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DISTRICT OF MEXICO GATHERS FOR CHAPTER MEETING

At the Chapter meeting for the District of Mexico in Querétaro, front, Bros. Fermin García García, Nicolás Castilla López, Bro. Régulo García Hernández and Esteban Reyes Durán; middle, Bro. Juan José Ochoa Salazar, Fr. Mario González-Simancas, Juan Manuel Azamar (pre-novice), Bro. Roberto Hanss (district superior), Bro. Eduardo Longbottom and Giovanni Lázaro Moreno, (pre-novice); back, Cristóbal Ortiz Vázquez (pre-novice), Fr. Miguel Barber, Fr. Pablo Neumann, Bro. Raymundo Domínguez González, Abel Rojas Hernández (pre-novice), Bro. Lorenzo McBride, Bro. Rogelio Bau, Tzurihel Leopoldo Quintero Rodríguez (pre-novice) and Raúl Barrientos (pre-novice); Not shown, Fr. Quentin Hakenewerth

The Chapter of the District of Mexico met Nov. 17 to Nov. 19 at the prenovitiate community in Amanecer Balvanera outside of Querétaro, Mexico. Chapter agenda items included reports on communities, budgets, vocation work and the progress of the new scholasticate being remodeled in Puebla. Proposals for a District micro-credit fund and a volunteer program for Mexicans were discussed. The Chapter also reviewed results from a recent survey issued by the District Office of Religious Life regarding prayer and personal religious and sacramental participation. Frs. Mario González-Simancas, Quentin Hakenewerth, Paul Neumann and Mike Barber assisted with the liturgies. A highlight of the meetings was “Noche Mexicana” (Mexican night), which took place Sunday evening. Each community was invited to present a skit, song, joke or other lighthearted community sharing. Bro. Nicolás Castilla López was the emcee for the evening. Special thanks to Bros. Régulo García Hernández and Fermin García García for their help with the facilities and meals.

Clockwise from top: At “Noche Mexicana,” Cristóbal Ortiz Vázquez, Mauricio Zuñiga Escamilla (contact) and Esteban Reyes Durán, who will profess perpetual vows on Dec. 8, entertained the group with Mexican music; Bro. Nicolás Castilla López and Bro. Régulo García Hernández; At the chapter social, Frs. Mario González, Quentin Hakenewerth and Pablo Neumann and Bro. Roger Bau; and Raúl Barrientos (second year prenovice)

NEWS ABOUT VOCATIONS

Read the Nov. 26, 2007, issue of Vocation News from Bro. Charles Johnson, national vocation director.

BRO. TOM CLEARY TO SERVE AS PROVINCIAL OF MERIBAH PROVINCE

Bro. Tom Cleary (left) and Fr. Thomas Cardone at the Madrid Martyrs beatification

General Superior Manuel Cortés has appointed Bro. Tom Cleary as the next provincial of the Province of Meribah in New York. His term will begin June 1, 2008. Bro. Tom has served for the last 16 years as dean of students for Chaminade High School in Mineola, N.Y. He also ministered at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, N.Y., Founder’s Hollow, a Marianist retreat center in upstate New York, and St. Martin De Porres school in Uniondale. Fr. Cortés described Bro. Tom as “a person who works effectively with all.” Congratulations and our prayers for Bro. Tom in his new role.

PRAYER HONORS MARIANIST FOUNDERS AND HERITAGE

During January and early February, the Marianist Family celebrates its Marianist heritage and three founders, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, Venerable Mother Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon and Venerable Thèrése de Lamourous. Important celebrations dates are:

January 10, 2007—anniversary of the death of Venerable Adèle
January 22, 2007—anniversary of the death of Blessed Chaminade
February 2, 2007—anniversary of the foundation of the Marianist Family (foundation day of the Bordeaux Sodality)

Praying together unites the Marianist Family and reinforces its purpose: helping Mary to bring Christ to others. The Marianist Family Council of North America has prepared a prayer for use at family celebrations. This common prayer is a sign of the Marianist Family’s unity in mission. A copy of the prayer is attached in English, Spanish, and French.

ALLIANCE FOR MARIANIST LAY FORMATION MEETS

Alliance for Marianist Lay Formation team members, seated, Marge Cavanaugh, Pati Krasensky, Isabella Moyer and Carol Ramey; standing, Bro. Jack Ventura, Bro. Tom Giardino, Joan McGuinness Wagner and Brian Reavey. Photo courtesy of Carol Ramey

The Alliance for Marianist Lay Formation team met Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 in Dayton. The group is composed of persons whose primary responsibility is Marianist Lay formation. This group provides a unique opportunity to engage in peer ministerial support.

Groups represented include MLNNA, the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities, Marianist LIFE, NACMS, the International Center for Marianist Formation and the Marianist Strategies Office at the University of Dayton. Items discussed at the meeting included the identity, structure and membership of the group and developing integrated processes for ongoing formation.

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

VIA LATINA. Read the December 2007 issue of Via Latina.

MARIANIST SISTERS HOST BROTHERS IN RANCHI

Bro. Lester Kaehler, Fr. Martin Solma and Bro. Charles Kimeu visit with FMIs in India— Sr. Teresa Ferre (standing, far right) and Srs. Franca Zonta and Juliana Hong (seated, far right)—as well as FMI candidates. Photos courtesy of Sr. Franca

Congratulations to the Marianist sisters who are celebrating the first anniversary of their presence in Ranchi, India! On Nov. 23 the sisters hosted a Eucharist and dinner for brothers participating in the “Spirit of Saragossa Retreat” at the Marianist novitiate in Ranchi. The retreat was for African and Indian brothers preparing for perpetual vows in December and January. The following evening, the sisters hosted another group of Marianists who were in Ranchi for the District of India Council meeting and the annual gathering of REDS (Ragpickers’ Education & Development Scheme) children. The sisters are busy working to establish a formation program for women in India.

The Council members take a break to visit with the FMI community. Back row, Bro. Sanjay Ekka, Bro. Prakash Kujur, Fr. Pragasam (district superior) and Bro. Jim Fitzgibbons, who teaches English to the FMIs on weekends; middle, FMI candidates and Sr. Franca; front, Fr. D’Cruz Nicholas, an FMI candidate and Sr. Juliana

GIVING THANKS AROUND THE PROVINCE

In Texas

Bro. Pierre Weitkamp, Fr. Larry Doersching and Bro. Al Kuntemeier getting ready for the appearance of the big bird at the Nolan Catholic community. Photo courtesy of Bro. Louis Ernst

In St. Louis

A lively discussion around the Thanskgiving table at the Marybrook community in St. Louis. Brothers from the Lindell community and others joined Marybrook for dinner. Shown, clockwise, Fr. Joe Lackner, Bro. Gerry Mc Auley (visiting from Dublin), Bros. Stephen Glodek, Jack Ventura and Charles Johnson, Fr. George Cerniglia and Bro. Ed Brink. Photo courtesy of Julius Miliante

In Honolulu

LEFT: Cast members from Chaminade University of Honolulu’s fall plays joined the Pohaku community for Thanksgiving dinner. Bros. Tom Spring, Gary Morris and Bob Bouffier received rave reviews for the feast they prepared. LEFT: Guests with Bro. Tom (third from right); RIGHT: Bro. Bob (right) and guests at the buffet. Photos courtesy of Bro. Tom Spring

In Dayton

The Stonemill-Keifaber community invited the Chambers community for Thanksgiving Mass and dinner. Fr. Paul Marshall was the head chef. Shown, Fr. Bert Buby, Bro. Charles Wanda, Bro. Tom Oldenski, Bro. Sean Downing and Bro. Dan Klco enjoy dessert and a story from Fr. Pat Tonry (far right); inset, Bro. Marianus Bilung (India) experiences his first American Thanksgiving. Photo courtesy of Fr. Jerry Chinchar

DEADLINE FOR SABBATICALS IS JANUARY 1, 2008

Fr. Roland Bunda (center) with Bros. Sudhir Kujur and Marianus Lugun in the Italian town of Castel Gandolfo. Fr. Roland was on sabbatical attending the Senior Religious program in Manziana, Italy, in 2006.

Brothers who would like to apply for a sabbatical beginning August 2008 or later should apply by Jan. 1, 2008. There are two types of sabbaticals: (1) those for spiritual renewal and development (apply to Fr. George Cerniglia) and (2) those for development of professional and ministerial skills or to prepare for a new ministry (apply to Bro. Ed Brink). Read the full information about sabbaticals, including the information needed for application.

NACMS RELEASES AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF FR. NEUBERT, SM

The Autobiography of Father Emile Neubert, Marianist is now available from the North American Center for Marianist Studies. The book is an inspirational memoir of Fr. Neubert (1878-1967), who was a renowned Mariologist, spiritual director, teacher and preacher. A translation of the book from French to English was made by Fr. Thomas Stanley (Mercy Siena, Dayton), who knew Fr. Neubert. Read more about the book.

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

Bro. Pierre Bèzes, (Province of France), 89, who died Nov. 29, 2007, in Issenheim (Alsace), France. May he rest in peace. Bro. Pierre’s obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Bro. Adriano Loro (Province of Italy), 67, who died Nov. 22, 2007, in Vicenza, Italy. May he rest in peace. Bro. Adriano’s obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Helena Strauch, 54, who died Nov. 26, 2007, at the Cleveland Clinic while awaiting a lung transplant. May she rest in peace. Helena was the special projects officer for the Province Development Office in Dayton. Read Helena’s obituary.

Editor's note: Bro. Ed Violett (General Administration, Rome) and his family thank everyone for their prayers, cards, e-mails and support upon the death of his mother, Eleanor.

COX ARBORETUM, DAYTON METRO PARKS

Photo by Bro. Phil Aaron

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Bro. Patrick McMahon (San Francisco), who is staying at the Cupertino community because of back pain.

Bro. Urban Naal (West Hills, Calif.), who is staying at the Cupertino Marianist community while be prepares for bladder cancer surgery.

Please pray also for John Moder, Joseph Pistone, Merlyne Rapp, Kathy Richter and Silvana Ventucci. Read more.

NOVICES LEARN TO SWIM WITH THE SHARKS

On Nov. 26, the novitiate class and staff visited the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Ky. ABOVE: At the shark tank, Novice Ray Dominguez, Fr. Mike Lisbeth, novice director, Bro. Mike O’Grady, assistant novice director, and Novices Brandon Alana and Jeff Campbell. Photo courtesy of Novice Brandon Alana

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Congratulations to Fr. Lee Sciarrotta, pastor of Emmanuel Catholic Church in Dayton, who received the “Melissa Schrader Award” on Sept. 16 from the Dayton Right to Life organization. The award is given for exceptional commitment to the pro-life cause. Read more about Fr. Lee.

Bro. Joe Barrett (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) was recognized Dec. 1 at the St. Mary’s University employee Christmas party for his many years of serving as Santa at the party. Ho…Ho…Ho… to Bro. Joe!

LEFT: Accepting his award, Bro. Joe (center) with Charles Cotrell, St. Mary’s president (left) and Robert O’Connor, associate professor of theology

Bro. John Habjan (Maryland Ave., St. Louis) published an article on the history of Marianist education in the U.S. in the Dec. 2007 issue of Catholic Education: A Journal of Inquiry and Practice.

Congratulations to Bro. Howard Hughes (Cupertino, Calif.), whose processional hymn, “Ring Out Our Joy,” is being published by GIA Publications. The hymn was commissioned by Cardinal Designate Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston for the close of the “Year of the Eucharist” and for the archbishop’s installation in 2005. The piece is scored for assembly, SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir, optional solos, organ, brass, tubular bells, glockenspiel and optional timpani. It also can be performed in a simple setting with the assembly, a cantor and the organ.

Fr. Ted Ley is serving as acting pastor at Little St. Ann’s parish near downtown Los Angeles for the next 18 months. Fr. Ted says the parish is an immigrant parish with four liturgical languages and five major cultures, with the only ongoing Catholic congregation of Thai-speaking outside Thailand. We send our prayers for his ministry. Read Fr. Ted’s story.

LEFT: Fr. Ted with a student; RIGHT: Little St. Ann’s Church in Los Angeles

Fr. Roland Bunda (Wailuku, Maui) and Fr. Ken Templin (Hale Malia, Honolulu) were interviewed in recent editions of the Hawaii Catholic Herald. Read Fr. Roland’s interview from the Nov. 16 issue and Fr. Ken’s interview from the Nov. 28 issue.

The Fall 2007 issue of the Seminary Journal, produced by the seminary department of the National Catholic Educational Association, has several good articles on ministry to youth and young adults. Bro. Bernard Stratman (Washington, D.C.) is executive editor of the journal. To order current or back issues, or to subscribe, use the journal’s order form.

Sr. Leanne Jablonski, director of the Marianist Environmental Education Center in Dayton, was quoted in a story about the center in the Nov. 23 issue of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Read the story.

Read an editorial “Conscience Clauses and the New Ambassador” by Fr. John Leies (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) from the Nov. 23 issue of Today’s Catholic.

Now showing at Gallery Saint John at Mount Saint John through Jan. 6, 2008: “Christmas Around the World: Unique Crèche Scenes.” Following this show, Bro. Charles Wanda will present his new works from Jan. 9 to Feb. 17, 2008. Read the gallery’s winter/spring schedule or go to www.dayton-gallery-saintjohn.org

“Up or Down Oil” by Bro. Charles Wanda

Bro. Bob Resing, who is on sabbatical in Manziana, Italy, has created two new slideshows from his travels. View photos from his trip to Orvieto, Italy, and from the Shrine of Our Lady of Verdelais in France.

Bro. Bob in Orvieto, Italy

MARIANIST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM NEWS

Dan Richter, coordinator of the Marianist Volunteer Program, has issued the latest edition of the MVP Newsletter. Read the newsletter.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: SOA Protest. View a slideshow from a protest of the School of the Americas in Ft. Benning, Ga., on Nov. 17-18. Myles McCabe, Province director of peace & justice, and Dan Richter and Ruth Hinde (Marianist Volunteer Program) attended, along with representatives from Purcell Marian and Chaminade College Prep (Calif.) and a large delegation from the University of Dayton. My Journey to Justice. Advancing justice is an integral part of every ministry in the Marianist Province. Myles McCabe, Province director of peace & justice, invites all Marianists to share their experiences in living out this pledge and its impact on Marianist life. E-mail Myles to submit your story. Read "Daily Justice" by Fr. Ted Cassidy.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY in San Antonio has been awarded $250,000 in federal grants to tutor, mentor and assist low-income high school students and college-bound veterans to prepare them for higher education. The funding will come through the U.S. Department of Education's Upward Bound program. The school also has been awarded a two-year, $284,000 grant to fill the gap of mental health services needed for San Antonio area military members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. Read more about the military grant. PURCELL MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL. Purcell Marian students who helped collect items for families in need Food, clothing and household items collected by members of the Purcell Marian High School community benefited approximately 175 local families in need. Over half of the food collected came from the Latin classes of teacher Lenny Hamm, a former Marianist. Lenny challenged each student to bring in 50 or more cans. The collection was part of the school’s hunger and homelessness awareness month activities. Photo and story courtesy of Bro. Bob Jones. ARCHBISHOP MOELLER HIGH SCHOOL in Cincinnati was featured in the Nov. 16 issue of The Catholic Telegraph for its new teen driving program. The program, “Buckle Up for Bessey,” encourages students to buckle their seat belts and slow down. The program is named for Jordan Bessey, a Moeller student who died in a traffic accident last summer. Read more. “Buckle Up for Bessey” program speakers, Jack Horner, Walt Bessey, Blane Collison (Archbishop Moeller principal), Rob Winternan and Chris Albrecht. Courtesy of Johanna Kramer, Archbishop Moeller UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON board of trustees recently approved one of the nation’s first bachelor’s degrees in human rights studies. The degree will prepare students for careers in human rights, advocacy and humanitarian assistance as well as law school and other studies. “This degree captures the mission of a Catholic, Marianist university. It prepares students for professional careers as leaders in service to others,” said Christopher Duncan, chair of UD’s political science department. Read more. NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL in Fort Worth, Texas, recently celebrated its annual day of remembrance honoring deceased members of the NCHS community, including faculty, staff and others who have contributed to the school. The day included Mass and reflective prayers throughout the day. NCHS faculty participating in the special liturgy included Richard Rosenthal, Toni Corbett, Kai Nemeth, event coordinator, Cary Meiners, Sr. Huyen Do, CRM, Benedict Reyes, Moira McCarthy and Eric Markinson. Courtesy of Annette Kearns, NCHS Coach Marc Greenberg with the CJ Lady Eagles CHAMINADE JULIENNE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. The CJ Lady Eagles varsity basketball team is one of four teams in the nation bracketed for the T-Mobile National High School Basketball Invitational Dec. 28-29 at the University of New Mexico. The team was selected for the tournament in part for its reputation for sportsmanship, integrity and ethics. Go Lady Eagles! Read more. COLEGIO SAN JOSÉ In November Colegio San José in Puerto Rico hosted a family retreat in the mountains of Villalba for students and their families. Fr. Don Wallace (inset photo) celebrated Mass for the families. Among the participants were Jessica Gonzalez, who teaches at Colegio San José, and her son Luis.

MARIANIST FAMILY RETREAT CENTER HOSTS MEN’S RETREAT

Men attending the “Men’s Spirituality Retreat” at the Marianist Family Retreat Center Nov. 9 to Nov. 11 in Cape May Point, N.J., consistently rated the experience as “the best retreat yet!” The weekend was organized by Ray McCracken, second row, far left, Alex Durand, front row, fourth from left, and John Bowie, top row, fifth from right. Fr. Ted Cassidy, second row, fourth from left, also was in attendance. Photo courtesy of Anthony Fucci

GOOD TO KNOW     Dec. 7-9 Contact Retreat, Topsail, N.C. Dec. 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 15 Discernment Saturday, West Hills, Calif. MORE 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. A PDF version of the Personnel Book is also available on the PORTAL under the “Personnel” link. The International Personnel book is now available. Limited additional quantities are available from Pat Stephens.

CFL HOSTS RETREAT FOR GRIEVING

Nine people attended “Loss as a Transformative Experience,” a retreat held Nov. 16 to Nov. 18 at the Christian Family Living Center on Topsail Island, N.C. Fr. Richard Kuhn (Baltimore) served as spiritual director for the retreat. Facilitators were Carol Weiss, a Marianist Lay Affiliate, and Peggy Galantowicz, a psychotherapist in private practice in St. Louis, who specializes in recovery from trauma. View a slideshow created by one of the participants in the retreat.

MARIAN LIBRARY CRÈCHE EXHIBIT NOW ON DISPLAY

With 1,500 different nativity scenes, the University of Dayton Marian Library has one the country’s largest crèche collections in the U.S. This Christmas season, the crèches will be displayed at the Marian Library and other locations on campus as well as at The Dayton Art Institute, Bergamo and various local parishes. A special display in the library's gallery includes 106 antique crèches on loan from a Pennsylvania collector, some dating from 1880. Fr. Johann Roten, director of the International Marian Research Institute, developed the crèche collection. Read more.

DECEMBER FEAST DAY REMINDER

In November all brothers were sent information from Fr. George Cerniglia, assistant for religious life, regarding important feast days in December. Read Fr. George's letter and read the list of December feast days.

CURÉ OF ARS COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

The Curé of Ars community in St. Louis cordially invites all brothers in the St. Louis/Metro East area and any visiting brothers to its celebration of the Feast of St. John and the Christmas holidays on Dec. 27. The celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. with Eucharist in the St. John Vianney High School chapel. A social and dinner will follow in the cafeteria. RSVP indicating number attending by Dec. 18 to Bro. Gene Meyerpeter (314.965.0727).

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

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

CFL RETREAT CENTER. Read the December issue of CFL High Tidings, a newsletter from the Christian Family Living Retreat Center in N. Topsail, N.C. Also, find out about the CFL New Year’s retreat.

JUST ONE MORE...

Novice Ray Dominguez snapped this shot during his encounter with “Jaws” at the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Ky.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

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

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 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.

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