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FOUR PROFESS FIRST VOWS IN RANCHI, INDIA

At the vow ceremony, Bro. Anup, Bro. Sudhir, Fr. Santosh, Fr. Pragasam, Bro. Ashok and Bro. Jesuraj. Photo courtesy of Bro. Antony Nesam

On May 4, approximately 200 guests gathered at Nirmal Deep in Ranchi, India, to witness the first profession of Bros. Anup Ranjan Kullu, Bro. Sudhir Kumar Soreng, Bro. Ashok Kumar Dungdung and Bro. G.U. Jesuraj. The main celebrant was Fr. Santosh Tudu. Fr. Pragasam Thathappa, district superior of India, received the vows. Fr. Nicolas D'Cruz was the novice master for the newly-professed brothers. Congratulations and our prayers!

NEW COUNCIL APPOINTED IN EASTERN AFRICA

Provincial Stephen Glodek announces that the new District Council for Eastern Africa has been appointed. Joining Bro. Chola Mulenga, district superior, and Fr. Gabriel Kirangah, deputy superior, will be Bros. Peter Nato, Paul Kageche, Callistus Jeje and Fr. Michael Nartker. Appointed as advisors to the Council are Bros. Joseph Maricky and Frank Annunziata. "The Province wishes our brothers wisdom and courage in assuming their new leadership roles," said Bro. Stephen. Installation of the new Council will take place on May 20 in Nairobi. Fr. Paul Marshall will represent the Provincial Council in installing the new District Council.

VOW CEREMONY TO BE CELEBRATED ON MAY 19

Novice Bob Jones, left, with students from Purcell Marian High School; Novice Roberto Rivera in his ministry at a children's shelter in Davao City, Philippines

Second-year novices Robert Jones and Roberto Rivera are making final preparations for their first vows on May 19, 2007. Provincial Stephen Glodek will receive the vows during a Mass presided by Assistant Provincial Fr. Jim Fitz at 4 p.m. at Queen of Apostles Chapel at Mount Saint John in Dayton. Fr. Dave McGuigan, novice director, will give the homily.

This past year Bob has been teaching math and assisting with campus ministry at Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati. He also ministers at St. Francis De Sales parish. Bob is a member of the DeSales Crossings community. Roberto is serving in Davao City, Philippines, in a shelter for street children. Roberto also assists with vocation ministry.

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Provincial Council announces several personnel changes, which will occur over the summer months. The Council wishes the brothers many blessings in their new ministries and communities. Read the personnel changes.

NEWS FROM VOCATIONS

Read the May 10, 2007, issue of Vocation News, by Bro. Charles Johnson, national vocation director.

ST. LOUIS JUBILEE CELEBRATION

St. Louis jubilarians, front, Bro. Harold Lootens (60 years), Fr. Gus Biehl (60 years), Fr. Richard O'Shaughnessy (70 years), Bro. Paul Novosal (70 years) and Fr. William Wightman (60 years); back, Bro. Lester Kaehler (50 years) and Fr. Dave Paul (50 years); not shown, Fr. Tim Kenney (25th sacerdotal)

On May 5, nine jubilarians were honored at a special Mass and reception at Our Lady of the Pillar Church in St. Louis. Fr. Dave Paul presided at the Mass and Provincial Stephen Glodek witnessed the renewal of vows. Fr. Richard O'Shaughnessy (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) gave the homily. Approximately 200 brothers, sisters, friends and relatives attended the event.

At the jubilee celebration, clockwise from top, Bro. Tom Redmond congratulates Fr. Gus; Bros. Brian Halderman, Bob Resing and Leo Slay; Fr. Richard giving the homily; Bros. Tom Payne, Richard Dix, Tom Redmond, Bob Metzger and Ken Straubinger

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

VIA LATINA. Read the May 2007 issue.

EXTENDED GENERAL COUNCIL MEETS IN ROME

The General Council and the presidents of each Zonal Conference at their annual meeting at Via Latina 22 April 30 to May 2. Shown, seated, Bro. José María Alvira (GA), Superior General Fr. Manuel Cortés, Bro. Charles Henri-Moulin (Europe), Fr. Louis Shimizu (Asia); standing, Fr. André Fétis (GA), Bro. Ed Violett (GA), Fr. Manuel Madueño (Latin America), Provincial Stephen Glodek (North America) and Bro. Maximin Magnan (Africa). Photo courtesy of Bro. Michael McAward

MARIANIST SISTERS NAME PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

Sr. Evangeline

Provincial Sr. Evangeline Escobar has announced that the Provincial Council for the Marianist sisters will remain the same through 2010. In addition to Sr. Evangeline, the Council includes Sr. Mary Louise Foley (religious life), Sr. Gretchen Trautman (education) and Sr. Marcy Loehrlein (temporalities). Sr. Gretchen will replace Sr. Marcy on the Marianist Family Council, effective Aug. 1. Congratulations and our prayers!

BRO. JOSÉ DEGORIO CELEBRATES JUBILEE

On April 22, Bro. José Degorio celebrated his Golden Jubilee at the Mystical Rose Oratory in Honolulu. Fr. Joe Lackner witnessed the renewal of vows. Bro. José serves in the records office of Chaminade University of Honolulu. Congratulations to Bro. José! We also congratulate Fr. Francis Nagakawa who is celebrating his 50th sacerdotal this year. Fr. Francis is a chaplain for several Catholic organizations in Honolulu.

FOUR MARIANIST BROTHERS GRADUATE IN NAIROBI

Bro. Peter

Bro. Hanson

Bro. Daniel

Bro. Francis

On May 12, four Marianists completed their academic programs at Christ the Teacher Institute for Education at Tangaza College in Nairobi, Kenya. Bro. Peter Nato received a bachelor's degree in English and religious education. Bro. Hanson Sitali Muyambango received a diploma in education (English and religious education), having completed his initial three-year program of study.

Bro. Daniel Odero Osini was also awarded a diploma in education (English and religious education) after his initial three years of study. Bro. Francis Kamunya has completed coursework for a bachelor's degree in youth ministry through the Tangaza College Institute of Youth Ministry, affiliated with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Bro. Francis will graduate in October. Congratulations to these brothers for their academic accomplishments in service to the mission of the Marianist District of Eastern Africa! Read more.

SCENES FROM THE SAN ANTONIO JUBILEE CELEBRATION

At the celebration, clockwise from top; Fr. Jim Fitz; Sr. Stephanie Morales, Fr. George Montague and Sr. Marcy Loehrlein; Bros. James Pieper and Paul Novosal; Bros. Fred Halwe and Earl Leistikow. Photos by Scott Schrader

ALTERNATIVE PROVINCE RETREATS 2007 CANCELLED

Due to extremely low registrations, the two alternative opportunities for retreats in June (Eureka, Mo., and Dayton) have been cancelled.

The major Province retreat for this summer will be our gathering at the Province Assembly in Tucson, which will include sharing, reflection and celebrating God's presence in our brotherhood. The theme of the assembly is "Come to the Desert: Becoming Brothers, Finding Life." Registration is still open for the Province Assembly. In addition, the Marianist National Retreat Commission can assist you in finding local options for personal retreats. Contact Sr. Mary Louise Foley or Fr. Gerald Chinchar for more information. A list of the retreats for 2008 is posted on the Portal.

MARIANIST FAMILY RETREAT PROGRAM BEGINS IN HAWAII

The retreat puppets with their alter egos, front, Rick Collins, Jayne Mondoy, Jeannie Pinpin, retreatant, Lisa Vega, and Laura and Vince Mirigliani; back, Bro. Jim Vorndran, Barb Belle, local retreat coordinator, Christy Bryant and Bro. Dennis Schmitz

Five families from Sacred Hearts elementary school in Lahaina, Maui, participated in the first Marianist Family Retreat Program May 5-6. The program was coordinated by the Hawaii Marianist Lay Communities with help from Vince and Laura Mirigliani, longtime lay Marianists from Philadelphia. Bro. Dennis Schmitz (Hale Malia, Honolulu) and Bro. Jim Vorndran (Wailuku, Maui) also assisted. The retreat focused on affirmation, confirmation, reconciliation and commitment and used puppet shows and skits to introduce the topics. Other activities included peer group discussions and Eucharist. The next retreat is planned for Oahu Sept. 21 to Sept. 23, 2007.

MUSP PROGRAM ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Bro. Mike Murphy, far right, with six eighth grade students who were awarded four-year scholarships to Purcell Marian High School as part of the Marianist Urban Students Program in Cincinnati. Shown with Bro. Mike is Dr. Bill Shula (far left), principal of St. Francis DeSales grade school, and students, front, Elise Riston and Asya Hill; middle, Francesca Dantzler and Reuben Darden; top, Matthrew Hill and Malcolm Hicks. Congratulations to the MUSP class of 2011!

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

Bro. Jim (left), early years

Bro. Jim, 50th jubilee, 2005

Bro. James Roberts (Cupertino, California), 75, who died May 10, 2007. May he rest in peace. Bro. Jim created the art program at Chaminade University of Honolulu and designed the university's landmark chapel, the Mystical Rose Oratory. He was a noted artist who worked in paint, ink, watercolor and pencil, in a range of styles, including abstract, pointillism, realism, portrait, landscape and still life. In addition to painting, Bro. Jim sculpted and worked in serigraph. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated today at the Marianist Center in Cupertino, California. Fr. Timothy Kenney was the presider and homilist. A Memorial Mass also was held today in the Mystical Rose Oratory on the campus of Chaminade University of Honolulu. Bro. James will be buried May 16 at 11 a.m. at Gate of Heaven cemetery in Honolulu. Bro. Jim's obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline. Read an article about Bro. Jim from the Honolulu Advertiser newspaper.

Fr. Matt, 1968

Fr. Matt, recent

Fr. Matthew Kohmescher (Sawmill, Dayton), 85, who died May 5, 2007. May he rest in peace. Fr. Matt was the chair of the Religious Studies Department at the University of Dayton for 20 years. Nicknamed "Fr. Beanie" for his trademark skullcap and "Fr. Fuzzy" for his acts of kindness, he was the unofficial UD greeter of students and parents and the "grandfather" of Founders Hall on campus. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 11 at Immaculate Conception Chapel at the University of Dayton. Fr. Joseph Lackner was the presider; Fr. Joseph Kozar was the homilist. Fr. Thomas Schroer gave the eulogy. Fr. Matthew will be buried at Queen of Heaven cemetery in Dayton. Read Fr. Matthew's eulogy and obituary.

Fr. Edwin Johnson (West Hills, Calif.), 81, who died April 25, 2007. May he rest in peace. Fr. Edwin served as a teacher, principal, guidance director, chaplain, spiritual director and campus minister. For the last 11 years he was chaplain at Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills and Chatsworth, Calif. Read Fr. Edwin's obituary and a homily by Fr. Dave Schuyler.

Please pray also for Carl Haynes, Marie Kiefer, Garrett Loiselle, Ruth Elizabeth Moore, Sr. Irene Pinto and William Seibel. Read more.

PEONIES, MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN

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. Paul Merland (Cincinnati, Ohio), who is recovering from surgery for esophageal cancer.

Fr. Joseph Kozar (Alumni Hall, Dayton), who is recovering from hand surgery.

Bro. Ray McQuade (Snead's Ferry, N.C.), who is having surgery May 17 for a balance problem.

Bro. Franklin Pao (Hale Malia, Honolulu), who has cancer and is under hospice care.

Bro. LeRoy Viera (West Hills, Calif.), who has been hospitalized for tests.

Bro. Joseph (Wasy) Wasielewski (Cupertino, California), who is in a very weakened condition.

Please pray also for Fr. Jim Krings, Ted Ley, and Sr. Lisa Wiley. Read more.

Editor's Note: Bro. Jack Dempsey reports that Fr. George Abmayr (Marcella Road, Cleveland), who suffered a stroke, was released from the hospital May 1. He is recovering well and has resumed celebrating Mass. Thank you for your prayers!

REFLECTION BOOKS FOR ASSEMBLY MAILED TO SM COMMUNITIES

Reflection Booklets in preparation for the 2007 Assembly in Tucson have been mailed to every SM community as well as invited guests. The daily meditations were written by Marianist brothers and priests to begin on Pentecost Sunday, May 27. If your community does not receive copies this week, please contact Pat Stephens. A limited number of extras are available.

REDS STUDENTS PERFORM FOR EDUCATION MINISTER

Ragpickers' Education & Development Scheme Director Bro. Alex Toppo (blue shirt) and Education Minister Bandu Tirkey (white shirt) help young Anish Mirdha of the Hatma Centre light a lamp at a special REDS program at the end of April. Approximately 600 students gathered for the program, which included dancing by the girls in REDS. Photo courtesy of Bro. Antony Nesam

ONLINE MARIANIST COURSES OFFERED FOR SUMMER, FALL

The North American Center for Marianist Studies — in partnership with the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives — offers the following online courses for your summer/fall enrichment.

For more information on course descriptions and registration, visit http://vlc.udayton.edu

For further information regarding Virtual Learning Community (VLC) Courses (i.e., how to sign up as a reserved group), contact Patti Gehred, VLC coordinator, at Patti.Gehred@notes.udayton.edu or 937.429.2521.

EXPERIENCE WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Bro. Jack Ventura invites you to help create a Marianist presence at World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia, July 15 to July 21, 2008. The Marianist Office of Religious Life is coordinating two tours, one leaving from Los Angeles and another leaving from Honolulu, and offers special invitations to campus ministries, LIFE programs, high schools, parishes, retreat centers, and to those who are temporary professed. The Province is offering financial assistance. For more information, read Bro. Jack's letter and visit the Marianist World Youth Day Web site for a brochure, trip itinerary, costs, and financial aid and registration forms.

Bro. Jack at World Youth Day 2006 in Cologne, Germany

WHEN PIGS FLY, MARIANISTS RUN

Bro. Tobías, front, right, Bro. Bill, far right, and Bro. Bob, second from right, with The Mercy Neighborhood Ministries 5K run team

Members of the DeSales Crossings community in Cincinnati, including Bros. Tobías Ferrer, Bill Grundish and Bob Wiethorn, joined the Mercy Neighborhood Ministries' race team to compete in the annual "Cincinnati Flying Pig Weekend" May 4 - May 6. The fundraiser, which benefits a number of charities, included events such as the "Flying Pig Marathon" and the 5K Swine Walk/Run. "Tobías and I had a terrific race improving our times on each mile!" remarked Bro. Bill.

At the finish line, Bros. Bill and Tobías

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Bro. Bob Donovan (Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati) has produced two videos on the Center for Respite Care in Cincinnati. Bro. Bob provides patient care at the center, which is a 24/7 facility for homeless persons recovering from medical illnesses. View video 1 and video 2.

Fr. Ted Ley (West Hills, Calif.), founder of the Schola Cantorum of the Pacific choir, was one of the conductors at the choir's 30th Anniversary Concert of Sacred Music on April 29. The concert featured the "Oxyrhynchos Fragment," the oldest-known Christian hymn, dating from approximately 175 AD. The Schola is believed to be the only choir in recent centuries to perform the hymn. Read more.

Fr. Ted leads the choir

Congratulations to John K. Lake, Chaminade University of Honolulu's Kumu-in-Residence, who received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, on May 14 in honor of his lifetime work in the perpetuation of the Hawaiian language and culture and his legacy as a Catholic Marianist educator.

Sr. Leanne Jablonski, director of the Marianist Environmental Education Center, gave the keynote address April 14 at a climate change conference sponsored by the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change and the Ohio Catholic Conference. Read more. Sr. Leanne also spoke on climate change on "Just Love," a weekly broadcast on Sirius Satellite Radio. Sr. Leanne and Tara Poling (MEEC) co-authored an article in the April 2007 Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. Read the article.

Dan Curran, president of the University of Dayton, rang the closing bell of NASDAQ on May 1 to celebrate RISE VII, the world's largest student investment forum. Read more.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Province Peace and Justice Team members met in St. Louis April 26 to April 28 to discuss the "Advancing Justice" document of the Provincial Chapter, share information on social justice efforts in the Province and discuss the future direction of the committee. Province Peace & Justice committee members, Fr. Steve Tutas, Bro. Dave Murphy, Bro. Phil Aaron, Bro. Dick Olsen, Fr. Ted Cassidy, Myles McCabe, Province director of peace & justice, Bro. Steve O'Neil, Bro. Joe Markel and Bro. Frank O'Donnell Immigration Reform. This week the Senate, and possibly the House, will consider the Immigration Reform bills. Contact your senators. Sweatshop Labor Education. The Province Peace & Justice team was mentioned in an article in the St. Louis Review newspaper for the research it provided to a local youth group for its unique presentation on sweatshops and unfair labor practices. Read the article. Contact Myles McCabe, Province director of peace & justice, mmccabe@sm-usa.org. 314.533.1207, x. 235

S.T.A.R.s ATTEND RACIAL JUSTICE WORKSHOP

Fr. Ted Cassidy, center, led a Racial Justice Workshop April 29 at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J. Shown, members of Sisters Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.), including: Helen Riso, Gail Zona, Lee Whitton, Mary Snyder, Jackie Sarner and Sylvetta Snowton

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . MARIANIST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WORK IN NEW ORLEANS Students at a work site for Catholic Charities Operation Helping Hands; Novice Bob Jones shares a light moment with some students. Photos by Novice Bob Jones Students from Purcell Marian and Archbishop Moeller High Schools in Cincinnati participated in an immersion trip to New Orleans April 9 to April 14. The trip was coordinated by the Province office of peace & justice. In addition to gutting houses and cleaning the yards of Hurricane Katrina victims, the students attended programs coordinated by New Orleans Marianist volunteers, John Graziano and Erica Noble and heard a talk by Lay Marianist Kevin Fitzpatrick. Novice Bob Jones, who teaches at Purcell Marian, also attended. UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. More than 1,000 people attended a candlelight vigil April 17 for those killed at Virginia Tech. Fr. Joe Tedesco led a prayer for the victims. CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL has established a Bro. Martin McMurtrey English Department Chair in honor of Bro. Mac's 56 years of teaching in Catholic schools. He served 49 years at Central Catholic teaching English, math and drafting. Many Central Catholic students have been the recipients of a scholarship fund that Bro. Mac implemented. Read more. Former Central Catholic graduates present Bro. Mac (seated) with a certificate to honor the English Department Chair named in his honor

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 SM Connect (PORTAL) is updated on a regular basis. OFFICES CLOSED. The Provincial offices will be closed on Monday, May 28 for Memorial Day.

May 19 First vow ceremony, Dayton May 20-21 Provincial Council Meeting, St. Louis May 25 Memorial of Mary, Help of Christians May 25-27 Vocation Retreat, Los Angeles MORE

MEMORIES OF MARYHURST

Six Marianists who currently reside at the Marianist Residence in San Antonio were postulants together at Maryhurst in St. Louis in 1939. They are Bros. Charles Cummiskey, Art Cherrier, John Klein (in wheelchair), Dan Sharpe, Bill Chewning and Herb Janson.

THE CLASSIFIEDS

NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL is seeking candidates in the following areas for the 2007 - 2008 school year: director of guidance, guidance counselor, chemistry teacher and English teacher. Send résumés to:

Mr. Stephen Hiner, Principal, Nolan Catholic High School
4501 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76103, Shiner@nolancatholichs.org

MARIANIST LEADERSHIP PROGRAM HELPS DISABLED CHILDREN

On April 4, students from the St. Mary's University Marianist Leadership Program in San Antonio volunteered at the Riding Opportunities Promoting Exceptional Riders (ROPER) organization day camp. The camp assists disabled students with horseback riding. Shown with the ROPER day campers are students Sarah Theisen, Gerardo Aranda-Clausen, Jennifer Buckmeyer, Sarah Ingram and Sr. Gretchen Trautman (coordinator of the MLP). Photo courtesy of Aspirant Ray Dominguez

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

CAPE MAY. Read the May 2007 issue of Beacon.com, the newsletter of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J.

CUPERTINO. Read the May 2007 newsletter from Fr. Steve Tutas.

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

MIV. Read the May 2007 issue of the Marianist International Volunteers newsletter.

JUST ONE MORE...

Fr. Ken Templin strikes his "Ironman" pose during Chaminade University of Honolulu's May Fair and Fun event on May 2.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

Editor's Note: If you would like your e-mail address eliminated from FamilyOnline for security reasons, please e-mail Ann Mueller

May

June

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 2007 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.