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WISHING YOU A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

Photo courtesy of Bro. Bob Resing

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie

ANNUAL FORMATION WEEKEND HELD IN CALIFORNIA

Marianists in formation gather with professed brothers at the recent formation weekend in Menlo Park, Calif. Photos courtesy of Aspirant Brian Myers and Bro. Brian Halderman

Marianist aspirants, novices, temporary professed and perpetually professed brothers who serve as mentors in the Marianist formation program, gathered for a formation weekend Nov. 13 to Nov. 16 at the Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park, Calif. Bro. Bob Moriarty, director of the Office of Small Christian Communities in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Conn., facilitated the weekend. The theme was "A Marianist Vision of Parish, Small Christian Communities and Prayer." The aspirants arrived one day early to interview the senior brothers at the Marianist Center in Cupertino, Calif. A highlight of the weekend was a dinner hosted by the Cupertino community for the formation group and Marianists in northern and southern California.

Clockwise from top; Aspirants Tom Fox and Joe Janosik; Aspirant Brian Myers and Bro. Vince Wayer; Sr. Nicole Trahan and Bro. Brian Halderman; and Fr. Jack Russi and Aspirant José Julián Matos. View more photos from the formation weekend.

BRO. JOMO INSTALLED AS NOVICE DIRECTOR IN EASTERN AFRICA

At the installation ceremony, Bro. Chola Mulenga, Fr. Gabriel Kirangah, Bro. Jomo Mwaura and Fr. Allen DeLong. Courtesy of Fr. Allen

Bro. Jomo Mwaura became the first African member of the District to serve as novice director in Eastern Africa when he was installed by Bro. Chola Mulenga, district superior of Eastern Africa, during a recent ceremony in Limuru, Kenya. In addition, Fr. Allen DeLong was installed as assistant director of novices. Congratulations to Bro. Jomo and Fr. Allen on this historic occasion in the life of the District of Eastern Africa!

LAY MARIANISTS ATTEND RETREAT IN LIMURU, KENYA

Bro. Joseph Mwaura facilitated a retreat Oct. 18 and Oct. 19 in Limuru for Lay Marianists from Mombasa and Nairobi, Kenya. At the final liturgy of the retreat the Lay Marianists renewed their commitment to the Marianist Family. Shown in front of the novitiate building with the Lay Marianists are novices and professed members of the novitiate community, including Bro. Tom Oster, standing, fifth from right. Courtesy of Fr. Allen DeLong

PROVINCIAL LETTER NO. 27 AVAILABLE ON PORTAL

Bro. Stephen Glodek has issued Provincial Letter No. 27 titled “Simpler Choices: The Impact of the Present Economic Crisis in the Province.” The letter was sent to all brothers via e-mail on Nov. 24 and is available on the PORTAL.

FR. TARRILLION RETIRES FROM CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

LEFT: Fr. Joe Tarrillion at the Central Catholic High School graduation ceremony in May 2008; Fr. Joe celebrates Mass at CCHS

Fr. Joseph Tarrillion, president of Central Catholic High School in San Antonio for the last 15 years, announced his retirement, effective Nov. 11, 2008. Fr. Joe will assume the position of president emeritus and will focus on the school's new expansion campaign.

"The Province of the United States offers its gratitude and congratulations on the appointment of Fr. Joseph Tarrillion as president-emeritus of Central Catholic High School in San Antonio. Fr. Tarrillion is a man long steeped in both Catholic and Marianist education, " said Provincial Stephen Glodek. "He has served Central Catholic extremely well these many years as its president. He has been able to creatively combine a deep respect for tradition with a creative adaptation of philosophy and technique to help make Central Catholic an outstanding Marianist secondary school. Thanks, Fr. Joe."

During Fr. Joe's tenure as president, Central Catholic made several capital improvements and experienced much growth. Fr. Joe developed the school's Office of Advancement which raised $10.3 million over the past 15 years. He was recently named one of the honorees for the 2009 "Outstanding Leaders in Catholic Education Award" from the Department of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Read more about Fr. Joe.

Bro. Peter Pontolillo has been named interim president of Central Catholic. Bro. Peter was superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the Diocese of Victoria, Texas, from 1986 to 1996, when he became Secretary General of the Society of Mary in Rome until November 2006. While superintendent, he served as a Marianist representative on the board of trustees of St. Mary's University in San Antonio for eight years and on several other education-related boards locally and nationally. Read more about Bro. Peter. Our prayers and best wishes for Fr. Joe and Bro. Peter in their new roles!

PERSONNEL NEWS

Bro. Gene Meyerpeter (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) has joined the Nolan Catholic High School community in Fort Worth, Texas. Bro. Gene will serve on Nolan's board of directors. He also is a member of the Province Office of Education and coordinates the Marianist Urban Students Programs (MUSP) in Cleveland, Cincinnati and San Antonio. Our best wishes to Bro. Gene!

MARANIST FAMILY COUNCIL MEETS IN ST. LOUIS

The Marianist Family Council of North America met Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at the Marianist Provincial Offices in St. Louis. The purpose of the Family Council is to encourage the implantation of the Marianist Family in North America and to facilitate the cooperation of all its members in implementing the mission of the Marianist Family in North American culture. At present, the Council supports two major initiatives: the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) and the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative (MLFI). Council members include: Kay Stone and A.J. Wagner (MLNNA), Srs. Evangeline Escobar and Gretchen Trautman and Bro. Stephen Glodek and Fr. Jim Fitz. The Council’s time together included shared prayer, reflection on and discussion of reports from its two initiatives, and reflection on issues facing the Marianist Family in North America, especially the identity of Lay Marianist communities and individuals. Read more.

MARIANIST UNIT EDUCATION ASSISTANTS GATHER IN ROME

Marianist unit education assistants from across the globe met in Rome Nov. 10 to Nov. 22. Shown, the education assistants with members of the General Administration, including Assistant for Education Bro. José María Alvira, front, far left, General Superior Fr. Manuel Cortés, front, far right, and Assistant for Religious Life Fr. André Fétis, middle row, third from left. Clockwise from top, Bros. Régulo Garcia and Ed Brink; Fr. André Fétis; Bro. Ed and Bro. Peter Nato; and brothers from the U.S. Province: Bros. Francisco González, Régulo, Ed Brink, Tim Phillips, Peter Nato, Sanjay Ekka and Dave Herbold. Photos courtesy of Bro. Mike McAward

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

Bro. Henri Veyret (Province of France), 87, who died Nov. 2, 2008, in Albi, France. May he rest in peace. Read Bro. Henri's obituary.

Please pray also for James Barhorst, Fr. Eamon Carroll, O.Carm., Mary Dempsey and Jack Vail. Read more.

SHRINE TO ST. JOSEPH AT MARYCLIFF, EUREKA, MO.

Courtesy of Bro. John Samaha

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Fr. Bill Behringer (St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland)

Fr. Norb Brockman (Woodlawn, San Antonio)

Fr. Larry Doersching (Hollywood, Fla.)

Bro. Frank (Paco) Gomes (Maui)

Bro. Paul Merland (Mercy Siena, Dayton)

Bro. Urban Naal (Cupertino, Calif.)

Bro. Donald Schaaf (Mercy Siena, Dayton)

Sue Wesselkamper, president of Chaminade University of Honolulu

Please pray also for Fr. Alvaro Bastida, Joe Fitzgerald, Nancy Poloncarz, Tim Prevou and John Tedesco. Read more.

SIGN UP FOR A MARIANIST ONLINE COURSE

Patti Gehred wants to know: "While the heat radiating off your computer is keeping you warm this winter, why not sign up for a Marianist Studies online course?" Find out more about courses from January-April. Patti is coordinator of Virtual Learning and Curriculum Innovation at NACMS.

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Bro. Joe Barrish (Meyer Hall, Dayton) is one of the artists featured in the new book "Confident Color: An Artist's Guide to Harmony, Contrast and Unity" by Nita Leland. Read more about the book.

Fr. George Montague (Casa San Juan, San Antonio) received a plaque from the National Service Committee at the National Conference of Leaders in the Charismatic Renewal Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 in Nashville. Fr. George was honored for his golden jubilee as a priest and his many contributions to the charismatic movement. In addition, on Oct. 25, Fr. George received an award from the Constance Allen Heritage Guild for Lifetime Learning in San Antonio for his outstanding contribution to education.

Fr. George accepts an award from the Constance Allen Heritage Guild. Courtesy of Fr. George

Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) offers reflections on Advent in the article "Preparing for the Birthday of Jesus." Read the article.

Bro. Mel Meyer (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) has created several new pieces for the Marianist Galleries in Kirkwood, Mo. View Bro. Mel's recent additions.

Frs. Don Cowie, Bernie Lee and John Leies (San Antonio) concelebrated at a Mass Oct. 25 at Assumption Chapel at St. Mary's University marking the 175th anniversary of the founding of the worldwide School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND). All three Marianist priests have relatives in the SSND congregation. Read more from the Nov. 7 issue of Today's Catholic.

At the SSND celebration Mass, Fr. Jim Shea, CSsR, and Frs. Lee, Leies and Cowie. Photo courtesy of Tim Lefkowitz, Today's Catholic

Bros. Dave Quigley and Earl Leistikow and Fr. Richard O’Shaughnessy were among several San Antonio brothers who attended an annual dinner for religious and clergy hosted by the Knights of Columbus on Nov. 23. Courtesy of Bro. Ed Loch

The Christian Family Living Center in Topsail, N.C., is hosting a work weekend. The retreat center has jobs for all ages and skills, from sweeping the decks to washing windows, organizing toys, and cleaning bedroom furniture. The cost is $100 per room (one flat rate for Nov. 27 to Nov. 30, 2009). Join in the Thanksgiving spirit of community by bringing groceries and preparing meals together. View the application.

TWO MAKE COMMITMENT AS MARIANIST LAY AFFILIATES

Fr. Al McMenamy welcomed Gertrude Filkowski and Geraldine Olson into the Marianist Family as Lay Affiliates during Eucharist Nov. 7 at St. Mary Catholic Parish in Galesville, Wis. Shown with Fr. Al are Lay Affiliates, front, Vivienne Grant, Gertrude Filkowski, Geraldine Olson and Marie Kraehenbuehl; back, Cherie Schwertel, Barbara Hammer, Dolorous Heffner, Theresa Haines and Darleen Lunde. Congratulations Gertrude and Geraldine. Courtesy of Fr. Al

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Election Follow-up. Religious congregations are working to determine how to support and challenge the new administration in light of Catholic Social Teaching. The Marianists are no exception. Read a suggestion from a Province member on how the Marianists can respond. Read more. Christmas Can Change the World. The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? Find out how Christmas can become a world-changing event again. Marianist Sharing Fund. South Jersey Hope, a community faith-based organization in Cape May Point, N.J., was inaugurated Nov. 9 at a prayer service attended by approximately 150 people at Our Lady of Angels Church in Cape May Courthouse, N.J. The group, which includes churches, synagogues and other area religious organizations, has been in formation for about three years. The Marianist Sharing Fund provided the start up funds for the organization. The group's goal is to address social issues having an adverse impact on Southern New Jersey residents. Read more. At the service, Fr. Ted Cassidy (left) and Bishop Edwin Robinson of Christ Gospel Church in Whitesboro, N.J. Marianist Social Justice Collaborative. The core team for the Adele Social Justice Project met Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 in Dayton. Sponsored by the MSJC, the Adele Project is focused on involving young adults in social justice issues. The next young adult weekend is scheduled for June 2009 in Cleveland. Courtesy of Jim Vogt Core team members, Lisa McCracken, Cynthia Sias, Laura Libertore, Sr. Leanne Jablonski, Jim Vogt, Amy Elliott and Steve Hemphill. New team member Ruth Pera joined the meeting via phone.

MARIANIST VOLUNTEER IS MENTOR TO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Living in community with fellow volunteers is part of being a Marianist volunteer. Heather Mikus, a volunteer since August 2008, considers community life a benefit. "It's amazing!" she says. "It's great to grow and share my experiences with Nicole and Courtney (fellow MVP volunteers)." As part of community living, the three pray and have meals together. "Food normally comes first if we want quality sharing time during prayer," she jokes. Originally from Lincoln Park, Mich., Heather graduated from Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., with bachelor's degrees in chemistry and biology. After volunteer orientation in August, she was assigned to Marian Middle School in St. Louis. Read more.

MARIANISTS LEAD FAMILY RETREAT IN NEW YORK

With the second-graders are, middle row, Fr. Paul Landolfi, Sue Peo, Michelle Marshal, Vinny O'Keefe (back), Jen Lyon, Bill O'Keefe, Lee Ann Mucci, Pati Krasensky and Bill Peo. Courtesy of Pati Krasensky

Members of the Marianist Family in New York recently facilitated their third retreat on reconciliation for families of the second grade communicant candidates of St. Frances parish in Wantagh, N.Y. A total of 30 families attended the retreats. The team has been presenting parish family retreats on Long Island, N.Y., for over eight years.

GOOD TO KNOW OFFICE CLOSED. The Provincial Office will be closed Nov. 27 and Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holidays. STRATEGIC PLANNING SURVEY. The Strategic Planning survey was sent to all brothers on Oct. 15. The survey must be submitted by Dec. 1, 2008. If you have questions or concerns regarding the survey, please contact Pat Stephens or Tony Fitzgerald.     Nov. 27 Thanksgiving holiday Dec. 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception MORE HAVE YOU VISITED THE FAMILY ONLINE ARCHIVE? Did you know that FamilyOnline is archived online? Just go to www.marianist.com/fol to search any issue since November 2002. Type in the word(s) you're searching for and then click on the issue(s) that appear. Once you open an issue, go to "edit" and then "find on this page." BLOG. Read the latest from our Marianist blogger. Fr. Bert Buby (Stonemill-Kiefaber, Dayton), Scriptural Reflections ALIVE MAGAZINE The Fall/Winter 2008 issue of Alive magazine has been mailed. If you need additional copies, e-mail Ann Mueller. DECEMBER FEAST DAYS. Fr. George Cerniglia, assistant for religious life, writes about important feast days in November. Read Fr. George's letter and read the list of December feast days.

BILAC CONFERENCE DRAWS CROWD TO CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY

LEFT: Fr. Joe Priestly at BILAC; RIGHT: Chaminade University's Hawaiian Club dances in the opening ritual for the BILAC concert. Photos courtesy of Linda Ugalde

Chaminade University of Honolulu hosted "The Big Island Liturgy & Arts Conference" sponsored by BILAC (Big Island Liturgy & Arts Center) Nov. 13 to Nov. 15. BILAC is a non-profit organization established in 2003 to promote educational and liturgical experiences celebrated with the Hawaiian culture. The three-day event was a mixture of concerts, workshops and keynote addresses and featured some of the biggest names in liturgical music. Chaminade University, Saint Louis School and the Marianist Center co-sponsored the event with BILAC. Several of the brothers in Honolulu assisted with preparations and provided hospitality and opportunities for prayer for the participants. "Artists, presenters and participants couldn't stop praising and thanking the Marianist religious," said Bro. Dennis Schmitz (Marianist Center). Read comments from the BILAC participants.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON announced Nov. 25 that it received a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor—the largest gift dedicated to scholarships in the University's history. "This generous gift comes at a time when a college education is more important than ever. With current financial uncertainties, many students and their families are wondering how they will be able to afford to pursue their dreams," said President Daniel J. Curran. "This gift will provide valuable support for many students." The fund will be named the Class of 1965 Scholarship. Read more. Charles Cotrell ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY in San Antonio was recently awarded a $1 million gift for its School of Law by the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust. The gift will fund scholarships for deserving students in South Texas. "St. Mary's School of Law strives to provide academically qualified and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue an education that is based upon the Marianist precepts of academic excellence and service to society," said Charles Cotrell, St. Mary's president. Read more. More good news about the School of Law appears in a Nov. 10 article in the San Antonio Business Journal. The article states that 87 percent of St. Mary's law graduates pass the bar exam on the first try. Read more. ST. MARY'S SCHOLARS TOPS IN NATIONAL COMPETITION St. Mary's University's Bill Greehey School of Business students won first and second place at the National Collegiate Entrepreneur Organization's Elevator Pitch Contest held Nov. 7 in Chicago. An elevator pitch is a 90-second delivery of a business concept used to attract investors. Read more. NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL students Shayla and Jordan Mitrik and Melissa Hunkele are finalists in a video contest sponsored by "Keep the Drive," a driving safety organization, and The Allstate Foundation. Their entry was one of 15 entries awarded $1,000. The nation can now vote on these 15 entries and select the winners of the top prizes. View the video ("Ode to the Road") and vote for the NCHS students' video. SAINT LOUIS SCHOOL. Students at Saint Louis School participated in the 14th annual Men's March Against Violence in October. Shown marching with the SLS students are Bishop Larry Silva (far left), Bro. John Campbell (second from right) and Marianist Contact Rick Collins (far right). Photo by Anna Weaver, Hawai'i Catholic Herald DANIEL J. GROSS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL in Bellevue, Neb., is celebrating its 40th anniversary. An article about the school's milestone appeared in the Nov. 13 issue of The Catholic Voice. Read the article. Gross also has produced a video chronicling its 40 years. View the video. The school was founded in 1968 by Bro. Leo Willett, who served as Gross' first principal. Bro. Leo Willett with students at Daniel J. Gross High School in the late 60s

NOVITIATE COMMUNITY HAS CULTURAL DIVERSITY DAY

At the novitiate community, standing, Bros. Claude Sery, Jack Somerville, Mike O'Grady, Don Geiger and Basant Kujur; seated, Bro. John Lemker, Sr. Katie Pierce, Bro. Tom Wendorf and Fr. Mike Lisbeth. Courtesy of Fr. Mike

The novitiate community in Dayton welcomed Sr. Katie Pierce, IMH, of Monroe, Mich., Nov. 22 to facilitate a day focused on cultural diversity. The community discussed the meaning of culture and interaction among cultures. With community members from India, the Ivory Coast, Korea and the U.S., the topics were very relevant, according to Fr. Mike Lisbeth, novitiate community director.

THE CLASSIFIEDS

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL. Central Catholic High School in San Antonio is seeking a principal to assist the school's president in fulfilling the Marianist educational mission of the school. Management responsibilities include instructional leadership, spiritual life, accreditation duties, faculty and curriculum development, student activities, budgeting and parents' relations. Find out more.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Applications are being accepted for the position of executive director of the Association of Marianist Universities. Read the position description. Those interested should send a letter to Dr. Charles Cotrell, president of St. Mary's University, expressing why they would like the position. E-mail Dr. Cotrell or send a letter to One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio TX 78228-8530, no later than Dec. 1, 2008. Bro. Ray Fitz, who is stepping down after five years as executive director, said, "The Marianist-sponsored universities are great apostolic and institutional assets for our Province. The new executive director, working with the presidents and sponsorship officers, will be able to develop these assets and promote the growth of Marianist Educational Associates on each of the campuses."

ENJOYING A FAMILY DINNER

Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory's 25 Lay Marianists celebrated Thanksgiving at the brothers' residence in Hollywood, Fla., Nov. 13 with a prayer service and simple meal of soup and bread. Courtesy of Bro. Kevin Whelan

LAY AFFILIATES GATHER AT MARIANIST RETREAT CENTER IN ST. LOUIS

With the Lay Affiliates are Fr. Al McMenamy (second row, far right); Bro. Ken Jung (third row, far left); Bro. Rich Middleton (third row, second from right) and Fr. Steve Tutas (back row, second from right);

St. Louis area Lay Marianist Affiliates were joined by Affiliates from Houston and Denton, Texas, and Springfield, Ill., Oct. 17 to Oct. 19 for a retreat at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka, Mo. Fr. Steve Tutas facilitated the retreat, and Bro. Jack Ventura and Fr. Al McMenamy spoke to the group. Four people officially made their commitment as Lay Affiliates at the retreat. They are: Kate and Terry Rossi (Springfield) and Linda Neill and Rose Rodasevich (St. Louis). Congratulations to the new Lay Affiliates!

Bro. Jack Ventura speaks to the Lay Affiliates. Photos courtesy of Nancy Davies

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

MLNNA. Read the November 2008 issue of MLNNA E-News, the newsletter of the Marianist Lay Network of North America. In addition, read reflections from A.J. Wagner, MLNNA president, on the Synod on The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church held Oct. 5 to Oct. 26 at the Vatican.

NRRO. Read the Winter 2008 issue of Retirement Fund for Religious from the National Religious Retirement Office. Bro. Bob Metzger serves as associate director of planning and education for NRRO.

JUST ONE MORE...

Students from Saint Louis School in Hawai'i hosted a pumpkin patch and craft time for 75 kindergarten students from a school in an economically challenged community. The SLS students set up craft booths where the visiting students created scarecrows, treat bags and Halloween crafts. Shown is Mrs. Vegas, who leads the service program at SLS, with event participants.

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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