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SIX ORDAINED AS DEACONS AT CELEBRATION IN ROME

At the diaconate ceremony, Bros. Rich Villa, Francisco Sales, Juan Manuel Rueda, Noël Dominique Kouao, Mauricio Martínez and Patrick McDaid

On Jan. 19, six Marianists were ordained as deacons at the Marianist parish of S.S. Nome di Maria in Rome. The new deacons are Bros. Rich Villa and Patrick McDaid of the U.S. Province, Francisco Sales (Zaragoza), Juan Manuel Rueda (Madrid), Noël Dominique Kouao (Ivory Coast) and Mauricio Martínez (Colombia). His Eminence Cardinal Jean-Louis Pierre Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, presided. Fr. Ignatius Arulappen (India) served as master of ceremonies. Also attending were Fr. George Cerniglia, representing the Provincial Council, and Bro. Tim Phillips (USA), vice rector of Seminario Internazionale Chaminade in Rome. View a video of the vow ceremony by Bro. Mike McAward. Our best wishes to the new deacons!

Clockwise from top, Bro. Rich Villa; Bro. Pat McDaid receives the laying on of the hands by Cardinal Tauran; Fr. George Cerniglia; and Deacon Rich gives communion to Bro. Ed Violett, general assistant for temporalities. Photos courtesy of Bro. Rémi Sandah (Togo)

BRO. KIMEU MAKES PERPETUAL PROFESSION IN KENYA

Bro. Charles Kimeu during the vow ceremony. Photos courtesy of Bro. Fred Silbereis

Nearly 100 Marianists, friends and relatives witnessed the perpetual profession of Bro. Charles Kimeu during a Eucharist celebration Jan. 6 in Karen, Kenya, near Nairobi. Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa was the main celebrant. Bro. Chola Mulenga, district superior, received the vows. Bro. Charles, who was ministering at the Marianist Development Project in Mombasa, has been assigned to Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School in Nairobi as an administrator working in the accounts department. Congratulations and our prayers for Bro. Charles!

Novices in the District of Eastern Africa join Bro. Charles (brown suit) in singing the Magnificat

DISTRICT OF EASTERN AFRICA HOLDS ASSEMBLY IN NAIROBI

Marianists attending District of Eastern Africa Assembly meeting in Nairobi. Photo courtesy of Bro. Fred Silbereis

Despite political unrest and violence occurring in Kenya, members of the District of Eastern Africa gathered in Nairobi Jan. 2 to Jan 5 for the District Assembly, Chapter meeting and District Council meeting. Present at the meeting were 32 African members of the District, 15 American members including guests Fr. Joe Lackner and Bro. Tom Giardino, and three African Marianists from the District of Togo. The Chapter meeting and District Council meeting explored the steps needed for the District of Eastern Africa to achieve independent status by 2010. Members of the District Council are Bro. Chola Mulenga (district superior), Fr. Gabriel Kirangah, assistant district superior, Bro. Peter Nato, Bro. Paul Kageche, Fr. Callistus Jeje, Fr. Mike Nartker, Bro. Frank Annunziata and Bro. Joseph Maricky.

COLLEGE-AGE RETREAT HAS RECORD TURNOUT

At the retreat, Dan Richter (front, left), Jessica Sherwen (front, white coat) and Sara Durand (front, right, with scarf) with the retreat participants. Photos courtesy of Anthony Fucci

More than 30 college students gathered at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J., Jan. 4 to Jan 6 for its annual college-age retreat. The weekend was led by Bro. Charles Johnson, national vocation director, with assistance from Anthony Fucci, retreat center director, Jessica Sherwen, retreat center program director, Fr. Ted Cassidy, Dan Richter, coordinator of the Marianist Volunteer Program, and Sara Durand and Kathy Murray of the East Coast Marianist Young Adult Group. The retreat theme was “Decision Making and Life Choices” and focused on how choices are affected by the past, present and future. Activities included discussion, reflection time, small group sharing, Eucharist and prayer. Ben Pollicino provided the music for the weekend.

Anthony Fucci (center) and the college students enjoy the Christmas lights in Cape May Point

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER TO MEET IN MARCH IN ST. LOUIS

Frs. George Cerniglia, Chris Conlon and Jack McGrath at the September 2007 Chapter Meeting

Provincial Stephen Glodek has convoked the Thirteenth Session of the Provincial Chapter of the Province of the U.S. The meetings will be held March 7 to March 11, 2008, at the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center in Eureka, Mo. Propositions are due to Fr. Jim Fitz, assistant provincial, by Feb. 15, 2008. Find out more about the process to submit a proposition to the Chapter. Fr. Jim, chair of the Preparatory Commission, will distribute all propositions and other materials for discussion at the Chapter to the communities for dialogue and input before the Chapter meeting. The Area Coordinators of the Province will be organizing meetings prior to the Chapter with elected delegates and Province members. Brothers are encouraged to participate in these meetings.

Among the issues for discussion at this Chapter will be the follow-up on the Province strategic planning process. In addition, the Chapter will review the report of the Provincial Council. Read the Chapter agenda. Chapter documents are available on the PORTAL.

TRANSITION AT THE MARIANIST MISSION

Ron Herre will leave the Marianist Mission Jan. 23, 2008, to become the director of stewardship, development and marketing for the Catholic Education Collaborative, a new cooperative effort among the schools and parishes within the Dayton Deanery of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The Mission is grateful to Ron for his dedication and hard work during the last seven years. He has offered spiritual inspiration through his written appeals, and has promoted better stewardship to move the Mission toward greater strength.

Linda Hayes, senior development officer, will become the new creative director for the Marianist Mission. She has worked closely with Ron for nearly two years. Linda will apply her writing, public relations and advertising background to the position that works closely with Mission Spiritual Director Father Pat Tonry, SM, and Executive Development Director Lisa Gooding.

MEETING OF PROVINCE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT REVIEW BOARD

Attorney Merle Wilberding, David Rowan, Ph.D., Sally Gafford, Ph.D., Jennifer Ann Talley, LMSW, and Fr. Jim Fitz

The Province Sexual Misconduct Review Board met Jan. 16 at the Province office for its annual face-to-face gathering. The board also convenes when a “good faith” allegation is made against a member of the Province. The board provides advice on the implementation and administration of Province child protection policies and on the Province response to allegations of sexual misconduct with children. Fr. Jim Fitz, assistant provincial, chairs the board; members include attorney Merle Wilberding, David Rowan, Ph.D., psychologist; Sally Gafford, Ph.D., psychologist; and Jennifer Ann Talley, LMSW, social worker. The Province thanks retiring board members Paul Midden, M.D., psychiatrist; and Richard Csarny, Ph.D., for their contributions.

MARIANISTS GATHER FOR ADÈLE DAY CELEBRATIONS

In San Antonio

Several brothers joined the Marianist Sisters in San Antonio Jan. 10 for evening prayer and dinner to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Mother Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon. LEFT: Srs. Gretchen Trautman and Grace Walle with Bro. Herb Janson; RIGHT: Bro. Robert Wood and Sr. Marcy Loehrlein. Photos courtesy of Bro. Jim Wisecaver

In Dayton

On Adèle Day, Jan. 10, the Alumni Hall Community in Dayton hosted the Marianist Sisters for dinner, shown, Bro. Dan Stupka, Fr. John Putka, Sr. Christine Stevens, Fr. Johann Roten, Sr. Mary Louise Foley, Fr. Paul Vieson, Srs. Marie Abmayr, Audrey Buttner and Leanne Jablonski, Bro. Louis Fournier, Novice Nicole Trahan, Fr. Joe Tedesco, Bro. Charles Gausling, Fr. Joe Kozar and Bro. Bill Callahan; photo courtesy of Terri Sullivan

MARIANIST SISTERS IN SAN ANTONIO SELL PROPERTY . . .

Closing the deal: Robert Shearer, Cambridge Realty Group, realtor for the FMI; Rebeckah Day, vice-president for administration and finance at St. Mary’s University; Dr. Charles Cotrell, president of St. Mary’s; Sr. Gretchen Trautman, FMI council member; Sr. Evangeline Escobar, FMI provincial; the agent for Chicago Title Co.; and Sr. Marcy Loehrlein, FMI council member

The Marianist Sisters in San Antonio have sold their home on W. Ligustrum Drive to St. Mary’s University, which will use the building for the Department of Family Counseling. The sisters will remain at the house until this summer, when their new house will be completed on the property next door (former site of Bro. Cletus Behlmann’s art studio).

. . . AND BRO. CLETUS MOVES HIS STUDIO & GALLERY

Bro. Cletus Behlmann (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) is happy about his new gallery and studio behind the St. Mary’s Legal and Justice Center at 2507-B 36th Street, but he’s still waiting for electricity and plumbing. He acquired two portable classroom buildings from the San Antonio School District that offer 3,000 square feet of space. Bro. Tom Suda built a deck and ramp and helped set up the studio. Bro. Cletus created the multicolored fence (above) from scrap metal, burglar bars, etc., from a scrap yard. Best to Bro. Cletus and the Marianist Sisters!

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

Please pray for Joe Barnett, Jr., Catherine Jansen, Marine Marie Lauterbach, Janice Russell, and Sgt. John Salazar. Read more.

ASSISI, ITALY, AT SUNSET

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. Jim Abel (Alumni Hall, Dayton), who had a toe amputated and is recovering at Mercy Siena.

Fr. Gus Biehl (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), who fell while walking and has been hospitalized for observation.

Fr. Jerry Chinchar (Stonemill/Kiefaber, Dayton ), who is recovering from a heart catherization.

Bro. Art Dofing (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), whose condition continues to deteriorate from cancer.

Fr. Richard Kuhn (Baltimore), who will undergo knee replacement surgery.

For the four members of the Marianist community in Linares, Chile (Region of Chile), who were involved in a serious car accident on their way to the Regional Assembly.

For peace in Kenya, especially for a just and peaceful solution to the issues resulting from the recent election.

For Christians in Orissa, India, who have suffered violent attacks by fundamentalist Hindus beginning around Christmas.

Please pray also for Ernesto Alonso, Richard Csarny, Mary Daley, Gerry Dwyer, Carole King, Larry Kuhn, Mario Landolfi, Sr. Fran Raia, CPPS, Kathy Richter and Fr. Dennis Whelan. Read more.

WHO WE ARE, WHERE WE LIVE
MARIANIST COMMUNITY SERVES NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

The Nolan Catholic Marianist community in front of their home on the campus of Nolan Catholic High School, Fr. John Manahan, Bro. Pierre Weitkamp, Fr. Larry Doersching, and Bros. Louis Ernst, Al Kuntemeier and Hugh Charlson

The Marianists of the Nolan Catholic community – Fr. Larry Doersching, director, Fr. John Manahan and Bros. Hugh Charlson, Louis Ernst, Al Kuntemeier and Pierre Weitkamp – serve or have served Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth in a variety of ministries. Administered by the Marianists, Nolan Catholic is a private, co-educational and college preparatory school with about 1,100 students. Read more about the Marianist community.

NOVITIATE COMMUNITY CELEBRATES JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

Novice Jeff Campbell and Bro. Tom Wendorf enjoy the birthday celebration held in their honor Jan. 14 at the novitiate in Dayton. Bro. Jack Somerville and Fr. Louis Cho provided the music, and Novice Ray Dominguez provided the desserts. View video clips of Fr. Louis and Bro. Jack playing guitar (NOTE: QuickTime software is required to view videos.) Courtesy of Novice Brandon Alana

LEFT: Fr. Louis Cho; RIGHT: Bros. John Lemker and Jack Somerville and Novice Ray Dominguez

MARIANIST LIFE ANNOUNCES PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2008 Marianist LIFE summer program is now available online. Registration packets can be downloaded from the Web site. Please note this important change: Marianist LIFE summer programs are open to all incoming juniors and seniors in high school. There is no longer an age maximum (18 years old) for program participants. All incoming juniors and seniors are welcome to attend, regardless of age.

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Bro. Dennis Bautista (Casa Maria, San Antonio) and Sr. Gretchen Trautman were featured in articles about their religious vocations in the Jan. 4 issue of Today’s Catholic. Read the articles.

Bro. Don Geiger (novitiate, Dayton) is featured on the home page of the University of Dayton Web site. Bro. Don, a biology professor at UD, helped found the school’s Ph.D. biology program and guided more than 400 students to graduate degrees. Read Bro. Don’s UD story.

Fr. Rudy Vela (W. Ligustrum, San Antonio), assistant professor of theology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, opens the school’s 2007-2008 Catholic Intellectual Tradition lecture series “Probing Marianist Culture at St. Mary’s University,” which begins today. Fr. Rudy’s talk is on “Extreme Marianist Witnessing Martyrdom,” a reflection on the four Marianist martyrs beatified in October 2007.

Fr. Jim Fitz, assistant provincial, gave a talk Jan. 11 at the University of Dayton as part of UD’s Marianist Heritage celebration. Read Fr. Jim’s talk.

Fr. John Putka (Alumni Hall, Dayton) was quoted in a Jan. 18 Catholic New Service story about the shrinking field of Catholic presidential candidates. Read the story.

Bro. Paul Goelz, who died Sept. 27, 2007, was honored in the winter 2007 edition of St. Mary’s University’s alumni magazine “Gold & Blue.” Bro. Paul was a business professor at St. Mary’s for 55 years and is credited with building the foundation for the modern business school at St. Mary’s. Read the article.

VISIT TO CHATEAU TRENQUELLÉON IN AGEN, FRANCE

Bros. Ed Zamierowski, Bob Resing and Tim Phillips with Madame Fouilland near Agen, France, at the Chateau Trenquelléon, where Adèle de Trenquelléon was raised. Bros. Ed and Bob were on a Marianist pilgrimage in Agen as part of the “Third Age Renewal Program” in Manziana, Italy. Madame Fouilland is a descendent of Adèle’s brother.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Immerse Yourself! The Office of Peace and Justice invites you to join them for one or more of the immersion trips they are planning for this year (click to view). The focus of these trips is to live in solidarity with the marginalized people of the regions, to learn about immersion program issues, and to discuss how to continue to have an impact on these issues. Financial assistance is available for Province members. Sign up soon—spaces are limited and going fast! Visit the Peace and Justice Web site for detailed information or contact Myles McCabe or Ruth Hinde. Kenya. The Marianist Provincial Council has signed a petition for Kenya prepared by a group from Tangaza College (Nairobi) working for peace in Africa. The group includes representatives from the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Comboni Missionary Sisters and Xaverian Brothers. Tangaza College also has Marianist connections. The petition calls for peace and reconciliation. Find out more. 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 "Another World is Possible" by Bro. Bill Farrell

ANNUAL MEETING OF MSJC STEERING COMMITTEE IN ST. LOUIS

The MSJC Steering Committee, front, Cynthia Sias, Brenda Fitzpatrick, Larry Hufford, Myles McCabe and Marlena Johnston; middle, Fr. Ted Cassidy, Bro. Don Geiger, Bro. Bill Farrell, Jim Vogt and Mike Gillespie; back, Dave Ramey, consultant; Al Prendergast, Sr. Grace Walle, Bro. Bob Donovan, Sr. Ann René McConn and Sr. Leanne Jablonski; not present, Bro. Joe Markel and Alison Radelet

The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) Steering Committee met in St. Louis for its annual meeting from Jan. 17 to Jan. 20. The committee developed goals for the next several years and also discussed environmental justice and the new strategic plan of the Marianist Environmental Education Center; fundraising; broadening the scope of the Sweatshop Labor Team to global economic justice and the Anti-Racism Team to include immigration issues; the “Think Globally, Act Locally” program; adding a representative from the Adele Social Justice Project; and a new program for Marianist communities, “A Place at the Marianist Table,” developed by the team working on justice issues related to gays and lesbians. The committee invited Marianist Family members from St. Louis for an evening of sharing about social justice, socializing, and a Eucharist celebrating the call to justice within our Marianist charism.

GOOD TO KNOW     Jan. 24–27 Marianist Sharing Fund Meeting, St. Louis Jan. 27 - Feb. 1 Catholic Schools Week Feb. 1-3 Vocation Discernment Retreats, Governor’s Island and San Antonio Feb. 2 Presentation of the Lord MORE OUT AND ABOUT. Read the upcoming travel schedule of members of the Provincial staff in St. Louis. RETREAT REMINDER. Brothers and sisters are reminded to register online for the 2008 Province-sponsored retreats. Registration deadline is March 15, 2008. More information is available on the PORTAL. PERSONNEL 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.

“MISA DE GALLO” AT ST. ANTHONY HONORS TRADITION

Fr. Roland Bunda (Maui Marianist Community) reports on the success of the “Misa de Gallo” event at St. Anthony Parish, where he serves as pastor. Miso de Gallo is literally translated “Rooster’s Mass” in Spanish, which owes its name to the belief that a rooster was among the first to witness the birth of Jesus. The Filipino custom includes a nine-day novena of Masses from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24, with breakfast afterwards. Fr. Roland and Fr. Jerry Pleva, with other area priests, took turns saying the Mass at 5 a.m. during the novena.

Fr. Roland Bunda with the Filipino Catholic Club of St. Anthony during the Misa de Gallo

THE CLASSIFIEDS

PRESIDENT. Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood, Fla., is seeking a president. Résumés are due Jan. 30, 2008. Read more.

POCKET CALENDAR FEATURES BRO. BOB RESING’S PHOTOS

The Marianist Mission is offering a pocket-size, 15-month calendar featuring the photography of Bro. Bob Resing. Order online or call the Marianist Mission at 1-800-348-4732.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL students and parents are participating in “Solomon’s Project,” a service project to rehab homes in north St. Louis city. The St. Mary’s community contributes one day per month to the project. CHAMINADE-MADONNA COLLEGE PREPARATORY. Bro. Kevin Whelan (Hollywood, Fla.) reports on “Marianist Heritage Month” activities at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood. From Jan. 23 to Jan. 31, vowed and lay Marianists will make presentations about the Marianists to all theology classes. Other events include a Founder’s Day liturgy during which the religious renew their vows; and a Founder’s Day Dinner Dance which will honor three Marianists and two religious sisters for whom the five “houses” at C-M are named: Bros. Charles Roggemann and John Campbell and Fr. Dan Doyle; and Srs. Grace Messarge, SSND, and Marie Danielle Amspacher, SSND.

PROVINCIAL OFFICE IN STL RECEIVES GIFT FROM SISTERS

Our Lady of the Pillar statue that was given to the Provincial Office in St. Louis recently by the Marianist Sisters in San Antonio. Bro. Stephen Glodek would like to thank the Sisters for their gracious gift. The statue was made by a San Antonio artist in 1964 and was a gift to the Sisters for their Our Lady of the Pillar Retreat House.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

MARIAN LIBRARY. Read the winter 2007-2008 issue of the Marian Library Newsletter.

MLNNA. Read the January 2008 issue of MLNNA E-News, the newsletter of the Marianist Lay Network of North America.

CAPE MAY. Read the January 2008 issue of The Beacon, the newsletter of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J.

ST. ANTHONY’S IN MAUI WELCOMES GENOCIDE SURVIVOR

Fr. Rollie Bunda with author and speaker Wayne Dyer and author Immaculée Ilibagiza, who survived the Rwandan holocaust

On Jan. 13, St. Anthony’s parish in Maui and Fr. Roland Bunda, pastor, hosted author Immaculée Ilibagiza, who wrote about her survival in the Rwandan genocide in 1994 in her book, “Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust.” Immaculée survived by hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women for 91 days, but her family members were killed. “What an incredible story of suffering, death, forgiveness and a deep relationship with God,” said Fr. Roland. Noted author and inspirational speaker Wayne Dyer introduced her at St. Anthony’s Church Center; 400 parishioners and people from Maui attended.

A PRAYER FOR FATHER CHAMINADE

Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) offers a “Prayer of Thanksgiving” for Blessed Chaminade. Read the prayer.

MEEC ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR ART EXHIBIT

Broken Earth by Mark Schneemann, 10th grade student at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School

The Marianist Environmental Education Center at Mount St. John in Dayton is accepting entries for its annual art and education exhibit at Gallery St. John. This year’s theme is “Peaceful Earth Works,” an exploration of peace and the environment. Artists and writers from all age groups are encouraged to submit their work. Intent to submit forms are due January 31, and entries must be received by February 28. Find out how to enter. The Peaceful Earth Works exhibit will run from March 29 to April 27, 2008.

JUST ONE MORE...

Bro. Brian Halderman and friend “Chami” during a visit to a school in Peru. Marianists in Peru have created the “Chami” character to represent Blessed Chaminade. The character is very popular with children in Peru.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

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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 2008 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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