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ASSISTANTS, ADVISORS NAMED TO NEW PROVINCE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Provincial Stephen Glodek has named four assistants and three advisors to the Province leadership team that will serve from 2007 to 2010. The announcement follows a consultation with Province members last fall.

In addition to Brother Stephen and Fr. Jim Fitz, assistant provincial, the new leadership team of the Province will include Fr. George Cerniglia, assistant for religious life; Bro. Ed Brink, assistant for education; Bro. Joe Markel, assistant for temporalities; Fr. Joe Lackner, assistant for developing regions; and three advisors: Bro. Jack Ventura, Fr. Oscar Vasquez and Fr. Steve Tutas. These appointments have been ratified by the superior general. The Province offers its prayers and best wishes to those who have served in Provincial Council leadership and those who will be joining the leadership team.

EIGHT PROFESS PERPETUAL VOWS IN RANCHI, INDIA

The opening procession of the perpetual vows ceremony in Ranchi, India. Photos courtesy of Bro. Mike McAward

Approximately 600 attended the perpetual vow ceremony for eight men Dec. 30, 2006, at Nirmal Deep, the Marianist novitiate in Ranchi. The ceremony took place after an eight-day retreat for temporary professed brothers led by Bros. Mike O'Grady and Ed Violett. Bros. Augustus Surin, Raimond Toppo, Kuldeep Ekka, Lucien Tigga, Nittamaria Varaprasad, Rajesh Kumar Lakra, Birendra Kullu and Chinnaiah Polishetti processed in to the ceremony escorted by their families and 40 dancers from the Ragpickers' Education & Development Scheme. Fr. David Fleming was the principal celebrant. He was joined by 11 concelebrants, including Fr. Pragasam Thathappa, district superior. Bros. Ed Violett and Alex Toppo gave homilies. Congratulations and our prayers to the brothers!

FIVE PROFESS PERPETUAL VOWS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

At the perpetual vow ceremony, front row, Fr. Gabriel Kirangah, Bro. Ben Mwai and Bro. Peter Nato; middle row, Bro. Chola Mulenga, Bro. Joseph Maricky, Fr. Maurice Lugutu , Bro. Daniel Wang'ombe, Fr. Manuel Cortés and Bro. Bernard Ombima Lugutu; back row, Fr. Ignace Pagnan (Togo), Fr. Mike Nartker, Fr. Pablo Rambaud (Philippines), Fr. Martin Solma and Fr. André Fétis

On Jan. 2, 2007, at the closing of Charism III in Africa, a program that prepares brothers for perpetual commitment, five brothers from the District of Africa professed perpetual vows in Nairobi. They are: Bros. Joseph Maricky Okoth, Bernard Lugutu Ombima, Daniel Kariethe Wang’ombe, Peter Barasa Nato, and Benjamin Kinyua Mwai. Over 400 people attended the ceremony at Our Lady Queen of Peace parish. Fr. Manuel Cortés, superior general, was the principal celebrant and homilist. He was assisted by Fr. Martin Solma, district superior, Provincial Stephen Glodek and Fr. Jim Fitz, assistant provincial. Bro. Stephen received the vows, accompanied by Bro. Chola Mulenga and Fr. Martin. A reception for family and friends followed the liturgy. Prior to taking vows, the brothers were the first to pilot a month-long “Spirit of Saragossa” retreat developed by the International Center for Marianist Formation. Bro. Bill Behringer directed the retreat.

Bro. Joseph and Bro. Peter work with Sudanese students in Kitale, Kenya. Bro. Daniel is the director of the Marianist community in Mombasa and ministers at the Marianist Development Program. Bro. Bernard is a teacher at Matero Boys Secondary School in Lusaka, Zambia, and Bro. Benjamin is the director of recruitment in Kenya. Congratulations and our prayers to the brothers!

Brothers attending Charism III gather at the Dimesse Sisters Centre in Nairobi. Nearly 50 temporary professed brothers from 11 countries attended the event which began Dec. 12, 2006. Presenters at Charism III included Fr. Jim Heft, who gave a two-day presentation on “What’s the Point of Being a Christian and a Religious?”, Bro. Larry Cada, who shared insight on “What Made the Founders Tick,” and Fr. Joe Lackner, who spoke on “The System of Virtues.”

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ANNOUNCES NEW TASK FORCE ON AGING

Bro. Lester

Provincial Stephen Glodek has announced the creation of a new task force called Aging with Grace to respond to concerns regarding retirement, healthcare and pastoral care of Province senior members . Bro. Lester Kaehler will chair the six-member task force, which also includes Fr. John Bolin, Bro. Bob Dzubinski, Bro. Jim Fitzgibbons, Bro. Joe Markel and Bro. Dave Murphy. The task force will help the Province formulate a healthy spirituality regarding aging and establish policies and programs for those moving toward part time ministry, adjusting to new health and energy levels, and making the transition from active to assisted living. Read the mandate of the new task force.

FOUR MARIANIST SISTERS ESTABLISH COMMUNITY IN INDIA

Sr. Laura (second from left) with Srs. Columba Yu (Korea), Franca Zonta (Italy), Juliana Hong (Korea), Teresa Ferre (Spain) and Marie Joëlle Bec, superior general in Rome

In December, four Marianist Sisters established the first FMI community in India. Sr. Laura Leming from Dayton, who had been teaching in India, wrote that "for one week in India, we had six FMIs representing five countries! Surely this is a symbol of the Marianist Family's global embrace." Read a newsletter which details the beginning days of the community in India.

NEWS FROM FR. JIM FITZ

Fr. Jim Fitz, assistant provincial, issued the following information to all brothers in December:

ELECTING CHAPTER DELEGATES - FEEDBACK A summary of the September 2006 survey of brothers on the options for electing Provincial Chapter delegates

PROVINCE FINANCIAL REPORT The Provincial Chapter's review and evaluation of Province finances

These documents are available on the PORTAL - click on "Documents" and then "Provincial Chapter."

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE PROVINCE

STONEMILL, DAYTON

Bro. Ray Fitz was the chef and Fr. Paul Marshall the sous chef for Christmas dinner at the Stonemill community in Dayton. Special guests included Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski and Santa! CLOCKWISE from top, Bro. Tom Pieper visits with Santa (Fr. Bert Buby); Bro. Dan Klco and Bro. Ray; Movie buff, Bro. Darwin Joseph; Fr. Jerry Chinchar with Santa; and Bro. Sean Downing. Photos courtesy of Fr. Jerry Chinchar

CURÉ OF ARS, ST. LOUIS

Brothers who live in St. Louis or were visiting the area enjoyed a Christmas party on Dec. 27 at St. John Vianney High School. Photo left, Bro. Leo Slay works his usual magic with the meal; photo right, Bro. Al Kuntemeier (Fort Worth) and Bros. Mel Meyer and Bill O'Leary enjoying the evening. Photos courtesy of Bro. Louis Ernst

MEYER HALL, DAYTON

Gathering around the Christmas tree, seated, Bro. Jeff Sullivan, Loretta Whiston (sister of the late Bro. George Whiston) and Bros. Don Winfree and Joe Barrish; standing, Bros. Don Smith, Joe Mariscalco, Don Neff, Ron Overman and Fr. Jim Schimelpfening

"COOKIE NIGHT" IN DUBLIN

The Dublin community, armed with Ma Rech's recipe and cookie cutters, enjoyed a "taste of Christmas" at its annual cookie night in December. Bakers included Bro. Fred Rech, Bro. Gerry Mc Auley, Fr. Mike Reaume, Lay Marianists Jennifer Mohan and Susan Buckley and Bro. Jim Contadino

AT THE UNIVERSITIES

Fr. Ken Templin trims a tree at Chaminade University of Honolulu's annual Christmas lighting ceremony; RIGHT: Fr. Johann Roten, director of the International Marian Research Institute at the University of Dayton, joined Rochester alumni for Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Photo courtesy of the University of Dayton

NEWS ABOUT VOCATIONS

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

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.

Marianist vocations ad which appeared in the National Catholic Reporter and other publications

NOVITIATE COMMUNITY ATTENDS SILENT RETREAT AT MONASTERY

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

Read the January 2007 issue of Via Latina. Please note that the necrology and jubilees are included in this edition.

INTERNAT'L CENTER FOR MARIANIST FORMATION LAUNCHES SITE

Bro. Tom Giardino, executive director of the International Center for Marianist Formation, announces the launch of the ICMF Web site at www.icmf.info. The site provides information and materials to assist members of the Marianist Family in their vocation as Marianists. On the site is information about the Stella Maris program, a program for temporary professed on their way to perpetual vows, the Spirit of Saragossa, a 30-day Marianist directed retreat process, and Marianist renewal programs.

MINISTRY UPDATE: MEN IN FORMATION

	Aspirant Brandon Alana-Maugaotega (left) works at St. Mary's University in San Antonio in campus ministry and assists with liturgy efforts. Brandon is part of the Casa María community.
	Second year Novice Bob Jones with students from Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati. Bob is teaching math and assisting with campus ministry at Purcell Marian. He also ministers at St. Francis De Sales parish and is part of the DeSales Crossings community.

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

Bro. Leo Rothermich (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), 95, who died Jan. 1, 2007. May he rest in peace. Bro. Leo was in education for 60 years. He taught English, religion, Latin and mathematics. He also served as principal, athletic director and coach and moderated several activities. Later in his career, he served as business manager at Chaminade College Preparatory and St. Mary's High School in St. Louis. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 6 at the Marianist Residence Chapel, San Antonio, with burial at the Marianist cemetery. Fr. Rich Wosman was the presider and homilist. Read the homily and Bro. Leo's obituary.

Please pray also for Jean Abney, Attilio Bonutti, Ernest Braiser, Donald Hanson, Margaret Hoagland, James Stryker, Charles Tarrillion and Agnes Zehnle. Read more.

SUNRISE AT MARYCLIFF, EUREKA, MISSOURI

Photo courtesy of Bro. Brian Zampier

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Fr. Bob Backherms (Mercy Siena, Dayton), who is recovering from gallbladder surgery.

Bro. Art Cherrier (Maryland Avenue, St. Louis), who continues to recover from hip replacement surgery in San Antonio.

Bro. Francis Deibel (Mercy Siena, Dayton), who was admitted to Good Samaritan Hospital on Jan. 8 with pneumonia.

Fr. Robert Hertweck (Marianist Hall, Honolulu), who will be having femoral bypass surgery on Jan. 11.

Fr. Matthew Kohmescher (Sawmill Road, Dayton), who was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer and is undergoing treatment at Mercy Siena.

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

Bro. Paul Merland (Cincinnati, Ohio), who continues to be treated for esophageal cancer. Healing is sought through the intercession of Venerable Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon.

Fr. Tom Schoen (Sawmill Road, Dayton), who continues to recuperate and to receive treatment for cancer at Mercy Siena.

Bro. Frank Smith (Snead's Ferry, North Carolina), who is receiving radiation treatment for prostate cancer and has a renal arterial clot.

Please pray also for Sr. Rebecca Betz, MSBT, Ross Maguire, Dolores McBride and Dorothy Shedler. Read more.

WHO WE ARE, WHERE WE LIVE
RIORDAN COMMUNITY - SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.

Members of the Riordan community enjoying their Christmas social and gift exchange. Shown, seated, Bro. Tom Jalbert, Fr. Tom French and Fr. Joe Hartzler; standing, Bro. Howard Hughes, Fr. Jack Russi, and Bros. Richard Olsen, Pat McMahon and Jim Leahy. The photo was taken by Bro. Gary Morris, who was visiting from Honolulu.

SCENES OF RIORDAN H.S. AND MARIANIST COMMUNITY

Bro. Jim Leahy took his trusty camera and shot numerous scenes of Archbishop Riordan High School and the community space that is part of the school. Clockwise from top left, the entryway to the school (note that the yellow-framed windows on the top floor are the community’s bedroom windows); view of Riordan’s inside courtyard with the urban neighborhoods of San Francisco in the distance; the community’s dining room; and the community’s meeting room/reading room, taken from the balcony

ADELE SOCIAL JUSTICE PROJECT HOLDS CORE TEAM MEETING

Adele Social Justice Project core team members met Dec. 17 at the Findlay Street Marianist community in Cincinnati to discuss the recent immersion weekend in Washington, D.C., and future plans. Shown, kneeling, Laura Libertore, Beth Jamieson and Andrea Stiles with baby Clare; standing, Jim Vogt, Sr. Leanne Jablonski, Bro. Bob Donovan and Alison Radelet

SAVE THE DATE . . .

Bro. Jack Ventura invites all members of the Marianist Family from the St. Louis area to evening prayer and dinner to celebrate the 206th anniversary of the Foundation Day of Marianist Sodalities on Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Pillar. Bring a favorite wine and dessert to share. For information or to RSVP, contact Donna Tucker at dtucker@sm-usa.org by Jan. 25.

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Bro. Don (on ladder) installs the piece with help from Tim French and Bro. Jeff Sullivan

Bro. Don Smith (Meyer Hall, Dayton) recently installed his latest commissioned work in the chapel at Bergamo Center at Mount St. John in Dayton. The art was created from tiles that reflect the colors found in the chapel windows. It is based on a sculpture displayed at the General Administration in Rome.

Fr. Luis Melo (Region of Canada) was invited by Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity at the Vatican, to join the joint working group between the Catholic Church and the World Council of Churches for 2006 to 2013. Fr. Luis made his novitiate in Dayton. Congratulations to Fr. Luis!

Congratulations to Bro. Joe Kamis (DeSales Crossings, Cincinnati), who received the 2006 Bro. Eveslage Award from the Archbishop Moeller High School Alumni Association. The award honors Bro. Joe's contributions to the school's growth.

Bro. Brian Halderman (Marybrook, St. Louis) has created a space on the video Web site YouTube for Marianist videos. View the site. Vocation efforts in 2007 will include more outreach to online communities.

Fr. André Fétis, assistant for religious life at the General Administration, toured Chaminade -Julienne High School in December. Fr. André was in Dayton studying English.

Fr. André with student Taylor Hefferon and Sr. Damienne Grismer, SND. Photo by Bro. Sean Downing

The photography of Bro. John Lemker (novitiate, Dayton) is featured in the cover story of the Winter 2006-2007 University of Dayton Quarterly alumni magazine.

Fr. Joe Rasky (Central Catholic, San Antonio) reached into the archives for this photo of Bro. Fred Gelhard cleaning the windows at the Marianist residence next door to Central Catholic. The photo appeared in the Oct. 7, 1998, issue of the San Antonio Express-News.

LEROY VIERA CELEBRATES 80TH BIRTHDAY IN DRAMATIC STYLE

Bro. LeRoy talking with former drama student Alex Gregath

The Drama Club at Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, Calif., threw a surprise 80th birthday party for Bro. LeRoy Viera at the West Hills community Dec. 22. Approximately 30 current and former students and parents attended. For the last 15 years, Bro. LeRoy has created sets and assisted with many other aspects of the school's plays. Many spoke that evening of how Bro. LeRoy touched their lives. The West Hills community also celebrated Bro. LeRoy's birthday with a Mass and dinner on Dec. 15.

DESALES CROSSINGS COMMUNITY SPONSORS ORIENTATION PROGRAM

At the orientation, kneeling, Bros. Giancarlo Bonutti, Tobías Ferrer and Joe Kamis, and Novice Bob Jones; standing, Bro. Bob Wiethorn (far left) and Bro. Bob Politi (far right)

Members of the Purcell Marian High School community, including teachers, board members and the mission effectiveness team, joined the DeSales Crossings community in Cincinnati for a new teacher and board member orientation program Nov. 30. Presenters were Bro. Joe Kamis, who spoke on the Marianist charism and Characteristics of a Marianist Education, and Bro. Bob Wiethorn, who focused on how teachers can connect with DeSales Crossings. Bro. Giancarlo Bonutti and members of MET led the group in prayer. The event ended with a blessing of the new teachers and board members and a dinner prepared by Bro. Larry Corbin at the St. Francis DeSales Family Residence.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . ST. JOHN VIANNEY and Ursuline Academy students in St. Louis contributed over $20,000 worth of toys to the local U.S. Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" campaign. The success of the toy drive and donation campaign was covered by local radio and television stations. Students from Vianney and Ursuline pose with Santa and a few of the many toys donated to area needy DANIEL J. GROSS HIGH SCHOOL in Omaha, Neb., was featured in an article in the Dec. 20 issue of the Bellevue Leader newspaper for a multimedia prayer service it held based on music by the rock band U2. The Mass was organized by the school's Marianist LIFE team, led by staff members Mikaela VanMoorleghem and Kim Ernesti. Read the article.

ROLAND AVENUE PREPARING FOR FUTURE SALE

In preparation for the sale of the Roland Avenue community house in Baltimore, Bro. Richard Dix asks that anyone who has possessions in the home, to contact Bro. Frank O'Donnell before the end of January. All items must be cleared out.

GOOD TO KNOW OUT AND ABOUT. Read the upcoming travel schedule of members of the Provincial staff in St. Louis. PERSONNEL CHANGES. Read the changes. Remember that personnel information on the PORTAL is updated on a regular basis. WEEKEND RETREATS. The Christian Family Living Center in N. Topsail Beach, N.C., has added several family-oriented weekend programs to its schedule. Find out more. MARIANIST CALENDAR. A calendar that lists events involving Marianist brothers, Marianist sisters and lay Marianists is available at www.marianist.com/calendar. The calendar also is available on the PORTAL . If you'd like an event included, send the event, date, location and contact information to Pat Stephens. OFFICE HOLIDAY. Please note that the Provincial Offices will be closed on Monday Jan. 15, 2007, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan. 8 - Jan. 12 National Vocation Awareness Week Jan. 12 - Jan. 14 Province Reflection Group, Phoenix Jan. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Provincial Offices Closed Jan. 22 Chaminade Day MORE

CLIFFS OF MOHER, IRELAND

Photo courtesy of Fr. Roland Bunda

OOPS...

In the Dec. 19 issue of FamilyOnline we incorrectly identified the location of Morning Star School. The school is located in the country of Nepal. We apologize for the error.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

CUPERTINO. Read Fr. Steve Tutas' January 2007 Cupertino newsletter.

PHILIPPINES. Read Bro. Richard Joyal's December 2006 Alive in the Philippines newsletter.

MIV. Read the December 2006 issue of the Marianist International Volunteers newsletter.

MARIANIST SOCIAL JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE. Read the January 2007 issue of Justice Jottings.

CHRISTIAN FAMILY LIVING CENTER TO HOST MILITARY RETREAT

The Christian Family Living Center in N. Topsail Beach, N.C., has received a $5,000 grant from the Diocese of Raleigh to host a weekend retreat for active military families. The retreat is planned for summer 2007 and will include special presentations on military deployment and re-entry into family life, group activities and discussions. The CFL is located near several military bases. Find out more.

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

PRINCIPAL. Archbishop Riordan High School, a male Catholic high school sponsored by the Society of Mary in San Francisco, Calif., is seeking an experienced, proven leader and practicing Catholic to serve as principal. Deadline for application is Feb. 23, 2007. Find out more.

JUST ONE MORE...

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR AT MARYBROOK, ST. LOUIS

Bros. Brian Halderman, Bob Resing and Brian Zampier

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

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.