If you are having difficulty viewing this E-mail, please visit our online version.

FOUR PROFESS FIRST VOWS AT CEREMONY IN NAIROBI, KENYA

At the ceremony, Fr. Mike Nartker, Deacon Callistus Jeje, newly professed Bros. Joseph Kamotho, George Sakala, Innocent Chikwanda and George Opala, Fr. Gabriel Kirangah and Bro. Chola Mulenga. Photos courtesy of Fr. Martin Solma

More than 120 brothers, family members and friends gathered Aug. 4 to witness four men profess first vows into the Society of Mary during a Eucharist celebration at the Marianist District House in Nairobi. The newly professed brothers are Innocent Chikwanda (Zambia), Joseph Kamotho (Kenya), George Opala (Kenya) and George Sakala (Zambia). Fr. Gabriel Kirangah, deputy district superior, was the main celebrant, and Bro. Chola Mulenga, district superior, was the homilist. Fr. Mike Nartker, assistant novice director, represented Bro. Steve Grazulis, novice director, who is on medical leave and will return to Eastern Africa next month. After profession the four brothers will begin their ministry preparation at Christ the Teacher Institute for Education at Tangaza College. Congratulations and our prayers for the new brothers!

Bros. Innocent, Joseph, George and George slice the celebration cake

SIX INSTALLED AS MARIANIST VOLUNTEERS FOR 2007-2008

At the installation ceremony, front, Ruth Hinde, MVP assistant coordinator, and Dan Richter, MVP program coordinator; back, volunteers Travis Rindler, Cynthia Sias, Emileah Aguilar, Noah Iturriaga, Robert Manuel and Augusto Trujillo

Six men and women were commissioned as Marianist volunteers in a ceremony Aug. 4 at St. Mary’s High School in St. Louis. The 2007-2008 Marianist volunteers are Emileah Aguilar, Noah Iturriaga, Robert Manuel, Travis Rindler, Cynthia Sias and Augusto Michael Trujillo. The ceremony followed a week-long orientation program led by Dan Richter, Marianist Volunteer Program coordinator and Ruth Hinde, assistant coordinator. Fr. Jim Fitz was the presider and homilist for the Eucharist celebration. Also in attendance were members of the MVP steering committee, including Bros. David Betz, Jack Ventura and Dennis Schmitz and Mary Niebler. The volunteers begin their assignments this week. Organizations they will serve include St. John’s Home for Boys and the Marianist NGO in New York, San Antonio Urban Ministries and Baptist Child and Family Services in San Antonio and North Grand Neighborhood Services and Loyola Academy in St. Louis. Our prayers and best wishes to the volunteers in their assignments. Read more about our volunteers.

CLOCKWISE from top, Fr. Joe Lackner and Emileah; Augusto, Cynthia, Jennifer Talley, MVP mentor in San Antonio, and Bro. David Betz; Dan and Ruth; and Bro. David, Bro. Jack Ventura, Mary Niebler and Bro. Dennis Schmitz bless the volunteers

MEC SUMMER WORKSHOP HELD AT UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

Bro. John Habjan and Sr. Leanne Jablonski (front, far left) and Myles McCabe (second row, far right) with the MEC participants

More than 45 administrators, faculty and staff from 16 Marianist schools attended the Marianist Education Consortium Summer Workshop July 19 to July 22 at the University of Dayton. Bros. Ed Brink, assistant for education, and John Habjan, office of education, also attended. The workshop theme was “Integrating Service and Justice Across the Curriculum.” The keynote speaker was Bro. Ray Fitz who spoke on “Education for Justice: Focusing our Vision; Developing a Strategy; Committing for the Long Haul.” Meeting activities included a day of retreat and reflection led by Sr. Grace Walle, and 12 breakout workshops on implementing service and justice education from a Marianist perspective. Presenters were Sr. Leanne Jablonski, Fr. Paul Marshall, Mary McCullough and Mike Moroski. The workshop was sponsored by the Office of Education and the Office of Peace and Justice. Organizers George Lisjak, director of Marianist educational studies and partnerships, and Myles McCabe, director of peace and justice, were assisted by the planning team of Errol Christian, Al Early, Mary Kay Fitzpatrick, Larry Keller, Marlena Johnston, Bill Raddell and Sr. Grace Walle. The workshop concluded with Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Paul Marshall and closing remarks from Bro. Ed Brink.

MARIANIST TEACHERS AND STAFF ATTEND T.A.M. EXPERIENCE

George Lisjak, far left, with Teaching as Ministry participants

A Teaching as Ministry experience was held July 16 to July 18 at the University of Dayton. Twenty-two faculty and staff members representing 10 Province schools participated. T.A.M. provides Marianist educators opportunities to reflect on their ministry, share insights and ideas with colleagues from other Marianist schools, and come to a greater understanding of the Characteristics of a Marianist Education. The experience was facilitated by George Lisjak, director of Marianist educational studies and partnerships.

STORM DOES NOT DAMPEN DECAMP WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

Participants in the human growth workshop for women held in La Chinantla, Mexico

Undaunted by a tornado-like storm that struck La Chinantla, Mexico, on July 11, more than 40 area women attended a three-day workshop sponsored by DECAMP, the Marianist Rural Development Project in Uxpanapa, Mexico. Arriving in good spirits but a little shaken from the storm, the women heard presentations from nationally-recognized psychologist Frida Martinez Santibanez. Her talks and the workshop activities focused on healing and methods to combat the cultural reality of machismo in Mexico. The workshop was part of DECAMP’s ongoing programs to educate and empower area women.

The July 11 storm caused over $10,000 worth of damage at the Marianist DECAMP facilities.

GOVERNOR’S ISLAND RETREAT OFFERS TIME TO RELAX AND LEARN

LEFT: Aspirant Brandon Alana and Novice Nicole Trahan enjoying a boat ride; RIGHT: A view of Governor’s Island

Approximately 25 people attended the “Look, Listen and Lounge” retreat for Marianist contacts and Marianists in formation July 27 to July 30 on Governor’s Island in Huntsville, Ohio. The weekend provided time for reflection and sharing of discernment stories as well as time for lake activities and relaxation. The retreat was organized by Bros. George Kemmett (St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland) and Charles Johnson, national vocation director.

PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our prayers for the following brothers in their new assignments.

Fr. Charlie Bergedick (Chaminade Community, Dayton) has moved to assisted living at Mercy Siena Gardens in Dayton.

Fr. Gus Biehl (East St. Louis, Ill.) has joined the Marianist Residence community in San Antonio.

Fr. Allen DeLong has joined the Marianist novitiate community in Limuru, Kenya, for one year and will assist Bro. Steve Grazulis.

Bro. Paul Merland (Cincinnati) has moved to assisted living at Mercy Siena Gardens in Dayton.

Fr. Tom Schoen (Sawmill, Dayton) has moved to Mercy Siena Gardens in Dayton and will assist Fr. Tom Stanley with Masses.

Bro. Norb Sturm (Mercy Siena Gardens, Dayton) has moved to the Mercy Siena Woods nursing facility in Dayton.

Bro. Leo Willett (Novitiate, Dayton) will join the Marianist Residence community in San Antonio.

ST. ANTHONY IN MAUI INSTALLS NEW PASTORAL TEAM

Congratulations to Fr. Roland Bunda, Fr. Gerry Pleva and Bro. Jim Vorndran, who were installed Aug. 5 as the new pastoral team at St. Anthony Parish in Wailuku, Maui. Read more about the team members.

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

Bro. Clarence Chew (Marianist Hall, Honolulu), 83, who died July 23, 2007, in Honolulu. May he rest in peace. A Memorial Mass was celebrated on Aug. 1 at the Mystical Rose Oratory on the Kalaepohaka campus of Saint Louis School and Chaminade University of Honolulu. Fr. Stephen Tutas was the presider and homilist. Read Fr. Stephen’s homily. Inurnment was on Aug. 2, 2007, at the Marianist lot at Diamondhead Cemetery. Read Bro. Clarence’s obituary.

Bro. Dan Sharpe (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), 83, who died July 23, 2007, in San Antonio. May he rest in peace. Read Bro. Dan’s obituary and reflections from Fr. John Leies.

Please pray also for Bhagyamma, Georgine Kudyba, Anna Oldenski and Sr. John Marie Samaha, SHF, and Frank Stanley. Read more and read an article about Sr. John Marie Samaha.

FLOWERING SAGUARO CACTUS, TUCSON

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 . . .

Fr. Robert Backherms (Mercy Siena, Dayton), who is recovering from a second surgery on his pancreas.

Bro. Maurice (Max) Beyer (Alumni Hall, Dayton), who has been admitted to Mercy Siena to recover from weakness and for rehabilitation.

Please pray also for Chris Banaszak, Brenda Kelley, Bob Roberts and Luis Zabala. Read more.

CANADIAN GRADE SCHOOL RAISES MONEY FOR DECAMP

Bro. Jack Ventura (far left) and Marg Van Herk-Paradis, Canadian Lay Marianist Affiliate (second from right), with students from Jeanne Sauvé Catholic School in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. The students presented Bro. Jack with a check for over $1,300 for the Marianist Rural Development Project in Uxpanapa, Mexico. The money was raised as part of a Lenten project. Marg’s daughter attends Jeanne Sauvé.

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Congratulations to Bro. Don Geiger (Novitiate, Dayton), who was presented with the “Ohio Prairie Achievement Award” at the annual conference of the Ohio Prairie Association July 27-28 in Hiram, Ohio. Bro. Don was recognized for his significant contributions to the Marianist Environmental Center, the Beaver Creek Wetland Association and the Ohio Prairie Association, and numerous other prairie conservation projects.

Bro. Don (right) on the prairie

Provincial Stephen Glodek was the keynote presenter at the 36th Religious Brothers Conference July 27 to July 30 in St. Louis. Bro. Stephen assisted the assembly in exploring issues surrounding brotherhood in the 21st century.

Bro. Joe Kamis, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Al Early, principal of Purcell Marian High School, and John Marshall, principal of Chaminade–Julienne High School, are quoted in an article about high school recruitment in the July 27 issue of The Catholic Telegraph. Read the article.

Fr. Paul Fitzpatrick (Allston, Mass.) gave a talk on “Theresa of Calcutta, A Hero of Faith” to the Rumi Society, a group of Turkish Muslim graduate students, at Northeastern University in Boston. The topic was selected by the students.

Congratulations to Sr. Mary Beth Hefti, medical insurance coordinator for the Marianist Province of the U.S., who is celebrating her 25th Jubilee this year as a Sister of St. Francis of Oldenburg. Best wishes and prayers on this wonderful occasion!

Congratulations to Dan Curran, president of the University of Dayton, who received the Joseph E. Lowery Human Rights Legacy Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at its national meeting in Atlanta. Dan is the first recipient of the award and was chosen for his “dynamic leadership in diversity in the community.” Read more.

ENJOYING A PICNIC PERFECT DAY IN RANCHI, INDIA

Staff and students from the Ragpickers’ Education and Development Scheme and brothers from the Gyan Deep community in Ranchi on a picnic July 7 at Johna Falls. Shown with the group is Bro. Paulus Lakra, community director (back row, far left), and Bro. Alex Toppo, REDS-Ranchi program director, (center, orange shirt). Photo courtesy of Bro. Antony Nesam

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Corporate Responsibility. Bro. Jim Wisecaver and Novice Luis Gamboa presented a proposal sponsored by the Marianist Province of the U.S. at the Computer Sciences Corporation shareholder meeting July 30 in El Segundo, Calif. The proposal called for an increase in diversity among the company’s board members. CSC Vice President and General Counsel Hayward Fisk and CSC Chief Operating Officer Michael Laphen told Bro. Jim and Luis that the company would be addressing the issue in the near future. Read more. Luis, Hayward Fisk, Michael Laphen and Bro. Jim Contact Myles McCabe, Province director of peace & justice, mmccabe@sm-usa.org. 314.533.1207, x. 235

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU  was awarded a $10,000 grant from American Savings Bank to help fund a laptop computer loan program for students. The laptops will be housed in Chaminade’s new Sullivan Family Library slated to open in April 2008. Read more. CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU in conjunction with the Counseling and Spiritual Care Center of Hawaii and the Hawaii Association of International Buddhists, is holding an “Appreciation Party” Aug. 9 to welcome back military service members. Find out more. CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY ST. LOUIS. Campus minister Ray Harter and his wife Julie spent the summer at the Marianist District House in Nairobi, Kenya, and volunteered at Our Lady of Nazareth School. Julie taught kindergarten and Ray taught middle school English, science, religion and social studies. Visit their blog to find out more about their experiences in Nairobi. Julie and Ray with children from Our Lady of Nazareth school ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY in San Antonio announces that Judy M. Deshotels, Ph.D., has joined the St. Mary’s University community as the dean of students. Judy comes to St. Mary’s from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Fla., where she served as dean of students. Our best to Judy! Read more. ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL in St. Louis announces that Thomas J. Burke has been named director of development. Thomas will manage the school’s annual appeal, major gifts, alumni relations, planned giving, capital campaign and special events programs. Thomas is a graduate of the old Cathedral High School in Belleville, Ill., a former Marianist school. Welcome Thomas! Read more. UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. The Dayton Daily News produced a 12-page supplement that features UD’s $2.5 million student housing renovations and construction. Read the supplement.

NEW COMMUNITY MOVING IN AT FAUSTINO FORMATION CENTRE

The new Faustino Formation Centre in Lusaka, Zambia, is in ”move-in condition” for community members Bro. Erick Otiende (director), Fr. Mike Nartker, Bro. Daniel Odero, and Bro. Julius Bitinyu Nandi. Bros. Julius and Daniel will be teaching at Matero Boys Secondary School; Bro. Erick is the director of recruitment for Zambia. Fr. Mike will likely be involved in the St. Bonaventure Theologate located nearby. Bro. Jack Somerville managed the construction of this project. Photo courtesy of Fr. Martin Solma

GOOD TO KNOW OUT AND ABOUT. Read the upcoming travel schedule of members of the Provincial staff in St. Louis. PERSONNEL CHANGES DUE AUG. 15. Community Directors should have received an e-mail from Ann Mueller on Aug. 6 regarding the new Province Personnel book, requesting changes to phone numbers, phone extensions, e-mail addresses, etc. Please send these changes to amueller@sm-usa.org no later than Wed., Aug. 15. If you have already contacted Ann, please disregard this reminder. Please note: Individual brothers should contact their director about changes rather than the Province office. The Personnel book will be distributed in mid-September. MORE FROM TUCSON. Additional photos of the Province Assembly have been added to the Portal. PROBLEMS WITH JUNO.COM. The Provincial Office is experiencing problems sending e-mails to juno.com accounts. Discussions are in progress with the juno e-mail service provider but a solution has not yet been found. Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this problem. 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.

August 11 Jubilee celebration, Dayton August 13 Memorial of Blessed Jakob Gapp, Priest and Martyr August 15 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin celebration, Dayton Aug. 18–Aug. 21 Provincial Council Meeting, St. Louis MORE

LAY AFFILIATES GATHER IN MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

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

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

ALIVE MAGAZINE

The new issue of Alive magazine has been mailed. If you need additional copies, e-mail Ann Mueller. Read the issue.

JUST ONE MORE...

Texas Two-Step. Bro. Jim Wisecaver captured this upright armadillo in the Hill Country of South Texas

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

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

August

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.

Unsubscribe me from this list.