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FR. RICHARD VILLA NAMED PRESIDENT OF NOLAN CATHOLIC H .S.

The Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, and the Marianist Province of the United States announce the appointment of Fr. Richard Villa as president of Nolan Catholic High School, effective July 1, 2009. Fr. Richard will succeed Thomas P. Long who has served in this capacity since Aug. 1, 2008. Bishop Vann said, “We are pleased to welcome Fr. Villa to our diocesan community. Not only does he bring to Nolan Catholic his presence as a priest, but a wealth of leadership experience with strong roots in the Fort Worth area.”

Fr. Richard holds a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, a master’s degree in administration from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology from the University of Wales, Lampeter, through the Pontifical College of the Beda in Rome.

He spent 10 years as assistant dean at the University of Dallas; seven years at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, as an instructor and associate principal; and eight years at Nolan Catholic as an instructor and Nolan Catholic’s first advancement director. Additionally, Fr. Richard taught at St. Michael Central High School in Chicago and Assumption High School in East St. Louis, Ill. He is currently associate pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Community in Sykesville, Md. Our best wishes to Fr. Richard in his new assignment! Read more.

FIVE MEN WILL BEGIN MARIANIST ASPIRANCY PROGRAM

The Provincial Council has approved Hugh Bastida, Andrew Caruso, Michael Chiuri, Nhan Nguyen and Brandon Paluch for the aspirancy program of the Society of Mary. The aspirants will begin the formation program in August. Our congratulations and best wishes to the new aspirants!

TWENTY STUDENTS MAKE MARIANIST COMMITMENT AT UD

At the commitment ceremony, A.J. Wagner, president of MLNNA (front, far left), Fr. Paul Marshall, UD rector (front, far right) and Joan McGuinness Wagner, director of Marianist Strategies at UD (middle, far right), with Table community members, front, Michelle Cybulski, Gracie Pollicino and Colleen Fitzsimons; middle, LeeAnn Chromanics, Caitlin Cronin, Fiona Martin and Emily Klein; top, Mike Sievers and David Theby. Courtesy of Joan McGuinness Wagner

The Marianist Family continues to grow with the addition of two communities from the University of Dayton. Twenty students composing the “Bridges” and “Table” communities made public commitments during Eucharistic liturgy on April 18 in the chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Surrounded by family and friends, religious and lay Marianists, members of these communities made this commitment: "Called by the Spirit as members of the Table and Bridges communities, we commit to saying "yes" to God as Mary did. Like Mary, we say "yes" to bringing Christ into the world as a community that builds community. As members of the global Marianist Family, we will strive to be men and women living intentionally, strong in faith, firm in hope and constant in love...we are grateful for the gift of this charism, and we joyfully accept the task of incorporating Mary, faith, community, inclusivity and mission into our lives." The communities are grateful for the continued prayers and support of the Marianist Family. Read the personal commitment statements from the community members.

Bridges community members, front, Caitlin Jacobs, Kathleen Henriksen, Colleen Douglass, Gretchen Dyer, Patty Lehan and Mary Jo Pirages; back, Andy Gerbetz, Lauren Hackman, Katie Hill, Michelle Wintering and Mike McArtor

MARIANISTS HAVE MUCH TO CELEBRATE IN HAWAI’I

At Mass, Bro. Jack Ventura speaks to jubilarians Bros. John Campbell, Jim Vorndran and Paco Gomes and Fr. Ken Templin. Photos courtesy of Bro. Tom Payne and Bro. Dennis Schmitz

Approximately 200 people gathered in the Mystical Rose Oratory on the campus of Chaminade University of Honolulu and Saint Louis School to celebrate the conclusion of the 125th anniversary of the Marianists in Hawai’i and the golden jubilees of Bros. John Campbell, Frank "Paco" Gomes and Jim Vorndran and Fr. Ken Templin. Fr. Ken presided and gave the homily. Bro. Jack Ventura (Office of Religious Life) represented the Provincial Council and gave an expression of appreciation from the Province.

A time capsule containing memorabilia from the 125th anniversary celebrations was created for the event with the hope that it will be exhumed in 2033. The capsule included a scroll autographed by faculty, staff and students of CUH and SLS. Joe Camacho, a close friend of the Marianists, led the congregation in an oli (chant) and placed the capsule in the ground in front of the Mystical Rose Oratory. Bro. Jack Ventura and Bro. Bob Hoppe (vice president of the Marianist Center) shoveled the dirt onto the interred capsule. A festive luau followed. Many members of the SM and Marianist Lay Communities helped decorate for the party. Marianist LIFE students from SLS helped serve the guests. In addition to Hawaiian entertainment, a Hispanic choir that Bro. Paco started livened up the party.

Clockwise from top, Bros. Dennis Schmitz, John Campbell and Jim Vorndran; Bro. Paco Gomes renews his vows; Fr. Ken Templin with friends at the luau; and the jubilarians

YOUTH GROUP JOINS IN VOCATION DAY IN LUSAKA

Bro. Daniel Odero (back, far right) and Fr. Tony Jansen (back, in striped shirt) with youths participating in the vocation day festivities in Lusaka. Courtesy of Bro. Daniel

Earlier this month, the youth group at St. Joseph Chapel at Matero Boys' Secondary School in Lusaka, Zambia, celebrated world vocation day with a special rite of commitment at Mass and an afternoon program of lunch, talks and entertainment. The celebration was organized by the vocation group with the help of adult advisors. At the Mass, longtime vocation group members committed themselves to a Christian life and continued discernment. They were given Marianist cross necklaces. Group members are usually 16 and older. Some members are preparing for religious life, but there is also emphasis on marriage preparation. Bro. Daniel Odero is the group's Marianist patron.

Bro. Fred Silbereis (right), one of the vocation day speakers, with the chairman of the St. Joseph Chapel executive committee during the afternoon activities. Courtesy of Bro. Fred

UJAMAA FAMILY CENTRE OPENS IN NAIROBI, KENYA

One of the first groups to use the centre poses with staff members Hellen Nyantika (far left, standing) and Paschalia Kavuli (far right, kneeling). Courtesy of Fr. Martin Solma

On May 5, Bro. Chola Mulenga (district superior of Eastern Africa) and Bjorn Haggmark from the Swedish Embassy in Kenya officially opened the Ujamaa Family Centre in the Mukuru kwa Njenga slum area of Nairobi. Funds for the centre were given by the af Jochnick Foundation in Sweden through the Rotary Club of Stockholm. Representatives from both organizations were present for the opening. The Ujamaa Family Centre is located between Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School and Chaminade Training Centre and is an educational centre for the parents of OLN students with an outreach to the wider community. In officially unveiling a portrait of Fr. Chaminade, Bro. Chola said that the Marianist Family spirit is the inspiration behind the centre and that strengthening families in the slums can help children and their development. Programming will include courses in English and Kiswahili, nutrition and hygiene, computer training, basic business knowledge and budgeting, personal and group counseling for drug/alcohol abuse and domestic violence, and, eventually, attention to the business and financial needs of families. Paschalia Kavuli Mbutu and Hellen Nyantika form the staff of the centre, assisted by volunteer Liz Ramey.

LEFT: Bro. Chola unveiling the portrait of Fr. Chaminade and a plaque in honor of the late Jerry Phelan, whose family has been supportive of the Marianists and OLN; RIGHT: Volunteer Liz Ramey is the daughter of David Ramey, former director of the Bergamo Center in Dayton and the stepdaughter of Carol Ramey, director of NACMS. She was the MC for the event and spoke in fluent English and Kiswahili.

“LIVE-IN” PROGRAM HELD IN NAIROBI

Four Marianist candidates from various parts of Kenya participated in a “live-in” program from April 14 to May 11 in Nairobi, Kenya. Bro. Ben Mwai (far left), vocation director in Kenya, is shown with the candidates. Photo courtesy of Bro. Ben

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

Please pray for Dr. Ralph Beddow, Angelo Galati, Thomas McCormick, Mabel Pao, Merlyne Rapp, Frank “Fritz” Stanek, Dianne Tosh and Joseph Wangombe. Read more.

IRIS AT THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN, ST. LOUIS

Photo courtesy of Bro. Brian Zampier

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Bro. Jim Abel (Mercy Siena, Dayton)

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

Bro. Francis Haug (Curé of Ars, St. Louis)

Bro. Paul Novosal (Marianist Residence, San Antonio)

Please pray also for Melzetta Brown, Bubba Hector, Marge Seibel, Mary Catherine Uxa and Greg Witteman’s brother. Read more.

STUDENTS FOCUS ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT RETREAT

Eighth grade students from Mother Seton Academy in Baltimore gathered at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J., May 5 to May 7 for a retreat focusing on how to make a difference in God's world. Activities included an affirmation/reconciliation service and team building games. Shown with the students are Anthony Fucci, retreat center director (front, center), Micah Ziemski, intern (front, far right), Carol Weiss, Marianist Lay Affiliate (top row, far left), Jessica Sherwen, program director (top, back), and Bro. Jesse O’Neill, who teaches at Mother Seton (top, far right). Courtesy of Anthony and Bro. Jesse. Read about Mother Seton Academy’s move to its new location from the May 11 issue of the Baltimore Sun.

TALLER OBRERO OFFERS JOB TRAINING FOR YOUTH

Antonio Villalobos introduces the training course after an opening Eucharist. Courtesy of Fr. Mike Reaume

Earlier this month, the Taller Obrero in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, a Marianist-sponsored training school, began a program in air conditioning and refrigeration for young people 15 to 20 years of age with limited means. The course is offered free and without compensation to Antonio Villalobos, a former teacher at the Taller Obrero who now works for the state oil company. To help with the project, many people and businesses in Coatzacoalcos donated materials which will provide a path towards employment for area youth.

SCENES FROM THE MARIANIST DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Fr. John Manahan (DeSales Crossings, Cincinnati) is inviting all brothers to “Blog About a Book.” Fr. John recently read Sr. Joan Chittister’s latest book “The Gift of Years: Growing Old Gracefully,” which was written as she turned 70. “Much of it resonated with me,” said Fr. John. “Province demographics are clear. We are well into the ‘wisdom years.’” Fr. John invites all brothers to read this book over the next two months. On July 15, a blog will be available on the PORTAL for brothers to discuss what the book says to them as individuals and in terms of the Province.

Bro. Harry Cornell (Central Catholic, San Antonio) takes volunteers to the SAMM Shelter for the homeless in San Antonio on Saturday mornings to help feed breakfast to the poor. After they have finished their work, Bro. Harry invites the volunteers to the brothers' dining room at Central Catholic where they are treated to a pancake breakfast made by Bro. Jim Burkholder.

In the Central Catholic community dining room, James Bendele (biology teacher), Mark Varela, Julian Casabar, Rachel Soucie, Daniel Vasquez, Fr. Don Cowie, Sean Thrailkill, Bro. Jim Burkholder, Louis Soucie, Daniel Kauffman, Thomas Villalon, Ben Klaffke, Jose Gonzalez (math teacher and SM contact). Photo by Bro. Harry Cornell.

Bro. Ray Fitz (Stonemill-Kiefaber, Dayton) gave a lecture in February at the University of Dayton on “The Marianist Movement and the Challenge of Urban Justice and Reconciliation: An Interim Report on a Conversation.” Read the lecture.

Bro. Don Smith (Meyer Hall, Dayton) is featured in a May 7 article in the Dayton Daily News about his new art exhibit at Gallery Saint John in Dayton. “The Many Dimensions of Clay” is on display through June 28. Read the article.

Fr. Jim Heft (Los Angeles) has published articles in Origins (a documentary service of Catholic News Service), entitled The New Atheism, Really?; in Horizons: Journal of the College Theology Society, entitled Evolution and Catholicism: A Few Modest Proposals; in Catholic Education: A Journal of Inquiry and Practice, entitled “Almost No Generalizations: Reflections on Catholic Studies.” He has been invited to speak in June in Cairo at the Al-Azhar University sponsored conference, “Islam and the West.” In July, the International Federation of Catholic Universities has invited Fr. Jim to speak in Honduras on “Catholic Intellectual Life and Catholic Universities.”

Bro. John Samaha (Cupertino, Calif.) was invited as a jubilarian to give the reflection at the annual Mass celebrating religious life on May 9 in the Diocese of San Jose. Read Bro. John’s reflection.

Bro. Mel Meyer (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) will be exhibiting new watercolor paintings through June 17 at the Marianist Galleries in St. Louis.

On May 29, 2009, Ray McCracken will retire as assistant director of programs at NACMS. His accomplishments at NACMS included mentoring several interns, conducting major research projects—Lest We Forget and a study guide on the Marian Dimension of Church,— shepherding the NACMS Conversation Group and VLC course development, and facilitating many programs for Marianist and diocesan ministries. Read more.

Joanne McCracken, wife of Ray McCracken and a Marianist Lay Affiliate from New Jersey, recently visited with the Marianist community in Dublin. Bro. Jim Contadino was the tour guide for Joanne and Susan Buckley, a Marianist Lay Affiliate from Dublin. Joanne and Susan are members of the “cyber” Marianist community (Our Lady of the Round Table) and met in person for the first time in Dublin. Courtesy of Bro. Jim

Susan, Bro. Jim and Joanne

Neomi DeAnda, St. Mary's University alum and Marianist Volunteer Program steering committee co-chair, co-authored a chapter in "Building Bridges, Doing Justice Constructing a Latino/a Ecumenical Theology," available from Orbis Books. Find out more about the book.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Marianist Sharing Fund. Bro. Frank O'Donnell (right) presents a check from the Marianist Sharing Fund to Bro. Jerry O'Leary, CFX, chair of the Murphy Initiative Steering Council, and Sr. Diane Bardol, GNSH, executive director of the Murphy Initiative for Justice and Peace. The Murphy Initiative is a group of 14 religious orders that advocates and lobbies for social justice issues in Baltimore. Bro. Frank is a board member; Bro. Jerry Sullivan is on the steering council. Courtesy of Bro. Jerry. Immigration Reform. Bro. Jerry Sullivan with Sr. Diane Bardol, GNSH, and Sr. Patricia Kirk, OSB, at the May 1 “March on the White House” in Washington, D.C., for immigration legislation reform. Courtesy of Bro. Jerry Reflections on East St. Louis. The ideas of the late Fr. William Ferree on Catholic social teaching are mentioned in an article on the Helium Web site about dying cities and towns. East St. Louis, Ill., is used as the example. The Province Office of Peace & Justice is involved in a project to help revitalize East St. Louis that is described in the article. Read the article. One Way to Care for the Earth. Change your light bulbs. One significant place to curb energy use is in the light bulb socket. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CPL) are the newest way a small purchase can make a big change. These spiral shaped bulbs may cost more, but they use one-fourth the energy and can be found anywhere light bulbs are sold.

EASTER AT THE BALTIMORE COMMUNITY

The Baltimore community hosted the Sykesville community for Easter. Shown are Mrs. Eleanor O’Donnell (back to camera), Bro. Frank O’Donnell, Frs. Rich Villa, Richard Kuhn, Terry Weik, Dave McGuigan and Paul Reich and Bro. Jesse O’Neill. Photo by Bro. Jerry Sullivan

MARIANISTS HELP SISTERS CELEBRATE 150 YEARS IN HAWAI’I

On May 3, the Sacred Hearts Sisters of Jesus and Mary celebrated the 150th anniversary of their arrival in Hawai’i. They invited all the religious orders and their friends on Oahu for Mass at the Cathedral and a sunset dinner cruise for special guests. Enjoying the cruise with Dominican Sisters are Bros. Jim Dods, Tom Payne and Dennis Schmitz. Courtesy of Bro. José Degorio

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . PURCELL MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL announced that Paul Ramstetter will become principal effective July 1, 2009. He will succeed Al Early, who was appointed president of PM in January. Mr. Ramstetter comes to PM after 31 years with Cincinnati public schools in roles as teacher, high school principal and assistant high school principal, as well as central office positions including manager of career-technical and adult education and disciplinary hearing officer. He also taught and coached at McNicholas High School. Welcome Paul! Read more. CHAMINADE JULIENNE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. At a May 8 assembly, CJ recognized its student body for a combined contribution of 8,712 hours of community service. “The latest statistics tell us that the value of an hour of volunteering is $20.25. In other words, your service has contributed $176,418 to our local, national and international communities,” Kelli Kinnear, ministry and service director, told the student body. Read more. CJ students pack lunches for the working poor at a St. Vincent de Paul shelter in Dayton ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL in St. Louis hosted its seventh annual track and field meet for 100 Special Olympians from the St. Louis Special School District. “I tell the boys to set aside what’s good for them and do what’s good for our guests,” said teacher Charlie Walsh, who helped coordinate the event. “The boys consistently rise to the challenge and show the Special Olympians real Marianist hospitality.” Seniors Kyle Chestnas and Connor Jones encourage Special Olympian Michael Rhodes as he prepares to toss a Frisbee at a target. Junior Scott Reilly (right) congratulates Special Olympian William Granderson upon the lighting of the Olympic torch. COLEGIO SAN JOSÉ seniors earned one-third of the scores among the top 100 scores in the College Entrance Examination Board of the Puerto Rico College Board. In addition, CSJ has one Presidential Scholar finalist. Courtesy of Marilú Vicens CSJ class of 2009 ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY. Of the 94 percent of the graduating seniors who responded to a post graduate survey, 28 percent have already secured employment. This is eight percent higher than the national average, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Read more. NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. On May 12, several students were honored with Marianist awards, including Jenn Dulski (Adèle Award for missionary spirit), Lexie DeRiggi (The Lalanne Award for outstanding student), John Klocko (The Family of Mary Award for generosity and hospitality), Jess Hartman (The Lamourous Award for other-centered outreach) and Matt Puwalowski (The Chaminade Award for improvement and coping with adversity). Congratulations to the award winners! UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON is celebrating the anniversaries of the U.S. Catholic Special Collection and the Marian Library — unique repositories of Catholic knowledge and learning located in the university's Roesch Library. Fr. Johann Roten is director of the International Marian Research Institute. Fr. Tom Thompson is the director of the Marian Library. Read more. UD IS A LEADER IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SATISFACTION. The University of Dayton ranked first overall among 13 Ohio colleges and universities, according to an International Student Barometer survey conducted during the fall 2008 semester. UD had the highest average score in three out of four categories, taking the top spot for learning, living and support services. Read more. CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL students collected 21,096 diapers for Seton Home, a residential facility that provides shelter and support services for homeless pregnant or parenting teens and their babies. The collection saved Seton Home approximately $7,200.

SAVE THE DATE …

On Friday, Oct. 2, the faculty and staff of St. Louis Marianist schools will gather at St. Mary’s High School. Local Marianists are welcome to attend. The guest speaker will be Dr. Jody Wood, who will speak on brain development.

All Marianists who have served at St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis are invited to the 50th anniversary celebration next school year. A more formal invitation will be extended later. Please mark your calendars for Oct. 17.

A MEXICAN CELEBRATION IN CUPERTINO

On May 5, Cinco de Mayo, the brothers in the Cupertino care center celebrated with a mid-day margarita social. Shown are hombres Dan Triulzi (left) and Jim Imhof. Courtesy of Nancy Romano

OOPS …

In the May 6 issue of FamilyOnline St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay should have been identified as Bro. Leo Slay’s nephew. We apologize for the error!

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

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

MARIAN LIBRARY. Read the Spring 2009 issue of the Marian Library Newsletter by Fr. Tom Thompson.

MLNNA. Read the May 2009 of MLNNA E-News, the newsletter of the Marianist Lay Network of North America.

NACMS. Read about the spring and summer online course offerings from the NACMS Virtual Learning Community.

CFL. Read the May 2009 issue of The Tidings, the newsletter of the Christian Family Living Center in Topsail, N.C.

JUST ONE MORE ...

OLE!

Frs. Bob Hertweck (left) and Lawrence Mann get in character to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Courtesy of Nancy Romano

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

MAY

JUNE

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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 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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