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IT’S OFFICIAL: U.S. PROVINCE WELCOMES PHILIPPINES

In Rome, Fr. Pablo Rambaud, superior of the SM foundation in the Philippines, Superior General Fr. Manuel Cortés and Provincial Stephen Glodek. Courtesy of Bro. Mike McAward

On Jan. 11, the General Council and the Province of the U.S. completed a Memo of Understanding by which the U.S. Province accepts canonical responsibility for the Society of Mary in the Philippines. The memo states: "The Province does so in a spirit of faith and deep gratitude for God’s blessings. The Province is aware that in accepting the responsibility for the Foundation there will be challenges it will face. But trusting that the Holy Spirit is opening a new chapter in the life of the Province, these challenges can be met with faith and confidence in God’s providence."  Speaking on behalf of the Society of Mary, Fr. Manuel Cortés, superior general, expressed gratitude to the Province for its generosity and commitment. The transfer of responsibility is effective Jan. 22, 2009.

Bro. Glodek and  Fr.  Cortés sign the agreement.

SEVEN PROFESS PERPETUAL VOWS IN INDIA

Brothers professing perpetual vows gather with the Marianist Sisters in India. The brothers are, seated, Bro. Peter (far left), Bro. Jinu (center, left), and  Bro. Saju; standing, Bro. Arul (center), Bro. Josephraj (next to Arul), Bro. Bhaskar (blue shirt) and Bro. Britto (far right). Photo courtesy of Sr. Franca

Bros. Jinu Muthukattil, Josephraj R, Arul Raj, Peter Samad, Bhaskar Mandanu, Britto Murmu and Saju Chittadiyil professed perpetual vows in the Society of Mary on Jan. 2 at Deepahalli in Bangalore, India. Fr. Jim Fitz (assistant provincial) presided and preached at the ceremony. Fr. Pragasam (district superior of India) and Bro. Prakash Kujur (assistant district superior) received the vows. After Mass, the celebration continued at Deepahalli with a reception for Marianists, family and friends. Congratulations to the newly professed brothers!

The perpetual vow ceremony was held during the District of India Assembly. Shown are the members of the Distict of India and guests from the U.S. and Rome. Courtesy of Bro. Mike McAward

CUH COMMUNITY MOURNS LOSS OF “PRESIDENT SUE”

Mary (Sue) Civille Wesselkamper, D.S.W, beloved president of Chaminade University of Honolulu, died peacefully of cancer at her home in Honolulu on Jan. 3. She was 66. Sue was CUH’s longest-serving president and led a once foundering institution into an era of unprecedented academic and financial success. “President Sue taught us to embrace our mission and identity as a Marianist university,” said Chaminade’s acting president, Bro. Bernie Ploeger. “She was deeply committed to this university and centered our focus on always serving our students well. We will miss her keenly.” Approximately 200 members of the CUH community attended a prayer service Jan. 5 led by Fr. Ken Templin at the Mystical Rose Oratory on campus. A Eucharist of Resurrection was celebrated Jan. 10 at St. Patrick’s Church in Honolulu. Bishop Larry Silva presided, and Fr. Tim Eden and Fr. John Civille (Sue’s brother) assisted. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Chaminade University for the endowed scholarship established in Dr. Wesselkamper’s name or to the Kaiser Permanente Employee Welfare Fund. Condolences to the Wesselkamper family may be sent to: Dr. Thomas Wesselkamper, 950 Wai'iki St., Honolulu, HI  96821. Read more about Sue from the Honolulu Advertiser, Honolulu Star-Bulletin and UD News. In addition, a Web site has been created to share memories and condolences of Sue.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE PROVINCE

In Lusaka, Zambia

In Dayton - Meyer Hall 

The Meyer Hall community invited Bro. Don Winfree (front, far right) and Loretta Whiston (back) to join in its Eucharist and dinner celebration. Also shown, front, Bro. Don Smith and Fr. Jim Schimelpfening; and back, Bros. Don Neff, Joe Mariscalco, Jeff Sullivan and Joe Barrish. Courtesy of Bro. Don Smith

In Dayton – Washington Street

The Washington Street community celebrated Christmas with the Chambers Street community and the support community from Mercy Siena. Shown are Bro. Ken Thompson, Fr. Jack McGrath, Fr. Gene Contadino, Bro. Victor Forlani, Fr. Pat Tonry, Jessica González, Bro. Gary Marcinowski, Fr. Chris Conlon, Bro. Jim Brown, Bro. Ken Sommer, Bro. Nick Rufo (hidden), Fr. Lee Sciarrotta, and Bros. Phil Aaron and Bernie Hartman. Photos courtesy of Bros. Ed Zamierowski and Ken Thompson

Showing delight for their Christmas gifts, Bros. Ken Sommer (left) and Ken Thompson 

In Dayton – Stonemill - Kiefaber

LEFT: The Stonemill-Kiefaber community invited several guests for Christmas dinner including Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski, shown with Fr. Bert Buby and Bro. Tom Pieper; RIGHT: Bro. Charlie Wanda (center) gives a Christmas toast. Courtesy of Fr. Jerry Chinchar

In San Antonio – Central Catholic

LEFT: Bro. Bill McCarthy, Fr. Don Cowie, Bro. Jim Burkholder and Fr. Joe Rasky hard at work on a Christmas Carol puzzle before Christmas eve supper; RIGHT: Bro. Joe Barrett at the St. Mary’s University Christmas party on Dec. 27. Courtesy of Bro. Ed Loch

In St. Louis – Curé of Ars

LEFT: Bro. Leo Slay stands before the banquet he coordinated for the celebration hosted by the Curé of Ars community on Dec. 27 at St. John Vianney High School; RIGHT: Bros. Len Rudy and Francis Heyer enjoy dinner with Fr. Dave Paul. Courtesy of Bro. Louis Ernst

In Bangalore, India

Read a Christmas eve reflection from Fr. Dave Fleming. Courtesy of Fr. D’Cruz Nicholas.

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

VIA LATINA. Read the January 2009 issue of Via Latina.

ARCHBISHOP RAYMOND ROUSSIN, SM, RETIRES 

Archbishop Roussin (left) with his successor Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. Courtesy of Jeff Graham/B.C. Catholic

Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Raymond Roussin, SM, of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, effective immediately. A press release issued by the archdiocese on Jan. 2 cited Archbishop Roussin’s long battle with a neurological illness as the reason for his departure. During his nearly five years as archbishop, Roussin was known for his humble manner and deeply spiritual and pastoral approach to ministry. He also publicly acknowledged his struggle with clinical depression. Archbishop Roussin will be joining the Marianist community in Winnepeg. The Province wishes him all the best in his new ministry. Read more.

LAY FORMATION TEAM GATHERS IN ST. LOUIS

At the meeting, front, Pati Krasensky, Isabella Moyer, Sr. Mary Louise Foley and Carol Ramey; back, Bros. Jack Ventura, Tom Giardino and Dennis Schmitz, Fr. Bert Buby and Brian Reavey. Courtesy of Brian

 The Alliance for Lay Formation met in St. Louis Dec. 5 to Dec. 7 for its annual meeting. The group is composed of persons whose primary responsibility is Marianist lay formation. The Alliance provides a unique opportunity to engage in peer ministerial support.

SABBATICALS FOR 2009-2010

Province members who are considering either a professional or spiritual sabbatical time during the 2009-2010 year should contact the appropriate provincial assistant no later than Jan. 31, 2009.  Those seeking a professional or educational sabbatical can contact Bro. Ed Brink, and those seeking a spiritual renewal sabbatical can contact Fr. George Cerniglia. They will provide the necessary procedures for the submission of sabbatical applications.

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

Bro. Alfred Zurfluh (Region of Switzerland), 80, who died Jan. 2, 2009, in Sion, Switzerland. May he rest in peace. Bro. Alfred’s obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Bro. Jacques Mas (Province of France), 85, who died Dec. 25, 2008, in Albi, France. May he rest in peace. Bro. Jacques' obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Bro. Willibald Lasinger (Region of Austria-Germany), 76, who died Dec. 22, 2008, in Freistadt, Austria. May he rest in peace. Read Bro. Willibald’s obituary.

Bro. André Raoul (Province of France), 79, who died Dec. 19, 2008, in Sucy en Brie, France. May he rest in peace. Read Bro. André's obituary.

Please pray also for James Barhorst, Michael Birmingham, Doris Caruso, Copp and O’Toole families, Mildred Deitering, Anne Rose Kotnik, Olga Martinuzzi, Larry Sandman, Palmira Uvietta, Erna Wethington and Shirley Zampier. Read more.

WINDOW SILL, MANZIANA, ITALY

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Fr. Jorge da Silva (Los Gatos, Calif.)

Bro. Gary Marcinowski (Chambers St., Dayton)

Fr. Jim Mueller (West Hills, Calif.)

Bro. Ed Unferdorfer (Cape May, N.J.)

Please pray also for Fernando Corletto, Christine Fennell, Dick Ferguson, Howard Gillispie, MacKenzie Gonzalez, Maria King-Peters, Marvin Klar, Rob Leenknecht, Sr. Mary Jo McGowan, RSM, Marianna Quigley, Doris Radish, Benita Ramirez and Frank Ventura. Read more.

SPOTLIGHT ON 2009 JUBILARIANS

FamilyOnline introduces a new feature to honor Marianists celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. Each issue will profile four jubilarians and pay tribute to their dedication to the Marianist mission. Fr. Bill Behringer, 60 years professed “My understanding of the Church has broadened in ways I could never have imagined.  These experiences have called me to grow in new ways and to take on responsibilities I never thought of doing.” Read more from Fr. Bill. Fr. Don Cowie, 60 years professed “At 79 I am delighted to be of service. I am so grateful for my life as a Marianist. The Brotherhood, Fr. Chaminade’s charism, and my long years as teacher-chaplain have been the delight of my life.” Read more from Fr. Don. Bro. Fred Halwe, 50 years professed “God takes care of children and old fools, and I’ve been both, but thanks to my growing family of former students, my natural family of loving parents, sister and brother-in-law, their kids and kids’ kids, and my Marianist family of heroes, models, and friends, I’ve been blessed with a life I’d choose all over again” Read more from Bro. Fred. Bro. Kevin Whelan, 50 years professed “Duc in altum (launch out into the deep) was the motto I chose at the end of our novitiate year of 1959 in Marcy, N.Y., and it has been embedded in my consciousness my entire life.” Read more from Bro. Kevin.

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Bro. Brian Halderman, Sr. Grace Walle, and Fr. Rudy Vela are featured in the 2009 Vocation Guide in the Jan. 2 issue of Today’s Catholic. Read the articles.

Bro. Brian was interviewed about his sketchbook drawings.

Bros. Mel Meyer and Brian Zampier  taped an interview with “Show Me St. Louis,” a television show about the St. Louis community shown on the St. Louis NBC affiliate KSDK Channel 5. The artists discussed their work at the Marianist Galleries in Kirkwood, Mo. The show will be broadcast today at 3 p.m. and tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. in St. Louis.

  Bro. John Lemker (novitiate, Dayton) has a new photography exhibit on display until March 1 at Gallery St. John at Mount St. John in Dayton. “In Wonderment” features images of nature from around the U.S. See more images from the exhibit.

“Mountain Reflections” is one of the photographs in Bro. John’s exhibit.

Bro. Charles Johnson, national vocation director, was interviewed by the Diocese of Shreveport for a series of articles it is writing on vocations. Read the article.

Fr. Joe Tarrillion and Bro. Peter Pontolillo were featured in articles in the Dec. 19 issue of Today’s Catholic. Fr. Joe recently retired as president of Central Catholic High School in San Antonio. Bro. Peter was named interim president. Read the stories.

Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) has written an article for the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of “The Catholic Answer.” Read “Titular Sees,” which explores what happens when a diocese is erased by the tides of history.

SAVE THE DATE...

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Gaza. Myles McCabe, Province director of peace & justice, who participated in a Marianist-sponsored trip to Gaza and the West Bank in June, reports that a proposed trip for Marianist universities in March is postponed. “We are deeply concerned about the Israeli invasion of Gaza and the tremendous loss of human life,” said Myles. “Gaza has become a concentration camp, with 1.5 million people who cannot leave the area being bombed and cut off from electricity, food, water and medical supplies. The U.S. is in a position to demand an end to the slaughter. Please urge your members of the House and Senate to speak and act on behalf of the people of Gaza.” Find out more. Celebrating Martin Luther King.  The Shalom Center offers several ideas for community reflections, actions and celebrations in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 19, 2009. Read more.

MARIANIST FAMILY CENTER WILL SERVE OLN PARENTS

The Marianist Family Center in Mukuru, Nairobi. Courtesy of Fr. Martin Solma

The District of Eastern Africa is constructing a Marianist Family Centre in Mukuru, Nairobi, that will serve the parents of students who attend Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School, which is adjacent to the new facility. The Centre’s two-person staff will teach literacy, hygiene, nutrition, basic computer skills and educational motivation. The project is funded by a grant secured by The Rotary Club of Stockholm, Sweden.

REMINDER: HAVE YOU COMPLETED YOUR SURVEY?

Survey responses regarding the consultation for the Provincial leadership, process, structure and needs are due tomorrow, Jan. 15. A link to the survey is available on the PORTAL.

GRADUATION DAY AT UD DEEPAHALLI IN BANGALORE

With the UD graduates are Bro. Darwin Joseph (front, far right), and, top row, Fr. Joe Lackner (second from left), Fr. Jim Fitz (second from right) and Fr. Dave Fleming (far right). Courtesy of Bro. Darwin

On Jan. 2, 2009, 13 Marianist brothers graduated from the University of Dayton Deepahalli (Bangalore) program in India. They are: class of 2007, Bros. Arul Raj. M, Bhaskar Madanu, Earbin Ekka, Jinu Muthukattil, Saju Chittadiyil, and Shivbharos Marianus Kujur; from the class of 2008, Bros. Ajit Kullu, Albert Edwin Leo, Daniel Dhanaraj. N, Josephraj. R, Kiran Babu Kotte, Sanjib Pratap Minj, and Sebastian Bara. Frs. Joe Lackner and Jim Fitz represented the Provincial Council. Fr. Jim  presided at the ceremony and presented the diplomas in the name of Dr. Daniel Curran, president of the university. Congratulations to the new graduates!

LEFT: Fr. Joe Lackner congratulates the graduates; RIGHT: Fr. Pragasam (district superior) lights the ceremonial lamp as Fr. Jim Fitz looks on.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY, ST. LOUIS. Ray Harter, director of the Marianist Servant Leadership Program at CCP, reports that in the 2007-2008 school year, Chaminade gifted over 27,754 hours of Christian service locally, nationally and internationally. Read more in Ray’s year-end report. A CCP student on a mission trip   Mike is interning at a local hospital and aspires to be a neurologist. He was selected CCP’s  Homecoming King this year. CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY, WEST HILLS. Senior Mike Fritschner was selected as the ABC News “person of the week” on Jan. 2. Mike, a former stand-out athlete, was recognized for his determination in coping with paralysis that followed a surfing injury. Mike discovered there is more to life than sports. Read his story. UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON.  NCR Corp. is relinquishing all participation rights in the commercial development of the largely unused 50-acre parcel UD purchased from the global technology company in 2005. The gift, worth $5 million, allows UD the flexibility to develop the land for academic and mixed use without sharing a portion of future revenues. Read more.  CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU paid tribute to the Marianists’ 125 years in Hawai’i with a cover story in the Fall 2008 issue of Chaminade Quarterly featuring the photos of the late Bro. Bertram Bellinghausen. Read the story.

NACMS INTERN. The North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) is now accepting applications for its internship at The Marianist Center in Philadelphia. The position is open to Lay Marianists and vowed religious. Deadline to apply is Jan. 15, 2009. Read more about the internship.

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS DUE

Dan Richter, coordinator of the Marianist Volunteer Program, reminds us that applications for international volunteers are due on Jan. 19, 2009. For more information contact Dan or Ruth Pera.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

CAPE MAY. Read the January 2008 issue of The Beacon, the newsletter of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J. Also, congratulations to Jessica Sherwen, retreat center program director, and her husband David on the birth of their son William on Jan. 3.

JUST ONE MORE...

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY

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

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 2009 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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