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FIFTEENTH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER MEETS IN ST. LOUIS

Fr. Joe Lackner, assistant for developing regions (in red), with the three district superiors of the Marianist Province of the United States: Fr. Pragasam Thathappa (India), Bro. Chola Mulenga (Africa) and Bro. Ed Longbottom (Mexico)

The 15th session of the Provincial Chapter of the Province of the United States was held March 5 to March 9 at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka, Mo. Documents for the Chapter are on the PORTAL for review by Province members. The Chapter spent much time on Province finances in this economic crisis and gave the Council guidelines for fiscal year 2010 budget preparation. The Chapter also discussed the Strategic Planning process, received the reports of the Provincial Council and reviewed the proposed process, timeline and structure for the future of the Provincial Council.

Bro. Andy Kosmowski (St. Louis) with Chapter members Frs. Roland Bunda and Richard Wosman

MARIANISTS CREATE INVITING ATMOSPHERE AT LA CONGRESS

Bro. Dennis Schmitz speaks with an inquirer at the Marianist booth at the LA Congress. Photos courtesy of Bro. Jim Wisecaver

Members of the Marianist Family were out in force at the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress held Feb. 26 to March 1 in Anaheim, Calif. The event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education and is the nation's largest annual gathering of Roman Catholics. Almost 40,000 people attended this year. A trademark of the Marianist exhibit is its living room set up, with furniture borrowed from the West Hills community. The display creates an inviting atmosphere where inquirers can discuss their discernment, says Bro. Dennis Schmitz, who helped staff the booth. Other booth staff included Frs. Ken Templin and John McEnhill, Bros. Luis Gamboa and Jim Wisecaver, Srs. Gretchen Trautman and Nicole Trahan, Dan Richter (Marianist Volunteer Program), Brian Reavey ( Marianist LIFE), and Contacts Heribertus Denny, Norman Capinpin, Michael Chiuri, Brandon Paluch and Joe Melendrez. Numerous other Marianist Family members, graduates of Marianist schools, and relatives of the brothers stopped by to visit. The booth staff received 14 inquirers interested in the SM, six in the FMI, 16 in Marianist lay communities and 21 in the Marianist Volunteer Program. "Now we enter the crucial stage of follow up," said Bro. Dennis. "Please pray for the ongoing discernment of these young people."

At the LA Congress, Bro. Bill Bolts, Archbishop Emeritus Raymond Roussin and Fr. Jim Mueller

Clockwise from top, Contacts Norman Capinpin and Michael Chiuri with Bro. Luis Gamboa; Fr. Ken Templin and Contact Joe Melendrez; Sr. Gretchen Trautman speaks with inquirers; and Contact Heribertus Denny and Fr. John McEnhill

BROTHERS DISCUSS STRATEGIC PLANNING ISSUES IN DALLAS

LEFT: Fr. Ken Templin and Bro. Rich Schrader; RIGHT: Fr. Steve Tutas with Bros. Skip Matthews, Jerry Sullivan and Tom Spring

Thirty Marianist brothers gathered in Dallas Feb. 16 to 18 for the first of two conversations on 11 “strategic issues” that have emerged as part of the Province Strategic Planning process. At the gathering, the brothers began to envision possible solutions to the 11 issues and to explore new and creative ways of living as Marianists. "The brothers were open and honest and engaged fully with each other in conversation," said Tony Fitzgerald, facilitator of the Strategic Planning process. Forty brothers will attend a second gathering in Dallas scheduled for March 27 to 29.

NEWS FROM VOCATIONS

Read the Feb. 26, 2009, issue of Vocation News by Bro. Charles Johnson, national vocation director.

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION

Read the March 2009 issue of the newsletter of the Office of Education by Bro. Ed Brink, assistant for education.

MARIANISTS ATTEND CATHOLIC SOCIAL MINISTRY GATHERING

At CSMG, the Marianists participated in meetings of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. They worked on a document regarding the integration of Catholic Social Teaching in Catholic higher education. Shown, seated, Mark Ensalaco (UD), David Coleman (CUH) and Margaret Uiagalelei (CUH); and standing, Myles McCabe (director of peace & justice) and Bro. Brian Halderman (St. Mary's University). Courtesy of Bro. Brian

Five representatives from the Marianist Family participated in the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering Feb. 22 to Feb. 25 in Washington, D.C. The annual event is convened by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops and 20 other social justice partner organizations, including CMSM, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). During the trip, the Marianists visited state representatives and senators to discuss issues concerning healthcare reform, climate change, travel to Cuba and reform of foreign aid. Joshua DuBois, director of President Obama's Office for Faith-based Initiatives, told the group that the president is aware of the Catholic Church's contributions to social service and healthcare.

PROGRAM OFFERS TIME FOR REFLECTION, RENEWAL 

At "Zaragoza Weekend," Fr. Mike Nartker (far left) and Bro. Paul Kageche (far right), district assistant of the Office of Temporalities, with Bros. John Paul Kirimi, Julius Nandi, Dingiswayo Soko, Hanson Sitali and Daniel Odero. Photo courtesy of Bro. Daniel

Marianist brothers in formation in Eastern Africa who work in Malawi and Zambia recently attended a program called "Zaragoza Weekend" in Lusaka, Zambia. The program offered an opportunity for brothers in active ministry to reflect on their work and be inspired to become better ministers. Fr. Mike Nartker was the moderator for the weekend, which included speakers and time for sharing the challenges and joys of ministry.  

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

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

VISITING WITH THE BROTHERS IN BANGALORE

Fr. Joe Lackner, assistant for developing regions, recently visited the Marianists in Bangalore, India. LEFT: Members of the Infant Nilaya community in Austin Town, Bros. Lucian Tigga and Peter K (who work for REDS in Bangalore) and Antony Nesam, who is pursuing an MSW from St. Joseph College in Bangalore; RIGHT: Fr. Pragasam, district superior, in the dining room of the Curlee Street community. Photos courtesy of Fr. Joe

PROVINCE RETREAT DEADLINE IS THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 15

The deadline for brothers to register for Province-sponsored retreats in 2009 is this Sunday, March 15. Brothers are strongly encouraged to register ONLINE. By doing so, you help the Province reduce the administrative time needed to process the registrations. Visit the PORTAL to review the retreat booklet and to register.

MARIANIST LEADERSHIP PROGRAM HAS SPRING RETREAT

With the retreatants, front row, Bro. Dennis Bautista, Aspirant Tom Fox, Bro. Mike Sullivan, Fr. Richard O'Shaughnessy, Bro. Les Kaehler and Sr. Gretchen Trautman; second row, Sr. Durie Kim, Bros. Bill McCarthy, Robert Wood, Terry O'Connor (center), Richard Dix (third from right), Bill Chewning (with cap) and Jim McCaffrey (far right); third row, Bro. Leo Willett (far left); eighth row, Aspirant Brian Myers (far left, partially hidden) and Bro. Alva Gillis (far right); ninth row, Aspirant Joe Janosik (far left); and back row Fr. Adolf Windisch (hands up) and Bro. James Pieper (far right). Courtesy of Sr. Gretchen

On Feb. 21, the Marianist Leadership Program at St. Mary's University in San Antonio had its spring retreat. The approximately 60 students in attendance were joined by 26 Marianist religious men and woman for Mass and an awards dinner. The day included a talk by Fay Bourgeois, who spoke on being "One - in the Body of Christ - with unique gifts to offer." The students also had time for discussion and fun (including foam dodge ball). At the dinner, 27 students received awards. The evening concluded with the Marianist religious singing "Salve Regina." Sr. Gretchen Trautman is the coordinator of the Marianist Leadership Program.

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

Please pray for Peter A., Soosai Arulappen, Rose Marie Burnog, Sophia Chudd, Aileen Economon, Earl Kalal, Juletta Lakra and George Luksic. Read more.

Editor's note: Fr. Mike Lisbeth (novitiate, Dayton) and his family would like to thank the Marianist Family for their expressions of prayer, support and comfort on the occasion of the death of his mother, Nita Lisbeth. The Lisbeth family was greatly strengthened and encouraged by the expressions of fraternal love. Fr. Mike sends his many thanks.

CYCLAMEN, MARIA LAACH, GERMANY

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 . . .

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

Bro. Gerald Hyland (Curé of Ars, St. Louis)

Bro. Earl Leistikow (Woodlawn, San Antonio)

Fr. James McKay (Mercy Siena, Dayton)

Please pray also for Rosie Crump, Carmella Gutting, Llewellyn Kalal, Jerome Lloyd, Joseph Manzo, Daniel Paul, Christine Scanlon and James Werdes. Read more.

MARIANISTS WITH CCHS CONNECTION GATHER AT SOCIAL

At the Pillars Club Social, seated, Bro. Peter Pontolillo, CCHS president, Fr. Joe Tarrillion, CCHS president emeritus, Bro. Jim McCaffrey, Fr. Adolf Windisch, Bros. Bill McCarthy, John Totten, Rich Martens and Leo Willett; standing, Fr. Don Cowie, Bros. Mike Sullivan, Bill Chewning, Jim Jaeckle, Terry O'Connor, Jim Burkholder, Richard Dix, Harry Cornell, Dave Quigley and Cletus Behlmann, Fr. Gerald Haby, Bro. Alva Gillis and Bro. Ed Loch

Many of Central Catholic High School's donors gathered March 1 at the school for the annual President's Pillars Club Social. Honored guests included 21 Marianist priests and brothers, many of whom are teaching or have taught at Central Catholic. The donors represented alumni, past and current parents, faculty, staff, foundations and local businesses.

SPOTLIGHT ON 2009 JUBILARIANS

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR FR. GEORGE

On Feb. 22, the Marcella Road community in Cleveland celebrated Fr. George Abmayr's birthday with dinner at a local restaurant. Shown, seated, Bro. Jack Dempsey and Fr. George; standing, Bros. Joe Scheible, David Conrad, Will Halloway and Dave Murphy. Happy birthday Fr. George! Courtesy of Bro. Dave

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Bro. Victor Forlani (Washington Street, Dayton) is quoted in an article about Marianist university students learning about student-run businesses, Catholic and Marianist identity and business "as a calling." Bro. Victor is the Marianist-in-residence at the University of Dayton School of Business Administration. Read the article.

Bro. Tom Wendorf (novitiate, Dayton) is quoted in a Flyer News article about Lent. "Lent is a season of the year that helps us take stock of our own hearts, our relationship with God, and our relationship with one another, especially those most in need," Bro. Tom said. Read more.

Bro. Mel Meyer (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) will be exhibiting "Super Saucers of Steel" at the Marianist Galleries in St. Louis March 17 to April 17. The pieces include saucer shaped sculptures in painted metal and steel. Colored bands of steel wall hangings and new sculptures also will be on display.

Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) published an article on "Lent: Paradigm of Christian Living" in the Feb. 20 issue of Catholic San Francisco. Read the article.

Fr. Oscar Vasquez (right) visited the Alumni Hall community in February. He is shown with Fr. Joe Tedesco (left) and Bro. Tom Farnsworth. Courtesy of Fr. John Putka

Welcome to Alison Cawley, who has been named as the new NACMS intern at the Marianist Center in Philadelphia. Alison is a University of Dayton graduate and has a strong background in project management, public speaking and critical thinking related to human services. Read more about Alison.

ASH WEDNESDAY CELEBRATION AT DEEPAHALLI

Fr. Dave Fleming was the main celebrant for the Ash Wednesday celebration at Deepahalli in Bangalore, India. Clockwise from top, Fr. D’Cruz Nicholas distributes ashes; Fr. Dave Fleming; brothers perform the "Way of the Cross;" and another scene from the "Way of the Cross," organized by the religious office of the scholasticate. Photos courtesy of Bro. Renny Markose

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Marianist Sharing Fund. The first of 57 Marianist Sharing Fund grant checks were presented to groups in the Washington, D.C., area last week by Myles McCabe, Province director of peace & justice. More presentations will be made by Marianists in other parts of the country during the next few weeks. Myles McCabe (left) presents a grant to a representative of School of the Americas Watch for its "teach-in" for 15,000 students from around the country in November 2009.  Marianist Social Justice Collaborative. The members of the GLBT Initiative met Jan. 30-31 on the University of Dayton campus to review and evaluate their work over the past year. The committee, under the auspices of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, operates in the spirit of recommendations from "Always Our Children," the pastoral letter from the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Marriage & Family. It is exploring possibilities for providing more effective pastoral care within the Marianist Family among families of gay/lesbian Catholics. This effort is consistent with the Church's teaching, especially considering the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and is profoundly pastoral in its approach. Read more.  GLBT Initiative team members, standing, Beth Garascia, Fr. Terry Weik, Linda Zappacosta and Nancy Mascotte; seated, Bro. Jim Vorndran, Matt Dunn, Hank Mascotte and Dominic Garascia. Courtesy of Jim Vogt Lenten Reflection Guide 2009. Resource includes a weekly commentary, prayer and reflection questions in prayerful consideration of climate justice. Included are suggestions for an "energy fast"and "Forty Ways in Forty Days" to cut personal energy use for the benefit of all. The guide was compiled by the Marianist Environmental Education Center staff and members of the MEEC Congregational Liaison community and is appropriate for ecumenical use. View the guide.

NEW LOOK FOR MOUNT SAINT JOHN

Mount Saint John and Bergamo Center have a colorful new sign at the 4400 Shakertown Road entrance to MSJ in Beavercreek, Ohio, outside Dayton. A second sign (without the words “Bergamo Center”) is situated at the corner of Shakertown Road and Research Park Blvd. The MSJ Campus Council worked to create the new signs due to road widening in the area. Mount Saint John is using the image on the sign as a new logo for MSJ uniforms. Photo courtesy of Bro. Jack Somerville.

MORE FROM THE FOUNDATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Celebrating Foundation Day in the Philippines, Novices Archie Otero and Jerry Valencia, Bros. Raimond Toppo and Oscar Kerketta, Fr. Pablo Rambaud, Bro. Hugh Bihl, Glenn (former aspirant), Aspirants Jerry Romano and Richard Yam-Id and, kneeling, Ronnie, a former novice

Clockwise from top, Fr. Pablo Rambaud, novice director, in the backyard of the Marianist novitiate; Bro. Oscar Kerketta, Aspirant Richard Yam-Id, Bro. Peter Kiama and Fr. Pablo (back row) with street children they minister to in Davao City; a view of the novitiate building; and Bro. Hugh and Archie in the novitiate dining room. Photos courtesy of Fr. Pablo, Bro. Peter and Fr. Joe Lackner

AND THE WINNER IS...

Marianist Film Wins Oscar! Bro. Dennis Schmitz (right) accepts the award from Ray Abregano (Saint Louis School) for the blockbuster "Marianists in Hawai'i," a documentary about the Marianists' 125 years in Hawai'i. Well, not exactly. He did get to hold a real Oscar though, courtesy of Saint Louis School Alumni Dean Pitchford ‘68, who won an Oscar in 1980 for Best Original Song for the movie "Fame." Pitchford brought the Oscar to the March 6 Gala Opening of Saint Louis School's production of "Footloose." Pitchford, who wrote the original screenplay for "Footloose," was honored at the Gala. The Oscar was used as part of the decorations for the event and for a few jokes! 

GOOD TO KNOW March 13-15 MVP volunteer weekend, Africa March 20-22 MVP steering committee meeting March 22 Marianist LIFE Pacific Coordinating Team, Honolulu MORE PERSONNEL CHANGES. Effective immediately, personnel updates for the Province Personnel book will be posted for the brothers on the PORTAL only. They will not be sent via e-mail. To access the most current personnel information on the PORTAL, click on the "Documents" link and then click on "Personnel Book." 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 MARCH FEAST DAYS. Fr. George Cerniglia, assistant for religious life, writes about important feast days in March. Read Fr. George's letter. Read the list of March feast days.

STUDENTS SHOW LOVE FOR THE MERCY SIENA BROTHERS

Bro. Ken Thompson thanks sixth grade students Taylor and Olivia from St. Rita's primary school in Dayton for the valentines the sixth grade class made for the elderly brothers at Mercy Siena in Dayton. Several years ago the late Bro. Herm Lambers corresponded with the sixth grade class at St. Rita's and the students wanted to reciprocate the love he showed them.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . VILLA ANGELA-ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL The Diocese of Cleveland has named Brian Menard as president of VASJ. Brian was most recently an education consultant with experience as a teacher and administrator. He also taught government and political science at the University of Virginia and has been involved in civil, education and public policy endeavors. Our best wishes to Brian! Read more. CHAMINADE-MADONNA COLLEGE PREPARATORY in Hollywood, Fla., announces that Gloria Ramos has been re-appointed to a third, three-year term as principal. The appointment was announced on Feb. 25, 2009, by Fr. Larry Doersching, C-M president, and is effective July 1, 2009. Congratulations Gloria! CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. Central Catholic High School in San Antonio is celebrating its third straight TAPPS 5A state soccer title. Congratulations team!  NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL students Alyce Anderson, Drake Coffelt, Ann Pierret and Greg Whitaker are recipients of the Optimist Club's Texan and Texanne Awards. Bro. Al Kuntemeier helped introduce the students to the local business community through weekly meetings of the Optimist Club of East Fort Worth. Bro. Al Kuntemeier

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

MSJC. Read the March 2009 issue of Justice Jottings, the newsletter of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative.

CAPE MAY. Read the March 2009 issue of The Beacon, the newsletter of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J.

APPRECIATION DINNER FOR ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS ROUSSIN

Archbishop Emeritus Raymond Roussin, SM (center) was honored at an appreciation dinner Feb. 15 at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vancouver. He is shown at the dinner with Bro. Bill Bolts and Bro. Richard Joyal. Read the remarks by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. Archbishop Emeritus Roussin will remain in Vancouver and is planning a sabbatical/renewal. Photo by William Yeung

OOPS...

In the Feb. 25 issue of FamilyOnline, a photo cutline for Bro. Jerome Matz should have read 50 years professed instead of 60 years professed. We apologize for the error! 

UD STUDENTS "TAKE NOTES" AND PLAY AT RETREAT

Dr. Willie Morris, far right, conducted an intense retreat/workshop at Governor's Island in Huntsville, Ohio, for selected musicians from UD's saxophone ensemble over the midterm break. Dr. Morris is a longtime UD faculty member in the Department of Music. Eleven students studied and practiced over four days to conclude with a unique Sunday afternoon concert that attracted neighbors from Indian Lake. Dr. Morris brings students together two times each year. A week-long workshop will held in June. Photo courtesy of Bro. Paul Bredestege.

JUST ONE MORE ...

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

A photo of St. Patrick taken on Downpatrick Headland, Co. Mayo, with the North Atlantic in the background. Photo by Bro. Fred Rech. Prayer courtesy of Bro. Jim Contadino

Perhaps the most common of all prayers passed down by the Celts through oral tradition, the following was said as an invocation of God's blessing on the daily process of kindling the fire when the cooling peat was brought to life again in the morning. God, kindle Thou in my heart within A flame of love to my neighbour, To my foe, to my friend, to my kindred all, To the brave, to the knave, to the thrall, O Son of the loveliest Mary, From the lowliest thing that liveth To the name that is highest of all.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

MARCH

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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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