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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE WEST PINE SANTA AND HIS ELVES!

Can you guess who Santa is? To find out, scroll to the bottom of this issue. Kneeling, Joan Suda, Sue McKamely, Bro. Jack Ventura, Myles McCabe, Santa, Pat Stephens, Donna Tucker, Kathy Cooper, Diane Guerra; standing, Bro. Gene Meyerpeter, Fr. Jim Fitz, Bros. Richard Dix, John Habjan and Tom Payne, Linda Coplan, Bro. Bob Metzger, Bro. Charles Johnson, Fr. Tim Kenney, Mary Perotti, Brian Reavey, Mary Ellen Garcia, Sr. Mary Beth Hefti and Bro. Ken Straubinger. Not present: Lisa Gooding, Fr. Joe Lackner, Bro. Joe Markel, Ann Mueller, Bro. Mike O’Grady, Fr. Dave Paul, Patti Reeg, Bro. Bob Resing and Dan Richter.

BRO. JUAN JOSÉ FIRST VOW CEREMONY IN QUERÉTARO, MEXICO

At the Mass, Bro. Juan José (center) with his brother Miguel and mother Rosa

Juan José Ochoa Salazar professed first vows at the Marianist community in Querétaro, Mexico, on Dec. 8, 2006. Eucharist was celebrated at the chapel Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in Amanecer, Mexico, followed by a dinner. Fr. Quentin Hakenewerth was the presider and homilist for the Mass. Bro. Roberto Hanss received the vows, and Fr. Joe Lackner presented the Rule of Life book and the Marianist cross to Bro. Juan José. Bro. José Nicolas Castilla Lopez was the commentator at the Mass. Members of a young Marianist lay group sang in the choir and several members of the Marianist lay community renewed their consecration to Mary as part of the Mass.

Bro. Juan José, originally from Colima, Mexico, is the son of Rosa María Salazar and the late Miguel Ochoa. His father died eight days prior to Bro. Juan José's profession. After spending time with his family, Bro. Juan José will join the Puebla community. Our congratulations and prayers to Bro. Juan José!

LEFT: A needlework momento created for Bro. Juan José by the Passionist sisters; RIGHT: Bro. Rogelio Bau, visiting from Coatzacoalcos, and Pre-novice Rigoberto Martínez Hernández

The Querétaro community was photographed the day after the profession ceremony. Shown, front row, Pre-novices José Benjamín, Rigoberto Martínez Hernández and Saúl Rodríguez Lavoignet; Bro. Régulo García Hernández; Fr. Quentin Hakenewerth; Pre-novices Leandro Marmolego Muñoz and Raúl Rodríguez Barrientos; back row, Bro. Esteban Reyes Durán; Pre-novices Mario Lenín Espinoza and Giovanni Lázaro Moreno; Fr. Pablo Neumann and Bro. Eduardo Longbottom

BRO. STEPHEN CONVOKES 11th PROVINCIAL CHAPTER

In his Dec. 13 letter to the brothers, Provincial Stephen Glodek convoked the 11th Session of the Provincial Chapter, to be held March 2 to March 6, 2007, at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka, Mo. Propositions for the session are due to Bro. Stephen by Jan. 31, 2007. Chapter topics will include a follow-up on the Province visioning process, a review of the Provincial Council's report and work on the Province Directory. A complete agenda for the Chapter meeting will appear in an upcoming issue of FamilyOnline.

CONTACT GATHERING HELD AT TECABOCA RETREAT CENTER

In addition to contacts, the retreat brought together Marianist brothers, sisters, aspirants, volunteers and Superior General Manuel Cortés (standing, first row, third from right)

Nine men and one woman attended a Marianist Contact Retreat Dec. 8 to Dec. 10 at the TECABOCA retreat center in Ingram, Texas. A highlight of the retreat was a visit by Superior General Manual Cortés who celebrated Eucharist and gave a homily. The weekend included time for questions, reflection and presentations on “Ministry and Mission” by Bro. Ed Brink. Bro. Sean Downing was the retreat coordinator.

LEFT: Fr. Manuel Cortés; RIGHT: Fr. Manuel with Bros. Charles, Sean and Ed

PROVINCE HONORS BRO. OVERMAN WITH SPECIAL DONATION

The Provincial Council has honored Bro. Ron Overman for his years of service as director of the Marianist Mission with a special donation in his name to Our Lady of Nazareth School in Nairobi, Kenya. The money is designated for student scholarships. "We appreciate the excellent stewardship Bro. Ron exercised as Mission director," said Fr. Jim Fitz, assistant provincial. "Many of the good things we do in ministry as a Province are possible only because of this part of our Province Development Office."

AN ADVENT CELEBRATION AT MERCY SIENA IN DAYTON

A good time was had by all at the party held at Mercy Siena Woods on Dec. 3 celebrating the First Sunday of Advent. Top left: Fr. Eldon Reichert, Fr. Gene Contadino and Bro. Nick Rufo; top right: Frs. Tom Schroer and Tom Stanley; middle, Bros. Don Winfree and Bill Deanhofer; bottom left, Bros. Tom Giardino and Stan Mathews; bottom right: Bro. Gary Marcinowski, Fr. Pat Tonry, Bro. Joe Spehar, Bro. Joe Meierdirks, Fr. Chris Conlon, Fr. Don Bracht and Bro. Tom Redmond. Photos courtesy of Bro. John Lemker, Judy Moehl and the Bordeaux Chronicle

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE MARIANIST WORLD COUNCIL

The World Council of the Marianist Family has issued its annual Christmas message to the Marianist Family. The Council notes the significant events of the past year concerning Marianist Lay Communities, the General Chapter of the Society of Mary and the foundation of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate in Ranchi, India. Read the message in English or Spanish.

PROVINCE REFLECTION GROUP MEETS IN CHARLOTTE

Nearly 25 brothers from throughout the Province gathered Nov. 14 to 16 in Charlotte, N.C., for a Province Reflection Group. Bros. Frank O'Donnell and Bill Bolts from the Chapter Structures Committee coordinated the discussions. Sr. Connie Gilder, SSJ, served as the facilitator. Shown top, Bro. Bill Farrell, Fr. Ted Ley and Bros. Frank O'Donnell and Mike Murphy; bottom left, Bros. Jim Vorndran, Charles Johnson, Tobias Ferrer, Ray McQuade and Don Neff; bottom right, Fr. Rich Kuhn, and Bros. Fred Stovall and Bill Bolts. Photos courtesy of Bros. Jerry Sullivan and Don Neff

BE A GUARDIAN ANGEL … PROMOTE A MARIANIST ARTIST VOCATION

The Province vocation office announces a retreat for those involved in the visual arts. The retreat is scheduled for Feb. 16 to Feb. 18, 2007, at the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center in Eureka, Mo. Invited to attend are Marianist artists, practicing artists, committed high school or college art students, art teachers in our high schools and colleges, and those interested in promoting the Marianist artist vocation. To register or for more information, e-mail Bro. Charles Johnson or call 314.533.1207.

Image by Bro. Brian Zampier

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT THE MARIANIST RESIDENCE IN TEXAS

At the Marianist Residence annual Christmas party in San Antonio, Clockwise from top, Bros. Leo Rothermich, John Totten, Jim McCaffrey, Dan Sharpe and Bernard Zalewski; Superior General Manuel Cortés with Aspirants Ray Dominguez, Brandon Alana and Ken Barrett; Bros. Mike Sullivan and Al Gillis; Bro. Joe Grieshaber and Sr. Stephanie Morales; and Bro. Harold Lootens providing the music. The party was hosted by the St. Mary's University Alumni Association. Photos by Bro. Dennis Bautista

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

Fr. Vincent Plassenthal (Mercy Siena, Dayton), 91, who died Dec. 12, 2006. May he rest in peace. Fr. Vincent served as a teacher of religion, Latin and English at schools in Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Covington, Ky., Mineola, N.Y., and Puerto Rico. He spent over 50 years in Puerto Rico as a teacher, chaplain, principal, pastor and assistant pastor. He was referred to by many as the "Pope of Puerto Rico." A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 16 at Immaculate Conception Chapel at the University of Dayton. Fr. Joe Lackner was the presider and Fr. Pat Tonry was the homilist. A Mass also was celebrated on Dec. 18 at Colegio San José, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. The presider was Fr. Donald Wallace. A third Mass for Fr. Vincent is being celebrated today at 7:30 p.m. at Nuestra Sra. de la Divina Providencia in Orocovis, Puerto Rico. The presider is the Bishop of Ponce, Mons. Félix Lazaro. Burial is Dec. 20 at the Marianist plot in Puerto Rico Memorial Cemetery. Read Fr. Vincent’s obituary.

Bro. Marcel Schmitt (Province of France), 84, who died Dec. 2, 2006, in Marignane, France. May he rest in peace. Read Bro. Marcel’s obituary.

Please pray also for Joseph Donlevie, Gardner Finn, George Leano, Monica Neary, Elizabeth Neterval, Mary Beth Scheible and Marie Anne Urrizola. Read more.

BRIDGE IN FOREST PARK, 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. Art Cherrier (Maryland Avenue, St. Louis), who is having hip replacement surgery on Dec. 21.

Fr. Matthew Kohmescher (Sawmill Road, Dayton), who has temporarily moved to Mercy Siena, Dayton, to undergo treatment for two brain tumors.

Bro. Robert Massa (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), who continues to be treated for brain tumors.

Please pray also for Dorothy Bau, Attilio Bonutti, Mark Carroll, Yasmina Costa Ibáñez, Mary Ann Renaud, Daisy Rhoades and Magdalena Revoredo Sifuentes. Read more.

WHO WE ARE, WHERE WE LIVE
ALUMNI HALL COMMUNITY - CONSTANT PRESENCE ON CAMPUS

The Marianists of Alumni Hall: front, Fr. Joe Tedesco, Bro. Paul Quinn, Fr. John Putka (director), Fr. Jim Fitz (visiting from St. Louis), Bro. Max Beyer and Fr. Joe Kozar; middle, Bros. Dariusz Purgal (Province of France), Louie Fournier and Bill Callahan, Fr. Tom Thompson, Bro. John Blank and Fr. Jim McKay; back, Bro. Bill Fackovec, Bro. Dave Schmitz, Fr. Paul Vieson, Fr. Bob Hughes, Bro. Don Fahrig and Bro. Charles Gausling; INSET: Fr. Johann Roten; photo courtesy of Bro. Charles Gausling

The University of Dayton broke ground on Alumni Hall in Dayton in 1922. In 1954 the facility was made available to the Marianists, and they moved there "en masse." Previously the brothers were scattered in various locations on campus (including the attic of Chaminade Hall). Current members of the community are involved in teaching, administration, Province services and parish and retreat ministries. The Marianist community residence is located on the third and fourth floors and ground floor south, where there also is a chapel. The first and second floors and ground floor north house UD academic offices and classrooms.

Alumni Hall on the campus of the University of Dayton

SAVE THE DATE FOR MID-LIFE 2007

Brian Reavey, national coordinator for Marianist LIFE, announces that the annual Mid-LIFE event will be held Feb. 22 to Feb. 25, 2007, at the Mercy Center in Burlingame, Calif. The keynote speaker will be scholar, teacher and film producer Fr. Daniel G. Groody. Marianist LIFE moderator Marlena Johnston from Archbishop Riordan High School also will speak. Registration is due Feb. 17. Find out more.

OLP IN ST. LOUIS HELPS SUPPORT MARIANIST SCHOOL IN INDIA

When Fr. Jim Tobin (Our Lady of the Pillar, St. Louis) speaks, people not only listen, they have a festival. Fr. Jim spoke to each classroom at Our Lady of the Pillar grade school in St. Louis about the Marianist presence in India. The school community was so inspired, they held a festival Oct. 27 and raised over $11,000 to benefit Morning Star School in Nepal, India, a Marianist-sponsored school. OLP is a longtime supporter of Morning Star School and participates in service projects year-round.

LEFT: Fr. Jim chats with an OLP mom at the festival; RIGHT: Students create a giant greeting card for the students at Morning Star School

MELENDREZ GETS "RAPPED UP" IN HIS MINISTRY

Contact Joe Melendrez, co-director of Marianist involvement for the University of Dayton's student government association, wrote and performed a rap song that won his local Chipotle restaurant's essay contest. His prize is three burritos every day for a year, plus four burrito parties. Joe is using his prize to spread the Catholic, Marianist mission of service. He's inviting fellow students to share a burrito and talk about Jesus. Read more.

MSJC’S ANTI-RACISM TEAM PLANS WORKSHOP-RETREAT

A working group of the MSJC Anti-Racism Team met Dec. 13-14 in Aston, Penn., to plan a workshop-retreat for the Marianist Family to raise awareness and inspire change to work against racism. Workshop participants will have an immersion into the reality of racism and be called to take action steps back to their communities. Shown, Jean Gorczyca, Fr. Paul Marshall, Ted Gorczyca, Fr. Ted Cassidy, Rudy Reyes, Jr. and Jim Vogt

DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES MARY ART THROUGH THE AGES

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Communication Campaign and New York Public Television have produced a one-hour documentary exploring how images of the Virgin Mary reflect traditions, devotions and cultures. The program leads viewers on a pictorial journey through history from the earliest Christian times to the present day. Find out more.

SANTA VISITS CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY

Santa (Fr. Ken Templin) with two of his favorite helpers, Dr. Eiko Tyler and Bro. Jim Facette, at Chaminade's annual Christmas lunch on Dec. 8. Eiko assists Bro. Jim with the student environmental club.

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.

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Bro. Ed Loch (Central Catholic, San Antonio), archivist for the San Antonio Archdiocese, who was chosen to be on the archival recovery team for church documents and artifacts damaged by Hurricane Katrina, is featured in a Dec. 8 cover story about the project in Today's Catholic. Read the story.

Frs. Don Cahill, Chris Conlon, Gene Contadino, and Tom Schroer were featured in an article in the Dec. 8 issue of The Catholic Telegraph about the new pastoral task force at Queen of Apostles parish in Dayton. Read the article.

Fr. Gene Contadino celebrating Mass at Queen of Apostles. Story courtesy of The Catholic Telegraph. Photo by Don Potter

Fr. Tom Thompson (Alumni Hall, Dayton), editor of the Marian Library Newsletter at the University of Dayton, is quoted in a Dec. 8 story by the Catholic News Service titled "Mary Mother of Jesus: Not Just For Catholics Anymore." Read the article.

Bro. Mel Meyer (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) was featured in the Dec. 1 issue of the St. Louis Review displaying a stainless steel sculpture he made and donated to a local retirement community. Bro. Mel has been honored as an "Ageless Remarkable St. Louisan."

Bro. Herb Janson (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) contributed material to a booklet being published by the city of Dieuze, France, in honor of its native Charles Hermite, a famous mathematician. Bro. Herb did research from 1995 to 1997 on Bro. Charles Biehler and Hermite, who was a friend and mentor to Bro. Charles.

Fr. Norbert Burns (Indiana Ave., Dayton) is profiled in a "UD Story" on the University of Dayton Web site. Fr. Norbert, a professional marriage counselor, has been teaching a Christian Marriage course at UD since 1963. He's taught the course to more than 27,000 students and has never missed a day of class. Read the story.

Fr. Rich Wosman invites brothers in San Antonio to meet with Fr. Oscar Vasquez to discuss Province Chapter materials. Choose from one of two meetings: Feb. 17 at 9:15 a.m. (Woodlawn Community) or Feb. 18 at 10:45 a.m. (Marianist Residence). RSVP to Fr. Rich for Feb. 17 or Bro. Lester Kaehler for Feb. 18. The Provincial Chapter meets March 2-6, 2007.

Fr. John Klobuka, pastor of St. Mark's parish in Denton, Texas, celebrated Eucharist and dinner with the Denton/Fort Worth Family of Mary at their Christmas party Dec. 1.

Admiral Zlatoper with Chaminade President Sue Wesselkamper

Admiral R. J. "Zap" Zlatoper, USN (Ret.) was appointed chair of the Chaminade University of Honolulu Board of Regents on Dec. 5. In addition to a distinguished business and naval career, Admiral Zlatoper is a 1959 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Cleveland (now Villa Angela - St. Joseph) and was entered into the school's Hall of Fame in 1989.

BRO. JACK SOMERVILLE LEADS DAY OF REFLECTION IN LUSAKA

Bro. Jack Somerville (second from right) with the Marianist Lay Community of Lusaka, Zambia. The group gathered for a day of reflection at the Poor Clare Sisters' monastery outside of Lusaka. Bro. Jack gave two presentations:"The Preparation Virtues of the System of Virtues" and "Inside the Conviction of Blessed Jakob Gapp."

PURCELL MARIAN HOSTS UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON ALUMNI

At the party, Dr. Albert Muldrow, Bro. Tobias Ferrer, Bro. Bob Wiethorn, Mrs. Claus, Bro. Bob Politi, Bro. Dan Stupka and Novice Bob Jones

Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati hosted a "Christmas Off Campus" gathering for University of Dayton alumni from the Cincinnati Chapter on Dec. 7. Several brothers from the DeSales Crossings community and guest Fr. Gene Contadino (Chambers Street, Dayton) also attended. The Cincinnati Chapter raised money to assist 12 needy families in the area. A highlight of the evening was the arrival of Santa Claus by helicopter.

Marianist brothers gather with Santa and alumni from the University of Dayton, Cincinnati Chapter

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. The University of Dayton is ranked as one of the top schools among NCAA Division I institutions and the best in the Atlantic 10 conference at graduating student-athletes, according to the "2006 NCAA Graduation Success Rate" report. Read more. Central Catholic President Fr. Joseph Tarrillion with scholarship recipient Alonso Ortega and donor Paul Reyes CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL hosted a reception Dec. 6 enabling scholarship donors to meet the students who benefited from their generosity. Approximately 40 percent of Central Catholic students depend on alumni and other donors for tuition assistance. CENTRAL CATHOLIC PRESENTS UNPRECEDENTED PLAY. Central Catholic High School along with Providence High School received special permission by playwright Tim Robbins and author Sr. Helen Prejean to stage the play "Dead Man Walking" Dec. 1 to Dec. 3 in the Providence auditorium. The play focuses on the death penalty and its implications for society and the Church. According to Central Principal Deacon Pat Cunningham, this was the first time the play was ever presented by a high school. Scenes from Central Catholic and Providence High School's performance of "Dead Man Walking"

TECABOCA HOSTS FIRST FAMILY ADVENT RETREAT

In early December, Tecaboca: A Marianist Center for Spiritual Renewal in Ingram, Texas, hosted its first Family Advent Retreat -"God's Promises: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." About 20 people attended the retreat, which was directed by Bro. Tom Heinle. Fr. Bernie Lee was speaker and celebrant. The retreat was developed by the staff of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J. Team members, back, Mary Ann Link, Tecaboca Executive Director Denis Link, Pati Krasensky and Bro. Tom Heinle; front, Carol Weiss and Tiffany Rogers; inset, Fr. Bernie Lee.

SHARING THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

Bro. Frank Deibel, the “dean” of the Marianist Province of the United States at the age of 98, is all ears to Carter Evans, the grandson of Judy Moehl, medical coordinator at Mercy Siena. The occasion was a recent Family of Mary gathering at Mercy Siena. Photo courtesy of Kim Evans, Carter’s mom.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

CUPERTINO. Read Fr. Steve Tutas' December 2006 Cupertino newsletter.

CAPE MAY. Read the December 2006 issue of Beacon.com, the newsletter of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J.

NACMS PRESENTS MARIANIST MATERIALS IN MAUI

Ray McCracken (second from left), of the North American Center for Marianist Studies, recently discussed NACMS materials for lay communities and online Marianist courses with Marianists and the staff of St. Anthony’s Parish in Maui, Hawaii, including Nona Iwata, Holly Fernandez, Sr. Eva Mesina, CSJ, Bro. Jim Vorndran, Tehani Shimabuku and Fr. Ray Malley. Photo by Joanne McCracken

THE CLASSIFIEDS

PRINCIPAL. St. Anthony Junior/Senior High School, a co-educational, Diocesan/Marianist co-sponsored school in Wailuku, Maui, is seeking a principal who is a practicing Catholic with dynamic instructional, development and leadership skills. A master's degree or administrative credential in education/administration or equivalent desirable. Please send resume and three references no later than Feb. 15, 2007, to: Jeremy Kozuki, Search Committee Chair, St. Anthony Junior/Senior High School, 1618 Main St., Wailuku, Hawaii 96793

JUST ONE MORE...

MYSTERY SANTA REVEALED

It's Bro. Stephen Glodek! Ho, Ho, Ho!

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

December

January

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.