hills community had a full house on Thanksgiving, including two contacts, Michael and Brandon, and lay Marianist Dennis Haas (center), shown with Bro. LeRoy Viera and Fr. Jim Mueller. RIGHT: Fr. Edwin Johnson

NEWS ABOUT VOCATIONS

Read the Thanksgiving 2006 issue of Vocation News from Bro. Charles Johnson.

MINISTRY UPDATE: MEN IN FORMATION

Second-year Novice Roberto Rivera is working in Davao City, Phillipines, in a shelter for street children. Roberto also assists with vocation ministry. He is shown here with one of the children attending a festival at the shelter.

Aspirant Ray Dominguez assists students as part of his ministry with Sr. Gretchen Trautman in the Marianist Leadership Program at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. Ray is a member of the Casa María community. Photo courtesy of Dennis Bautista

PROGRAM FOR TEMPORARY PROFESSED TO BE HELD IN NAIROBI

On Dec. 12, 2006, 50 temporary professed Marianists from West Africa, Eastern Africa, India, Korea and Tunisia will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, for the third Charism Program. The program prepares brothers for perpetual commitment and encourages fraternity among the newer units of the Society of Mary. Presenters include: Fr. Jim Heft, Bro. Prakash Kujur (India), Fr. André Fétis, general assistant for religious life, Bro. Larry Cada, Bro. Michael Otieno (Eastern Africa), Fr. Joe Lackner, and Superior General Manuel Cortés. The program also will include a retreat day led by Fr. Joe Lackner. The program concludes on Jan. 2, with a perpetual vow ceremony for five brothers from Eastern Africa: Bros. Benjamin Mwai, Peter Nato, Bernard Ombima, Joseph Maricky Okoth and Daniel Wang'ombe.

MARIANISTS AND MARISTS HAVE AUDIENCE WITH THE POPE

"Our Man in Rome" - Fr. Roland Bunda - took this terrific photo of Pope Benedict on Nov. 22, when Fr. Roland and several others from the Senior Religious program in Manziana, Italy, had an audience with the pope. At the audience, Fr. Roland, Marist Bros. Gus Landry, Martin Whiteford, and Finian O'Byrne; Bro. Jose Degorio; and Marist Bros. John Kumarasinghe and Paul Forgues

ST. MARK'S PRAISES MARIANISTS FOR SERVICE TO THE PARISH

Fr. Gene Fr. Dan Fr. John

St. Mark's Church Denton, Texas

In a November letter to Provincial Stephen Glodek, the leadership assembly of St. Mark's Church in Denton, Texas, expressed its deepest gratitude to the Marianist Province and the many brothers who served the parish over the years. In September it was announced that the Marianists would no longer have a presence at the parish. The assembly praised Fr. Gene Sweeney for his inspiration to parish youth and his Life Teen program, Fr. Dan Triulzi for his insight and counseling skills, and Fr. John Klobuka for his strong leadership and commitment to "stewardship as a way of life." The assembly also acknowledged the contributions of Fr. Jim Bartlett, Fr. Mike Reaume, Bro. John Schlund and the late Fr. Bob Lewandowski. "The exceptional spiritual leadership and guidance of the Marianists have been irreplaceable," said the assembly. Read the letter.

BRO. PURGAL JOINS ALUMNI HALL COMMUNITY IN DAYTON

Bro. Dariusz Purgal (Province of France) has joined the Alumni Hall community in Dayton while he is studying English at the University of Dayton. LEFT: Bro. Max Beyer, the senior member of the Alumni Hall community, with Bro. Dariusz; RIGHT: Bro. John Blank, Bro. Dariusz, Fr. Joe Kozar and Bro. Paul Quinn

PERSONNEL NEWS

Bro. Robert Massa (Marycliff, Eureka, Mo.) has joined the Marianist Residence community in San Antonio for treatment of brain tumors.

Due to serious health concerns, Gary Liebl has resigned as chair of the Board of Trustees of Chaminade University of Honolulu. Retired Admiral R. J. "Zap" Zlatoper was named as acting chair of the board. Mr. Robin Campaniano will serve as first vice-chair. The Province community extends to Mr. Liebl its profound thanks for his service to the mission of the Marianists and Chaminade University. Our prayers to him and his family for his return to full health.

Novice Isak Keyman-Ige is withdrawing from temporary vows in the Society of Mary to pursue a call to the diocesan priesthood. We thank Isak for his time and service and wish him God's blessing in his journey ahead.

Novice Steve Paone has withdrawn from the novitiate program. He will remain in service at the Findlay Street community in Cincinnati until the end of January, when he returns to his hometown of Boston. We thank Steve for his time with us and wish him God's blessing on his future.

"MINISTRY TO MINISTERS" SABBATICAL PROGRAM

Fr. John Manahan and Fr. Bill Meyer (standing) and Bro. John Rohe at the Ministry to Ministers Sabbatical Program in San Antonio. Fr. Bill is director of the program; Fr. John and Bro. John are on sabbatical there. Marianists who have recently made their sabbatical at MtM include Fr. Jim Bartlett and Bros. Vic Forlani and Ray McQuade. Any Marianist brother or sister interested in a sabbatical semester should contact Fr. Bill at 210.349.9928. There are openings for sessions beginning in August 2007 and January 2008.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF . . .

Bro. Marcel Schmitt (Province of France), 84, who died Dec. 2, 2006, in Marignane, France. May he rest in peace. Bro. Marcel's obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Please pray also for Katherine Chamberlain, Robert Chow, Dorothy Dyer, Herbert Hakenewerth, Dorothy Hanrahan, George Lisjak, Jr., Betty Metzger, Miguel Ochoa and Hilda Rounds. Read more.

A WINTERY MIX IN ST. LOUIS

Photo courtesy of Bro. Bob Resing, S.M. Bro. Bob's images are available for sale as note cards or prints. To order, visit www.resingart.com

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Bro. Bill Fackovec (Alumni Hall, Dayton), who was admitted to Miami Valley Hospital for tests due to stomach pain and nausea.

Fr. Anthony Jansen (District of Africa), who recently had prostate surgery in Nairobi, Kenya.

Bro. Robert Massa (Marycliff Community, Eureka), who is being treated for brain tumors.

Bro. Victor Forlani (Washington Street, Dayton), who is in Miami Valley Hospital for tests after experiencing chest pains.

Bro. Paul Merland (Cincinnati, Ohio), whose cancer has reoccurred and will undergo surgery in the near future.

Fr. Vincent Plassenthal (Mercy Siena, Dayton), whose condition is weakened from cancer.

Please pray also for Al Backherms, Richard Csarny, Joan Catherine Rohe and Dan Sherman. Read more.

BRO. DARWIN TAKES FAITH AND FOOTBALL SERIOUSLY IN DAYTON

Bro. Darwin enjoying the Underground Railroad Freedom Museum in Cincinnati and Thanksgiving dinner at the Stonemill community house.

"He is taking Ohio State football as serious as lifelong Ohio residents," said Bro. Sean Downing when asked about Bro. Darwin Joseph's transition from St. Louis to Dayton. "He was overwhelmed with joy about Ohio State's victory over Michigan." Bro. Darwin joined the Stonemill-Kiefaber community this fall after completing his master's degree in philosophy from Saint Louis University. Bro. Darwin, who came from the District of India to attend school in the U.S., is now studying computer science and English at the University of Dayton.

BRO. MIKE O'GRADY INDUCTED INTO VASJ "HALL OF FAME"

Bro. Mike making his acceptance speech

Bro. Mike's "Hall of Fame" sketch

Bro. Mike O'Grady, assistant for religious life, joined the ranks of Frs. Jim Heft, Eldon Reichert and Ken Templin and the late Bros. Gilbert Gensler and Richard Rose, when he was inducted into the Villa-Angela -St. Joseph High School Hall of Fame Nov. 17 in Cleveland. Bro. Mike was recognized for his contributions as a Marianist leader, former VASJ teacher and current member of the school's advisory board. The award is given to individuals who demonstrate "integrity and unselfish service to others." Our congratulations to Bro. Mike!

WHAT'S COOKING AT THE DESALES CROSSINGS COMMUNITY?

The DeSales Crossings community in Cincinnati assisted St. Francis DeSales Parish with its annual "Thank You Dinner" on Nov. 18. The dinner honors parish and school staff and those who serve on parish committees and the pastoral council. In addition to setting up and serving the meal, the brothers created a number of culinary delights, including the meatballs Bros. Tobías Ferrer and Bob Wiethorn are showing off. Photo by Novice Bob Jones

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Fr. Bill Meyer, director of the Ministry to Ministers International Sabbatical Program, and Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, international theologian and author of The Holy Longing, recently directed a retreat for priests in the New Orleans Archdiocese. They were inspired by the faith and interior strength of those ministering to a still devastated New Orleans. This past summer Fr. Bill coordinated a two-week symposium celebrating the sabbatical program's 25 years of service to the Church. Fr. Rolheiser and Sr. Margaret Brennan were the major speakers. Fr. Bill is an adjunct professor in the Theology Department at St. Mary's University, where he teaches spiritual direction and pastoral counseling.

Bro. Jim Fitzgibbons celebrated his 50th jubilee on Nov. 20 with his community, friends and those from the retreat center at Cape May. Fr. Ted Cassidy celebrated Eucharist, which was followed by a potluck supper. Guests were asked to bring a dish from a country where Bro. Jim has ministered, which includes Peru, India, Zambia and Kenya.

Fr. Jim (standing) with Fr. Ted and lay Marianists Kathy Schaffer and Mary Snyder. Photo courtesy of Anthony Fucci

Bro. Brian Halderman (Marybrook, St. Louis) wrote a letter to the editor that appeared in the Dec. 4 issue of America magazine. Read the letter.

Novice Luis Gamboa (novitiate, Dayton) and the University of Dayton's Latino student community worked with the rector's office to plan today's UD celebration of Las Posadas, a Mexican tradition commemorating Mary and Joseph's journey. Read more.

Fr. Bernie Lee (West Ligustrum, San Antonio) gave a workshop at the Oblate Renewal Center on "Deep Story, Charism, and Sponsorship," for the Association of Sponsorship Directors on Dec. 5. In addition, Fr. Bernie has been appointed Honorary Distinguished Visiting Research Scholar at the Australian Catholic University. He will spend time there next summer writing and exploring issues of Catholic identity in sponsored institutions.

Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) offers this article in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. Read the article. Fr. Oscar Vasquez (Marybrook, St. Louis) invites all Marianists in the metro area to celebrate the feast day Dec. 12 with Mass in Spanish at 5:15 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Chapel on the campus of Chaminade College Preparatory. For more information e-mail Fr. Oscar.

Fr. Charles Miller (Peppermill Run, San Antonio) announces the Roamin' Rattlers 2007 series of faculty-escorted pilgrimages, educational and adventure tours. Destinations include shrines in Europe, Tuscany, the Yangtze River and Greece. Fr. Charles, Fr. Conrad Kaczkowski and Sr. Grace Walle, FMI, will escort tours. Find out more.

Bro. Joe Barrish is offering clip art for Advent that can be used for posters, newsletters and bulletins. Cost is $20 plus $4.50 for postage and handling, or whatever you can afford. One week for delivery. Call Bro. Joe at 937.320.5405. View the Web site of Gallery St. John at www.dayton-gallery-saintjohn.org

Lay Marianist Felecitas Samtleben-Spleiss is working as a nurse in troubled Kinshasa in the Congo. She recently sent Fr. Bert Buby an update on her experiences there. Read more.

FIRST INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR MARIANIST SISTERS

Bro. Jim with Srs. Franca, Juliana, Columba and Tere at the Adele House in Rome last summer, after the Sisters finished intensive English lessons with Bro. Jim

Four Marianist Sisters — Franca Zonta from Italy, Teresa Ferre from Spain, and Juliana Hong and Columba Yu from Korea — are establishing the first FMI community in India this month. Initially they will live with the Ursuline Sisters near the Marianists on Purulia Road and will be working with the REDS program. Last summer, Bro. Jim Moran spent a month teaching English to the four Sisters. Our prayers on this new establishment!

REDS CELEBRATES NINTH “ANNUAL DAY” IN RANCHI, INDIA

Bro. Antony Nesam reports on the success of the REDS (Ragpickers Education & Development Scheme) Ranchi Annual Day, held Nov. 19 at Nirmala School, Samlong. Bro. Sanjay Ekka, assistant for education for the District of India, was a special guest. Children presented beautiful songs, skits and dances. Chief guest J.V. Francis said of REDS: “Now these children have a golden chance to get an education and achieve their aims. It is the result of the effort of the Marianist brothers.”

MARIANIST VOLUNTEERS MAKE AN IMPACT IN MEXICO

Marianist volunteers in Mexico: Clockwise from top, Meghan Brown with her afternoon English students; Sarah Dawson addressing a women's group from La Chinantla; Sarah Marquart with girls from the dorm she supervises at Casa San Isidro; and Megan Barron carving an image of Mary out of wood for a DECAMP employee. Photos courtesy of Meghan Brown.

Their jobs are different but their missions the same: to make a difference in lives of the people of La Chinantla, Mexico. Megan Barron, Meghan Brown, Sarah Dawson and Sarah Marquart began their Marianist volunteer experience in August in La Chinantla. "A typical day for me is driving on roads you can't even imagine in the U.S.— potholes, flooding, mud and gravel that are really dangerous," said Dawson. "But the countryside is beautiful and the ladies are friendly." The "ladies" Dawson refers to are women in local communities she is mentoring in self improvement and life skills.

Sarah Marquart's day starts off differently but is equally adventurous. Marquart is the "dorm mom" for 26 girls who live at Casa San Isidro. She rises at 5 a.m. to ensure the girls leave for school at 6:30 a.m. After school she supervises their play, chores and homework. "My job is to be with the girls and make sure everything is okay," said Marquart. "I feel validated in being here and honored that they trust me with their feelings." Read more.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY kicked off its second annual "50,000 Hours of Community Service" campaign by scrubbing the desks of the U.S.S. Missouri battleship at Pearl Harbor on Nov. 18. "Service is just ingrained in how we do things at Chaminade," said Bro. Tom Spring, coordinator of the 50,000 Hours campaign. Read more. A Chaminade student cleaning the "Mighty Mo" CHAMINADE HIGH SCHOOL, WEST HILLS. Congratulations to senior Nick Purcell, who is one of only 23 students in the nation to receive a perfect score on the ACT college entrance exam. Read more. ARCHBISHOP RIORDAN HIGH SCHOOL was featured in an article in the Dec. 1 issue of the San Francisco Catholic. The article highlights Riordan's John Ahlbach, who established an immersion program funded in part by the Marianist Sharing Fund. The program takes students to Birmingham, Ala., to work with the needy and learn the history of the area. Read the article. John Ahlbach, far right with immersion experience students: Arlen McGinty, Nick Mann, John Espinueva, Matt Scharding, Henry Lee and Ryan Holmes CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL collected over 5,000 food items through their Guardian Angels student community service organization. The food was delivered the day before Thanksgiving to the St. Mary's University Center for Legal and Social Justice and other organizations serving the area's needy. Central Catholic Guardian Angels Thanksgiving food drive

LIFE MEETINGS HELD AT DANIEL J. GROSS HIGH SCHOOL

LIFE moderator Mikaela VanMoorleghem (far right) with students attending the LIFE meeting

Brian Reavey, national coordinator for Marianist LIFE, visited Daniel J. Gross High School in Bellevue, Neb., recently to meet with students, faculty and administrators. While there, he attended a Marianist LIFE community gathering planned by the school's LIFE team and moderator, Mikaela VanMoorleghem. The meeting focused on gratitude and poverty, with a particular focus on Africa and Darfur.

NACMS OFFERS VIRTUAL LEARNING COURSES

The North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS), in partnership with the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of Dayton, is offering two Virtual Learning Community courses in January 2007: "An Overview of Marianist Charism, Spirituality and Mission" and "Prayer and the Marianist Journey." Find out more.

OOPS....

In the Nov. 21 issue of FamilyOnline we incorrectly identified Bro. Daniel Griffin and Bro. Stephen Ries, both of the Province of Meribah, as novices. We apologize for the mistake.

Also, the link to the article about Bro. Peter Pontolillo in the Nov. 21 issue was not working. Here is the link to the story.

IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Curé of Ars community in St. Louis cordially invites all Marianists in the metro area for Eucharist, social and dinner on Dec. 27. Mass is at 4:30 p.m. in the Vianney chapel. Social and dinner is in the Vianney cafeteria. Please RSVP by Dec. 22 to Bro. Gene Meyerpeter by e-mail or phone 314.965.0727.

Marianists in San Antonio will gather to celebrate Christmas Dec. 28 at the Marianist Residence. Eucharist is at 4 p.m., followed by social and dinner. RSVP through your community director to Bro. Les Kaehler.

OUT AND ABOUT

Read the upcoming travel schedule of members of the Provincial staff in St. Louis.

PERSONNEL CHANGES

CHANGES . . . Read the changes. Remember that personnel information on the PORTAL is updated on a regular basis.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

MLNNA. Read the November issue of E-NEWS from the Marianist Lay Network of North America.

JUST ONE MORE...

Fr. Tim Kenney, assistant for education, shovels his way to work after the Nov. 30 "thunder snow" in St. Louis that left 500,000 residents without electricity.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

December

VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT www.marianist.com

Editor: Joan Suda; assistant: Ann Mueller. This biweekly e-mail newsletter produced by the Society of Mary features news about the Society of Mary (SM), Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI) and lay Marianists. Bro. Stephen Glodek, SM, provincial; Fr. Jim Fitz, SM, assistant provincial. Read the 2006 publication schedule and deadlines. Read hints about submitting photos and copy. NEWS: We'll include news of travels, health updates, prayer requests, community celebrations, professional accomplishments, birthdays, and whatever personal or community news you'd like to share. Send news, digital photos and comments and suggestions to Diane Guerra at dguerra@sm-usa.org and use "FamilyOnline" as your subject line. TECHNICAL PROBLEMS: If you're not receiving this newsletter in the proper format, with proper spacing and photographs and art appearing, please let us know and we'll try to find a solution. If we can't, we'll put you on our "NOTIFY ONLY" list. CHANGE IN E-MAIL ADDRESS: Send to Ann Mueller at amueller@sm-usa.org. NOTE TO DIRECTORS: Please print this newsletter and post or distribute to brothers who do not have e-mail. BACK ISSUES/SEARCH: Visit www.marianist.com/fol. SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE: Visit http://www.marianist.com/subscribe.htm. Remember: you can search the archived issues of FamilyOnline at www.marianist.com/fol. Type in the word(s) you're looking for, open the issue, pull down the "Edit" bar and click on "Find on This Page," which will take you to the exact spot you need.