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OLDEST SODALITY CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN N.Y.

Frs. Paul Landolfi and Tony Jansen (standing, center) with members of the Sodality of Our Lady of the Pillar. Photos courtesy of Ron Manfredi

On Feb. 23, members of the Sodality of Our Lady of the Pillar gathered at Sacred Heart Chapel of Molloy College in Rockville Centre, N.Y., to celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary. This is the oldest continuous Marianist sodality group in the U.S. Fr. Tony Jansen (District of Eastern Africa) founded SOLOP while a faculty member at Chaminade High School in Mineola, N.Y. Initially focused on high school alumni, SOLOP grew to include men, women and families throughout Long Island and beyond. Although serving in Eastern Africa for many years, Fr. Tony has remained connected to the group. Fr. Tony and Fr. Paul Landolfi (Rockaway Beach, N.Y.), current moderator, concelebrated the anniversary Mass. Over the years, the group has had many gatherings at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J. It also has supported Marianist efforts, including the Marianist DECAMP animal gift program and Fr. Ray Middendorf’s work at Misión Noell in Villalba, Puerto Rico. (Fr. Ray also is a former moderator.) Read more about the history of the group. Our congratulations on this wonderful milestone!

Fr. Tony (left) and Fr. Paul concelebrating the Mass

MARIANIST VOLUNTEERS GATHER FOR MID-YEAR RETREAT

At the retreat, front, Robert Manuel, Cynthia Sias and Travis Rindler; back, Dan Richter, Ruth Hinde, Emileah Aguilar and Michael Trujillo

The Marianist Volunteer Program held its mid-year retreat Feb. 9 to Feb. 13 at TECABOCA retreat center in Ingram, Texas. The volunteers gathered with Dan Richter, MVP coordinator, and Ruth Hinde, assistant coordinator, for a few days of relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. Participating in the retreat were volunteers Emileah Aguilar (St. John’s Home for Boys, Rockaway Park, N.Y.), Cynthia Sias (Marianist NGO in New York), Travis Rindler (St. Louis Arc, St. Louis), Robert Manuel (North Grand Neighborhood Services, St. Louis) and Michael Trujillo (Loyola Academy, St. Louis). Retreat highlights included an evening out in San Antonio, brunch with the Marianist Sisters at the West Ligustrum community and enjoying the scenery and weather at TECABOCA. Meagan Brorman, former MVP volunteer, and Jennifer Talley, MVP local coordinator, also joined the group. Meagan spoke about her experiences of living in community. Many thanks to all who helped with the retreat!

Clockwise from top, Michael, Ruth, Robert, Cynthia and Emileah enjoy the outdoors; Travis (left) digs into some ribs at lunch with Cynthia and Michael; Robert, Michael and Travis participate in a prayer service; Emileah and Cynthia reflect on their experiences. Photos courtesy of Ruth Hinde

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

VIA LATINA. Read the March 2008 issue of Via Latina.

DISCERNMENT RETREAT HELD AT EWA BEACH IN HAWAI’I

At the retreat, front, JoJo Taiafi (Novice Brandon Alana's cousin), Megan Leverage, Bro. Dennis Schmitz, Bro. Tom Spring, Novice Luis Gamboa and Noelani Tu'u; back, Bro. Gerry Mc Auley, Bro. Charles Johnson and Sr. Gretchen Trautman. Photo courtesy of Bro. Jim Wisecaver

A retreat that offered more intimate sharing of the vocation discernment process was held Feb. 15 to Feb. 18 at Ewa Beach in Hawai’i. Bro. Dennis Schmitz (Hale Malia, Honolulu) coordinated the retreat with help from Marianist religious and lay community members. Presentations were given on how to discern and the differences between religious life and diocesan priesthood. Retreatants were given opportunities for private reflection using journal activities and were provided with online resources for further discernment.

AREA COORDINATORS MEET WITH PROVINCIAL COUNCIL

The “Area Coordinators” – Frs. Dave Schuyler (West Coast), Richard Wosman (Texas) and Bob Hackel (Hawai’i), and Bros. Bob Wiethorn (Ohio) and Brian Zampier (St. Louis). Not shown, Fr. John Thompson (East Coast, Puerto Rico and Ireland), who was unable to attend

The Provincial Council met with the Area Coordinators of the Province in late February to hear reports on significant events in each region. The Council asked Area Coordinators for input on the strategic planning process, future assemblies and other developments in the Province. Area Coordinators are responsible for organizing celebrations of Marianist feasts and other important days, jubilee celebrations, funerals for brothers, and coordinating sessions with Provincial Chapter delegates before and/or after Chapter meetings. The Provincial Council wishes to thank the Area Coordinators for their time and energy in planning gatherings and area discussions for Province members.

LAST CALL FOR 2008 RETREAT REGISTRATION

Just a reminder that 2008 retreat registration is due by March 15. Please note the St. Edmund’s retreat is full. Information about the retreats is available on the PORTAL. Please contact Donna Tucker with any questions.   Photo by Bro. Bob Resing

A VOCATIONS VISIT TO ST. ANTHONY’S PARISH IN MAUI

Novice Luis Gamboa (white shirt)) gives a talk on religious life to 7th and 8th grade students at St. Anthony’s school in Maui. Luis and Bros. Gerry Mc Auley and Charles Johnson also spoke with high school students and other young adults while in Maui. Photos courtesy of Fr. Roland Bunda

Fr. Roland Bunda, pastor of St. Anthony’s parish, treated his visitors to a trip to Mount Haleakala (10,000 ft.). LEFT: Bro. Gerry Mc Auley, Fr. Roland and Luis; RIGHT: Bro. Charles Johnson (center) joins in the fun.

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE ON PORTAL

The Thirteenth Session of the Provincial Chapter of the Province of the U.S. will be held March 7 to March 11, 2008, at the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center in Eureka, Mo. Brothers are encouraged to read the documents relating to the Chapter which are available on the PORTAL. If you have forgotten your PORTAL password, please e-mail Ann Mueller.

BRO. DELMAR JORN CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE

Bro. Delmar Jorn, kneeling, renews his vows. Photos courtesy of Fr. Dave Fleming

More than 60 Marianists attended the golden jubilee celebration for Bro. Delmar Jorn on Feb. 23 at Deepahalli in Bangalore, India. It was the first golden jubilee celebrated in India. Fr. Pragasam Thathappa, district superior, presided at the Mass. Fr. Dave Fleming gave the homily. Bro. Delmar has ministered in Nepal and India for the last 25 years and currently serves on the District Council of India as assistant for temporalities. Congratulations Bro. Delmar!

LEFT: Bro. Delmar is congratulated by Bros. Josephraj, Alex Tirkey and Kiran Kotte; RIGHT: Fr. Dave helps Bro. Delmar cut the celebration cake.

MARIANISTS TO OPEN NEW COMMUNITY HOUSE IN NEPAL

LEFT: Fr. Varghese Manooparampil blesses the ground where a new Marianist community building will be constructed in Biratnagar, Nepal. Representatives of Fondazione Fratelli Dimenticati are building the residence for the Marianists, whom they have requested to run Biratnagar School. The community hopes to be operational by this summer. RIGHT: Lay Marianist Vashker Pokhrel with the foundation stone. Photos courtesy of Bro. Birendra Kullu

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

Bro. Max, early years

Bro. Max in his “Maxmobile” at his 70th jubilee celebration in 2007.

Bro. Maurice (Max) Beyer (Mercy Siena, Dayton), 93, who died Feb. 23, 2008, in Dayton. May he rest in peace. Bro. Max served as a teacher in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico. He was a secretary for 35 years serving under provincials in the former Provinces of Cincinnati and New York. Bro. Max also was a nurse's aide and editor of Family, the newsletter of the former Province of Cincinnati. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 1, 2008, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the University of Dayton. Fr. Steve Tutas, who represented the Provincial Council, was the presider, and Fr. Bert Buby was the homilist. Burial followed at Queen of Heaven Cemetery at Mount St. John in Dayton. Read a eulogy by Fr. Tom Schroer and Bro. Max’s obituary.

Please pray also for Marjorie O’Neill and Michael Pankey. Read more.

ROSE GARDEN, DEEPAHALLI, INDIA

Photo by Bro. Darwin Joseph

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Bro. Jim Abel (currently at Mercy Siena, Dayton), who is recovering from foot surgery.

Bro. Joe Mariscalco (Meyer Hall, Dayton), who is recovering at Mercy Siena from knee replacement surgery.

Bro. Pat McMahon (Cupertino, Calif.), who will join the Cupertino community to continue his recovery.

Bro. Don Neff (Meyer Hall, Dayton), who is undergoing tests.

Bro. Frank Smith (Mercy Siena, Dayton), who is recovering from a heart catherization.

Please pray also for Mildred Betz, Paul Bozigian, Jamie Glatt, Marion Klco, Jack McDonald, Bob O’Rourke, Carmen Salvador, Thomas Scheper, Floyd Straubinger and Sophie Wandall. Read more.

A BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER AT THE NOVITIATE

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Congratulations to Fr. Paul Marshall (Stonemill-Kiefaber, Dayton), who was named one of Parity Inc.’s 2008 Top 10 African American Males. Parity is a Dayton-based organization dedicated to fostering racial equality. Fr. Paul was recognized for his active involvement in education and contributions to the African-American community in Dayton. Read more.

Fr. John Leies (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) gave a talk on Feb. 11 to the San Antonio Cardinal Gibbons Society on the topic of “Benedict XVI and His First Years as Pope.” He also taped a one-hour program for Catholic Television of San Antonio (CTSA) on Feb. 14 with the author and speaker Christopher West and with Jake and Reamey Samour on the topic “Humanae Vitae Forty Years Later.” This will be the first of several programs on the topic.

Bro. Mel Meyer (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) is featured in a video on YouTube about his artwork and the Marianist Galleries. The video was produced by the St. Louis public broadcasting station KETC Channel 9. View the video.

Fr. John Thompson (Hollywood, Fla.) led the Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School faculty and staff on a day of retreat in February. The focus was on faith sharing and building community.

Bro. John Lemker (novitiate, Dayton) was featured in an article about his photography exhibit, “Standing in Awe,” in the Feb. 21 issue of the Dayton Daily News. Bro. John’s nature photographs are on display at Gallery Saint John in Dayton through March 23. Read the article.

Fr. Chris Wittmann, University of Dayton director of campus ministry, is quoted in a Feb. 29 story in The Catholic Telegraph about plans to renovate the school’s Immaculate Conception Chapel. Read the article.

Fr. Tom Thompson (Alumni Hall, Dayton) did the translation of “The Mother of the Lord, Memory, Presence, Hope,” a reference about Marian doctrine offered by The Pontifical International Marian Academy. Find out more about the book.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Marianist Social Justice Collaborative. The Death Penalty Issue Team of the MSJC met Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 in San Francisco. The team discussed strategies for its five target states (Missouri, California, Ohio, Maryland and Texas), took initial steps to develop a “Marianist Declaration of Life,” and worked on an internship program with the Texas Defenders Service, an agency committed to improving legal defense for those facing the death penalty. For more information contact Sr. Grace Walle. At the meeting, Bro. Phil Aaron, Bob Stoughton, Jim Vogt (MSJC director), Andria Brannon, Sr. Grace Walle (chair), Bro. Dick Olsen, Elizabeth Zitrin (California Death Penalty Abolition Coordinator for Amnesty International) and Bro. Frank O’Donnell. Photo courtesy of Jim Vogt 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 "Doing Social Justice as a Marianist” by Bro. Don Geiger.

NEW MSJC GROUP MEETS IN ST. LOUIS

Committee members, front, Dominic Garascia, Nancy Mascotte, Beth Garascia (chair) and Linda Zappacosta; back, Hank Mascotte, Bro. Jim Vorndran and Fr. Terry Weik. Photo courtesy of Jim Vogt

In the spirit of recommendations from Always Our Children, the pastoral letter from the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Marriage & Family, a committee under the auspices of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative is exploring possibilities for providing more effective pastoral care within the Marianist Family among families of gay/lesbian Catholics. The effort is consistent with the Church’s teaching — especially considering the principles of Catholic Social Teaching — and is profoundly pastoral in its outreach. The group met in St. Louis in January and has developed a two-hour program, “A Place at the Marianist Table,” that considers the struggles of faithful gay/lesbian Catholics and how groups can be more welcoming and inclusive. If your lay or religious Marianist community is interested in experiencing the program or would like more information, contact Beth Garascia.

FR. JOE LACKNER VISITS MARIA NIVAS COMMUNITY IN INDIA

While visiting with the Maria Nivas community in Orissa, India, Fr. Joe Lackner (back, center), assistant for developing regions, toured Budakata Middle School. Shown with Fr. Joe and the students are Fr. Marianus Lugun (back, far left) and Bro. Dilip Tirkey (back, far right). Photo courtesy of Bro. Antony Nesam

GOOD TO KNOW     March 7 - 11 Provincial Chapter Meetings, St. Louis March 12 – 19 Hale Malia “Live–In” experience, Honolulu March 15 Discernment Saturday, West Hills, Calif. March 16 Palm Sunday March 17 Holy Week Province Retreat, Ireland 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. MARCH FEAST DAYS Fr. George Cerniglia, assistant for religious life, writes about important feast days in March. Read Fr. George's letter and read the list of March feast days.

TECABOCA WELCOMES FOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS

TECABOCA board and staff in front of the “Big House” at the retreat center outside Ingram, Texas: Missy Kauffman, George Pedraza, Joe Barber, Mary Shrader, Mark Keller, Deacon Denis Link (executive director), Sonny Kaufhold, Bro. Jack Ventura, Paul Garro (board president), Richard McCabe, Carolyn Dean, David Wahrmund, Bro. Jim Burkholder, Laura Domyancic, Dianne Garcia, Harold “Bubba” Kunz, Fr. Jim Mueller and John Aguillard. Not present: Bro. Charles Johnson, photo courtesy of John Aguillard

The board of TECABOCA: A Marianist Center for Spiritual Renewal in Ingram, Texas, met Feb. 10, 2008, and introduced four new board members: Bro. Charles Johnson (St. Louis), Laura Domyancic (San Antonio), Dianne Garcia (San Antonio) and David Wahrmund (Center Point, Texas). Paul Garro is board president; Deacon Denis Link is executive director. Bro. Jack Ventura is the retreat liaison from the Province Office of Religious Life.

CELEBRATING WITH BRO. JIM IN INDIA

Bro. Jim Fitzgibbons (center) celebrates his birthday with Marianist novices and Marianist Sisters and their candidates in Ranchi. Photo courtesy of Fr. Nicky D’Cruz

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. Students and other members of the UD community signed a banner during a vigil Feb. 19 for Northern Illinois University, the site of a campus shooting Feb. 14. UD’s Student Government Association, which organized the event, sent the banner to NIU. Read more. UD WOMEN’S GROUP ASSISTS KARONGA EFFORT. Advocates for Women’s Equality, a student organization, is helping raise awareness and funds to benefit the Marianist microcredit loan program for women in Karonga, Malawi. Read more. CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. Congratulations to the Central Catholic High School soccer team which won its second consecutive Texas state championship in the TAPPS Division I with a 4-0 victory over Houston St. Thomas. Central Catholic High School state soccer champions CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY WEST HILLS. Congratulations to senior Danny Garcia who was selected as a member of the 2008 California All-State Honor Band. He was one of 14 tuba players from the state to be selected.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY FROM OUR FRIENDS IN DUBLIN

Fr. Mike Reaume and Bros. Fred Rech and Jim Contadino in front of the 9th century Cross of Muiredach located in Monasterboice, Co. Meath in Ireland. Photo and words from St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer (below) courtesy of Bro. Jim THE DEER’S CRY I arise today through the strength of heaven Light of sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire Speed of lightning, swiftness of wind, depth of sea Stability of earth, firmness of rock

ABOUT ST. PATRICK What do we really know about St. Patrick? Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) provides some answers. Read his essay on “The Authentic St. Patrick.”

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

CFL. Read the March 2008 issue of High Tidings, the newsletter from the Christian Family Living Center in N. Topsail, N.C.

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

SACRAMENTAL LINENS AND MORE NEEDED…

The Office of Religious Life is in need of sacramental linens and tabernacle and altar pieces for the Eucharistic chapel of one of the Marianist retreat houses. If you have extra purificators, corporals, altar linens, or stoles or an extra matching chalice, host bowl, paten and cruet please mail them to Bro. Jack Ventura at the Provincial Office in St. Louis.

OOPS…

In last issue of FamilyOnline we incorrectly listed the number of hours St. Mary’s University Marianist Leadership Program students worked on the “Continuing the Heritage Service Day” in January. The students worked 1,000 hours, not 100 hours. Continuing the Heritage is sponsored by the Marianist Trust, St. Mary’s Service Learning Center and the Marianist Leadership Program. We apologize for the error!

“BROTHERS HELPING BROTHERS”

On New Year’s Day 2008 in the chapel of the Marianist Residence at St. Mary’s University, Fr. John Leies announced that Charlotte, sister of Fr. Rudy Vela, had worked for the brothers at the Residence for 20 years. After Mass, Bro. Richard Roesch congratulated and thanked Charlotte and asked, “What one thing stands out in your 20 years?” Immediately Charlotte said, “Brothers helping brothers.” Nearby, Bro. Harold Lootens, with a cane in his right hand, was seen with his left hand guiding Bro. Greg DeMoor down the long corridor to his room in the St. Joseph section of the Residence. Bro. Leo Willett added: “What stands out for me, in my six months here, is the motherly attention of the staff and workers for us.”

JUST ONE MORE...

Fr. Martin Solma (District of Eastern Africa) with a future Purcell Marian Cavalier named Makok

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

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

March

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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