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MARIANIST SHARING FUND ISSUES $243,000 IN GRANTS

Sharing Fund committee members, from top, Bro. Jack Somerville, Dick Ullrich, Sr. Mary Beth Hefti, Bro. Mitch Schweickart, Myles McCabe and Bro. Bob Moriarty

Members of the Province Sharing Fund Allocations Committee met in St. Louis Jan. 24 to Jan. 27 to consider 79 grant proposals totaling $544,000. The proposals had endorsements from 41 individual Marianists and 11 communities. Proposals for projects that promoted social, environmental and ecclesial change and were endorsed by Marianist communities were given special consideration. The committee funded 65 proposals for a total of $243,300. View a list of the funded proposals. Sharing Fund Grant proposals for next year will be accepted online April 14, 2008, through Nov. 14, 2008.

NEWS FROM VOCATIONS

Read the Feb. 2, 2008, issue of Vocation News by Bro. Charles Johnson, national vocation director.

VOCATION OFFICE OFFERS NEW MARIANIST POSTER

Bro. Charles Johnson announces the availability of a new Marianist poster created by the Office of Communications. The poster is 24” x 36.” An unframed poster is being mailed to each community and to Marianist schools, parishes, retreat centers and other ministry locations. Approximately 250 posters also are being sent to campus ministers at various Catholic universities around the country. Bro. Brian Zampier can assist with framing your poster. A mounted, framed poster suitable for hanging is available for $100. Contact Bro. Brian for more details. Additional quantities of posters may be ordered by contacting Donna Tucker.

CHAMINADE DAY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE PROVINCE

In St. Louis

Frs. Don Cahill, Dave Paul, Tim Kenney (Vianney chaplain) and Joe Uvietta concelebrate at the Chaminade Day celebration.

The St. John Vianney High School community gathered for a special liturgy Jan. 22 in honor of Blessed Chaminade. The celebration commemorated Chaminade’s life and the ongoing work of the Marianists and captured the communal spirit he advocated for lay and religious. Guests included many local Marianists and members of the Province headquarters staff. Vianney senior and Student Council President Mike Horn served as commentator. A highlight of the event was the recognition of two Marianists celebrating jubilees: Fr. Tim Kenney (25 years as a priest in 2007) and Bro. Mel Meyer (60 years as a Marianist in 2008). Both renewed vows during the celebration. “It seems like yesterday when I took my first vows,” Bro. Mel said. “It’s been heaven on earth really, being a Marianist and an artist on the grounds of Vianney. I’m not a teacher, but I teach by example.” At the end of Mass, freshmen and new students were presented with Marianist medallions.

Left: A Vianney student receives a Chaminade prayer card from Bro. Bob Minges; RIGHT: Bro. Mel Meyer and Fr. Tim Kenney are recognized for their years of service with the Marianists.

In Honolulu

On Jan. 25, the brothers in Honolulu hosted their annual dinner for religious and clergy in honor of Blessed Chaminade. The attendance of several Lay Marianists this year added even more life to the celebration, which included a prayer service and heavy pupus (appetizers). LEFT: Sr. Norise Kaiser, OSF, and Lay Marianists Lisa Vega and Venus Ituralde; RIGHT: A Sacred Heart sister engages Fr. Joseph Priestly in conversation. Courtesy of Bro. Dennis Schmitz

In Bellevue, Nebraska

Clockwise from top: Fr. Jack gives the homily at the Founder’s Day Mass; Senior Seth Richardson; Brian Reavey (second from left) and Mikaela VanMoorleghem (far right) with student leaders; Founder’s Day display created by the school. Photos courtesy of Brian Reavey and Mikaela VanMoorleghem

Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School hosted Founder’s Week from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24. Bro. Jack Ventura and Brian Reavey, national coordinator for Marianist LIFE, were invited to participate in the activities. Marianist LIFE Moderators Mikaela VanMoorleghem and Kim Ernesti organized the Founder’s Day Mass. Senior and LIFE team member Seth Richardson concluded the liturgy with a reflection on the Characteristics of a Marianist Education. Read the reflection.

In Fort Worth

Fr. Larry Doersching, Nolan Catholic president, presides at the school’s annual Chaminade liturgy.

Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth, Texas, celebrated Marianist Heritage Week Jan. 23 with a special liturgy, blessing and presentation of Marianist medals to new faculty and staff, and several activities for students commemorating the history, charism and works of the Marianists. A pictorial history of the Marianists was hung for permanent display in the freshmen hall.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Colegio San José community paid tribute to Blessed Chaminade with a Mass Jan. 23 celebrated by Fr. Don Wallace. At the close of the liturgy, Bro. Franciso González, CSJ president, recognized the work of the school’s Marianist groups. Of the 521 CSJ students, 180 are members of Marianist groups. Photo courtesy of Marilú Vicens

In San Antonio – Central Catholic

The Central Catholic community celebrated Jan. 22 with a Marianist Heritage Mass and awards ceremony. LEFT: Bro. Ed Loch (right) celebrates 50 years as a Marianist at the Mass presided by Fr. Joe Tarrillion; RIGHT: Bro. Herb Janson, Fr. Don Cowie and Bros. Chas Lohrenz, Bill McCarthy, John Totten and Ralph Neumann renew vows and sing Salve Regina. Read a reflection given at the Mass by Tammy Schrader, Central Catholic math department chair.

LEFT: Cathy McGrath, recipient of the Central Catholic 2008 Marianist Heritage Award, with Deacon Pat Cunningham (left) and Fr. Joe Tarrillion; RIGHT: Fr. Don Cowie (far left), Bro. Harry Cornell (second from left) and Fr. Joe were among the faculty and staff members honored with service awards following the Mass.

In San Antonio – Holy Rosary

Fr. Cris Janson presided at the Marianist Heritage Mass at Holy Rosary parish. At the celebration, Janie and Gene Ubando (left) were awarded the 2008 Marianist Heritage Award for their service to the parish. Presenting the award is Mary Trevino, the 2007 award winner. Photo courtesy of Fr. Cris Janson

In Cincinnati – DeSales Crossings

ABOVE: Many members of the Marianist Family joined the DeSales Crossings community in Cincinnati Jan. 20 for a Founder’s Day Mass and dinner. Fr. Ed Jach was the celebrant. BELOW: left, Bro. Bob Wiethorn gave a homily on the life of Blessed Chaminade and today’s challenge; right, Greta Brandon, school secretary, was awarded the 2008 DeSales Crossings Marianist Community Award. Photos courtesy of Bros. Giancarlo Bonutti and Bob Jones

In Cincinnati – Archbishop Moeller High School

A Founder’s Day celebration and Marianist Heritage liturgy was celebrated on Jan. 23 at Archbishop Moeller High School. LEFT: A Founder’s Day award was given to alumnus Dan Leugers, ’77 (right) by Principal Blane Collison; RIGHT: Also receiving awards were Spanish teachers Gustavo Benedetti (left) and Alberto Delgado (right) shown with Bro. Tobías Ferrer. Read more about the award winners.

In Cupertino

At the Chaminade celebration/retreat, Bro. John Samaha (seated, blue shirt) and Fr. Jack Rielly (seated, second from right) with the Bay Area Lay Marianists. Photo courtesy of Bro. Jim Leahy

On Jan. 20, Lay Marianists in the Bay Area gathered with the Cupertino community to celebrate the Marianist Founders and enjoy a day of retreat with Fr. Jack Rielly as facilitator. The day began with Eucharist concelebrated by Fr. Jack and Fr. Dave Schuyler, followed by presentations on Chaminade by Fr. Joe Stefanelli and Bro. John Samaha.

In Dayton

LEFT: At the novitiate celebration, Bro. John Lemker and Lay Marianists Patti and Paul Gehred; RIGHT: Hawai’i decorations in honor of Blessed Mother Marianne. Photos courtesy of Novice Brandon Alana

The novitiate community hosted a Eucharist celebration, social and meal Jan. 22 for the Meyer Hall community, Lay Marianists, and Marianist Sisters. On Jan. 23, for the Feast of Blessed Mother Marianne of Moloka’i, a Hawai’ian saint who ministered Hawai’ians ravaged by leprosy, Novice Brandon Alana added Hawai’ian décor to the chapel.

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION S.M. 3 OFFICES. Bro. Ed Violett, general assistant for temporalities, offers this letter about the distribution of the Marianist Solidarity Fund and the Marianist Formation Fund 2008. Read S.M. 3 Offices. VIA LATINA. Read the February 2008 issue of Via Latina.

ST. LOUIS CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY OF MLC FOUNDATION

Clockwise from top: Bros. Charles Johnson and Jack Ventura with Contacts Brian Myers (left) and Julius Militante; Lay Marianists Linda Neill, Rose Radosevich, Nancy Davies, Carole King and Laura Rueve read the recommitment prayer; Lay Marianists Carol and Jim Craddock

Bro. Jack Ventura organized the annual St. Louis gathering of professed and Lay Marianists to celebrate the anniversary of the foundation of Marianist Lay Communities. On Feb. 2, the Feast of the Presentation, the group gathered at the Immaculate Conception chapel at Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis for a prayer service and candle lighting recommitment. Lay Marianist Jane Werdes and Brother Tom Redman gave the introduction. A luncheon followed.

LAY MARIANISTS LAUNCH FAMILY RETREAT PROGRAM IN HAWAI’I

Among the Marianists assisting with the retreat were Bro. Jerry Bommer, front kneeling, Bro. Tom Spring, center, black shirt, Fr. Mike Lisbeth, third from right, and Novice Luis Gamboa, back, second from right. Photos courtesy of Bro. Dennis Schmitz

A group of Lay Marianists in Hawai’i hosted its first family retreat Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 on the campus of Chaminade University of Honolulu. The weekend included time for prayer and reflection, relaxation at the beach and a barbeque. Organizers of the event were Lay Marianists Barb Belle and Jayne Mondoy, who is director of religious education for the Diocese of Honolulu. Jayne hopes to make the retreat a diocesan-wide program. Lay Marianists Vince and Laura Mirigliani helped train the Hawai’i Lay Marianists on how to execute a family retreat.

Families participating in one of the retreat activities

PHILADELPHIA MARIANIST CENTER HOLDS OPEN HOUSE

On Jan. 20, 57 lay and religious Marianists from New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania gathered at the Marianist Center in Philadelphia for an “Open House and Office Blessing.” Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Paul Landolfi and Fr. Paul Reich, both former directors of the center. Bro Jack Ventura (also a former director of the center) delivered the homily and Brian Reavey, national coordinator of Marianist LIFE, facilitated an Office Blessing. The Pressimone family led the group in music. (Mike Pressimone is a former board member for the Center for Marianist Spirituality and Communities). Also in attendance was Carol Ramey, director of NACMS, as well as lay Marianists and Marianist brothers who have been connected to the center over the past 40 years.

At the Open House celebration, clockwise from top, Fr. Paul Landolfi and Joanne McCracken; Brian Reavey; Bros. Jesse O’Neill and Jack Ventura with Loretta McNamee (Marianist Center volunteer) and Cathy O’Rourke (former administrative assistant); and the guests assemble for Mass. Photos courtesy of Pati Krasensky

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

Bro. Bob, 1970s

Bro. Bob, recent

Bro. Robert Kelly (Mercy Siena, Dayton), 84, who died Feb. 1, 2008, in Dayton. May he rest in peace. Bro. Bob had a 45-year career in education. He was a member of the first Marianist community in Ireland, and he helped establish St. Laurence College in Dublin. Bro. Bob also spent many years as a teacher and administrator at St. Joseph College in Yokohama, Japan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Feb. 7, 2008, at Queen of Apostles Chapel at Mount St. John in Dayton. Fr. Paul Marshall, Provincial Chapter member and Provincial Council representative, will be the presider. Fr. Jim Russell will be the homilist. Burial will take place on Feb. 8 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery at Mount St. John. Bro. Bob’s obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Bro. Víctor Barrenechea (Province of Zaragoza), 76, who died Jan. 26, 2008, in Vitoria, Spain. May he rest in peace. Bro. Víctor's obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Please pray also for Robert Lee Cleveland, Dino DeVita, Angel Nicole Frost, Carolyn Journell, Sr. Mary Assumpta Koesters, OP, and Charles Stander, Sr. Read more.

GROTTO POND, DAYTON

Photo courtesy of Bro. John Lemker (Please note the reptilian friend on the right.)

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

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

Fr. Richard Kuhn (Baltimore), who is recovering from knee replacement surgery.

Bro. Pat McMahon (Riordan, San Francisco), who is recovering from a long hospitalization and will be residing at the Cupertino community in California.

For peace in Kenya, especially for a just and peaceful solution to the issues resulting from the recent election. Read a “Prayer for Kenya” by Lorna Mueni Kilonzo, regional responsible for Africa of the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities.

Please pray also for Richard Csarny, Sheila Ernst, Joe Pistone and Kathy Richter. Read more.

FAMILY DONATES CHALICE TO MRCC IN EUREKA, MO.

Upon the death of a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, the organization gives a chalice to the family. Jeanne Brow, wife of the late Sir Knight Ron Brow, donated her family’s chalice to the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center in a ceremony on Jan. 16. The Knights have donated many things to MRCC, including an outdoor rosary and a donation for an outdoor ramp for the handicapped. At the ceremony, Nick Zok, Arsenio Receniello, Ed Meyer, Fr. José Ramirez, SM, Larry Hoepfner, Jeanne Brow, Stan Mengwasser, Fr. James Sullivan (Chaplain of Council 9981), Herb Trottier, Al Villagrar and John Wolshock. Photo courtesy of Laurie O'Connor

CALLING ALL MARIANISTS…

Are you interested in deepening your commitment to Marianist life by forming a Marianist Lay Community? Are you currently in a community that could use a little boost? Need a way to re-energize your community? Do you want to be involved with a mentorship program for new Lay Marianist communities? If so, Pati Krasensky, director of the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative, would love to hear from you. Call 215.634.4116 or e-mail Pati today.

MOST HOLY TRINITY DEDICATES WEB PAGE TO MARIANISTS

Most Holy Trinity parish in Brooklyn, N.Y., has created a section on its Web site devoted to the Marianists, who had a presence at the parish for 68 years (1904 – 1972). In the early years, the brothers served at the elementary school. In 1915 they began teaching at Most Holy Trinity High School until its closure in 1972. View the Web page.

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Fr. Jim Heft (Los Angeles) gave a talk on “Campus Ministry and Academics” at a national convention on Campus Ministries at Catholic Universities” in January in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Read the talk. In addition, Fr. Jim’s article, “Notre Dame Catholic School Initiative,” will appear in the next issue of the Catholic Education journal. An article he wrote on “Evolution, Intelligent Design and Catholic Theology” will appear in the fall issue of The Journal of the College Theology Society. Fr. Jim also wrote a chapter in the book, “John Paul II and the Just War Theory,” to be published by John Hopkins Press. Recently Fr. Jim was named Professor of the Year by the University of Southern California’s Gamma Sigma Alpha Society.

Bros. Francis Haug and Al Kuntemeier

Bro. Al Kuntemeier (Nolan Catholic, Fort Worth) recently caught up with his former Algebra teacher (North Side Catholic High School in St. Louis) and Marianist recruiter, Bro. Francis Haug (Curé of Ars, St. Louis). In August 1945, after getting to know the Marianists during basketball games and picnics with the brothers, Bro. Al entered the postulate at Maryhurst and took first vows in 1948. “And here I am, 60 years later, still thankful to and in admiration of Bro. Francis, my recruiter,” said Bro. Al.

Bro. Gary Morris (Chaminade Pohaku, Honolulu) is starring as Fr. Tim Parley in The Actor’s Group production of “Mass Appeal” at the Yellow Brick Studio in Honolulu. The play runs through Feb. 24.

Bro. Charles Wanda (Stonemill – Kiefaber, Dayton) is featured in a recent article in the Dayton Daily News about his latest exhibit at Gallery St. John in Dayton. The exhibit of watercolors and oils runs through Feb. 17. Read the article.

Bro. Ron Luksic, dean of admissions at Archbishop Moeller High School, was quoted in an article about the competition for students among Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Read the article from the Jan. 25 issue of The Catholic Telegraph.

Bro. Francis Deibel is now making headlines in Japan! The article about his computer savvy that appeared in many publications in the U.S. was recently published in Japan’s Catholic Weekly. The article was sent to us courtesy of Bro. Dave Herbold. View the story.

Bro. Joe Kamis, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, was quoted in a story about Catholic Schools Week in the Jan. 25 issue of The Catholic Telegraph. Read the story.

Children gather around a gingerbread version of Emmanuel church made by three parish children

Fr. Lee Sciarrotta, pastor of Emmanuel Parish in Dayton, and Fr. Jack McGrath joined more than 100 Emmanuel parishioners Jan. 6 for the children’s Epiphany play. Fr. Charles Bergedick, an Emmanuel regular who could not attend due to poor health, was missed by many.

Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) has written an article about the sesquicentennial of the Lourdes apparitions (Feb. 11). He also has published articles on “Honoring the Virgin Mother on Stamps,” “Try Cyberpilgrimage,” and “Lift High The Cross.” Read the articles.

Joe Melendrez, Marianist contact and co-director of Marianist involvement for the University of Dayton’s student government association, had the opportunity to sing and pray with Grammy award-winning gospel singer Kirk Franklin. Kirk visited UD Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 as part of the school’s diversity lecture series. Read more.

Joe Melendrez (left) and Kirk Franklin

Joan McGuinness Wagner, director of Marianist strategies in the Office of the Rector at the University of Dayton, is profiled on the home page of the University of Dayton Web site. Read Joan’s UD story.

MARIANIST LIFE ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM MEETS IN PHILADELPHIA

Members of the Marianist LIFE Administrative Team met for their annual meeting Jan. 18 to Jan. 20 in Philadelphia. LEFT: Toni Mesina, Bro. Jack Ventura, Brian Reavey, national coordinator of Marianist LIFE, Novice Nicole Trahan and Marty Strohmeyer; RIGHT: A highlight of the weekend was a visit to the Liberty Bell. Photos courtesy of Brian Reavey

TWO KOREAN BROTHERS PROFESS PERPETUAL VOWS

Bros. Dominic Savio and Mary James Ahn with Fr. Pascal Lee; photo courtesy of Bro. John Ko.

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, the feast of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, the Region of Korea had much to celebrate – the profession of two men to the Society of Mary. Professing perpetual vows were Bros. Mary James Ahn (Hyun Kye) and Dominic Savio Choi (Bong Kye). The Eucharist and vow ceremony were held at Center Community Chapel in Seoul, Korea. Fr. Pascal Lee, regional superior of the Region of Korea, celebrated the Eucharist and received the vows. Congratulations to Bros. James and Savio!

GOOD TO KNOW     February 9 Discernment Saturday, West Hills, Calif. February 11 Memorial of Our Lady of the Lourdes Feb. 15 – Feb. 17 Vocation Discernment Retreat, Ewa Beach, Hawai'i 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. FEBRUARY FEAST DAYS Fr. George Cerniglia, assistant for religious life, writes about important feast days in February. Read Fr. George's letter and read the list of February feast days.

THE CLASSIFIEDS

CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. Several opportunities are available for the 2008 – 2009 school year, including assistant principal for academics, director of campus ministry, counselor and teaching positions in mathematics, social studies, Latin/Spanish and religion. Find out more.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . CHAMINADE JULIENNE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. Approximately 120 members of the CJ community attended a Martin Luther King Day rally Jan. 21 in Dayton. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland was the keynote speaker. On Jan. 22, 20 CJ sophomores and chaperones attended the national March for Life in Washington, D.C. LEFT: CJ students in the Dayton MLK parade, which is one of the largest marches in the Midwest; RIGHT: CJ students outside the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.

THIS LENT: EMBRACE LEARNING

Throughout Lent, the Christian Family Living Retreat Center in N. Topsail, N.C., is offering several presentations on Christianity and Islam. Dynamic professors present, via video, on these relevant topics, followed by a facilitated round-table discussion. No expertise necessary! Find out more.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

MLC. Read the January 2008 issue of Gifts and Tasks from Isabella Moyer of the International Organization for Marianist Lay Communities.

CUPERTINO. Read the February 2008 Cupertino newsletter from Fr. Steve Tutas.

JUST ONE MORE...

On a recent visit to Kalaupapa, on the island of Molokai, Bro. Dennis Schmitz photographed a humpback whale as it breached 150 yards off shore. Bro. Dennis and Bro. Jerry Bommer were invited to visit Kalaupapa, the leprosy settlement where Bro. Damien ministered, by a Franciscan sister. Visits are limited to a select few guests.

JUST “ANOTHER” ONE MORE…

Big game hunters Given (novice), Bro. Tom Oster, Bro. Steve Grazulis, Jonathan and Michael (both novices) with their prize catch: a large porcupine. The porcupine produced 10 lbs. of meat, which they dined on for three days! Photo courtesy of Fr. Allen DeLong

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

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

February

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 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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