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NINE MAKE NOVITIATE PROMISE IN KENYA, AFRICA

At the ceremony, Bro. Jomo Mwaura, novice director (far left) and Fr. Allen DeLong, assistant novice director (far right), with the nine new novices: Shadrack Malesi, Wisdom Nyondo, Elvis Oweya, Epidius Ngosa, Frank Sandiko, Kennedy Bwalya, Paul Katumbi, Dancun Onyango and Andrew Kahama

On Sunday, Sept. 27, nine young men from Kenya, Zambia and Malawi made promises to enter the novitiate. The three second-year novices renewed their promises. Guests joined the Marianist novitiate community from Vincent House (scholasticate) and Makadara Community (District House). The ceremony was followed by brunch. Congratulations to the new novices!

The entire novitiate community in Limuru, Kenya, poses for a portrait. With the twelve novices are Bro. Phillip Kimeu (standing, far left), Bro. Thomas Oster (back, right); Bro. Chola Mulenga, district superior (standing, far right), Fr. Allen DeLong (seated, left) and Bro. Jomo Mwaura, community director (seated, right).

STRATEGIC PLAN IS TOPIC OF DIRECTORS MEETING

At the directors meeting, Fr. Dave Schuyler, Fr. Bob Hackel, Bro. Jim Burkholder and, grinning in the background, Bro. Gary Morris. Photos courtesy of Bro. Brian Halderman

The annual weekend gathering for directors of Marianist communities was held Oct. 2 to 4 at Vallombrosa Center, Menlo Park, Calif.  The major topic of the weekend was the Strategic Planning process of the Province. According to Facilitator Tony Fitzgerald, directors were affirming of the plan. “Directors had wonderful sharings about many subjects, including what it means to be attractive witnesses to the charism of Blessed Chaminade and the meaning of partnership in mission and forming faith-filled leaders for the Church.” The directors will lead discussions with their communities regarding the plan in October and November. The Strategic Plan will be finalized at the March 2010 Province Chapter meeting in St. Louis. Also included in the weekend were a review of the Provincial Council’s goals and directions, the Province budget, and the plans for the General Council visitation to the Province. Fr. Jim Fitz coordinated the gathering. 

Clockwise from top, Fr. Chris Conlon and Bro. Kevin Whelan; Bros. Joe Markel, Tom Giardino and Tom Suda; Bro. Charlie Wanda with Tony Fitzgerald; and Bro. Tony Pistone, Provincial Stephen Glodek, Fr. Jim Tobin and Bro. Joe Grieshaber

NEWS FROM VOCATIONS

DISCERNMENT DAYS BEGIN AT WEST HILLS COMMUNITY

At the West Hills “Discernment Day,” Bro. LeRoy Viera, Heribertus Denny, Bro. Skip Matthews, Joe Melendrez, Fr. Jim Mueller, Alejo Perez, Agustinus Widjaja and Bro. Tony Pistone. Courtesy of Bro. Jim Wisecaver

On Sept. 27, the Marianist community in West Hills, Calif., had its first “Discernment Day” for the school year. Contacts Heribertus Denny and Joe Melendrez and inquirers Alejo Perez and Agustinus Widjaja attended. After morning prayer and liturgy, the group enjoyed a brunch prepared by Bros. LeRoy Viera and Jim Wisecaver and Heribertus. After brunch, they discussed the stages of Marianist development from inquirer to final vows.

ASPIRANTS GATHER FOR RETREAT IN SAN ANTONIO

At the retreat, Fr. John Thompson, Aspirants Brandon Paluch, Hugo Bastida, Andrew Caruso and Nhan Nguyen, Fr. George Cerniglia, Bro. Jesse O’Neill and Aspirant Norman Capinpin. Photos courtesy of Norman

Bro. Jesse O’Neill and Fr. John Thompson facilitated a retreat for the aspirants  Sept. 25 to Sept. 27 at the Our Lady of Czestochowa Retreat House in San Antonio. Fr. George Cerniglia, director of aspirants, also was present for the weekend. Aspirant Michael Chiuri, who is currently residing with the Marianists in Winnipeg, Canada, participated via phone.

The aspirants enjoying the day in San Antonio

IN MISSION WITH MARY

Bro. Benjamin Mwai, Maria del Pilar, Our Lady of Nazareth volunteer,
and Fr. Allen DeLong in Kitale, Kenya

“To help our common mission and family spirit grow, the Chapter encourages all the Units to exchange religious on a temporary basis.” 2.3.1

“. . . we invite our older or retired brothers to support our younger Units with the gift of their presence and experience.” 2.3.2

Fr. Joe Lackner, assistant for developing regions, asks all brothers to reflect on the passages above and consider a sabbatical of service or a longer period of service in one of the Province’s Districts (Eastern Africa, India, Mexico or the Philippines). There are opportunities to help in formation programs and teaching. Some of the Districts are especially in need of sacramental service. Fr. Allen DeLong turned a sabbatical into an extended stay. “I was surprised when Fr. Joe Lackner asked me to teach at the scholasticate in India,” said Fr. Allen. “I accepted because it seemed like an adventure. After only a few days there, I began to experience what a wonderful opportunity it was.” Read more. For more information regarding a sabbatical, contact Fr. George Cerniglia. Contact Fr. Joe Lackner if you are interested in a longer period of service in one of the Districts.

Images taken by Fr. Allen while on safari in Masai Mara, Kenya

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

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

RETREAT CENTER DIRECTORS MEET IN ST. LOUIS

At the Provincial Office, Bros. Paul Bredestege and Jack Ventura, Kay Tally-Foos (Tecaboca), Mary Schrader (Tecaboca), Anthony Fucci (Cape May) and Dick Flack (Bergamo). Not pictured, Sr. Paulette Patritti (MRCC)

Representatives from the Marianist retreat centers met in St. Louis Sept. 28 to Sept. 30 at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka, Mo., for their annual meeting. Bro. Jack Ventura, Office of Religious Life, was the facilitator. The group welcomed Kay Tally-Foos, who is the new director of Tecaboca in Mountain Home, Texas. The meeting included a tour of the Provincial Office in St. Louis and an opportunity to visit with the staff members.

ST. LOUIS MARIANIST SCHOOLS HOLD ANNUAL EVENT

At the Marianist schools event, Fr. Mitch Doyen (St. Mary’s president), Kevin Hacker (St. Mary’s principal), Judy Talleur, principal of Our Lady of the Pillar, Mike Loyet (St. John Vianney president), Larry Keller (St. John Vianney principal), Mike Bander (CCP middle school principal), Dr. Louis Peters (CCP high school principal) and Fr. Ralph Siefert (CCP president)

Administrators, faculty and staff from Chaminade College Preparatory, St. Mary’s High School, St. John Vianney High School and Our Lady of the Pillar grade school gathered at St. Mary’s  Oct. 2 for the annual St. Louis Marianist schools day. The keynote speaker was Dr. Jody Wood of the Educational Leadership Department of St. Louis University, who spoke on “Brain Compatible Strategies for Student Success.” After the talk, Mass was celebrated in the St. Mary’s gymnasium. Fr. Ralph Siefert was the main celebrant and homilist. Fr. Gerry Hammel gave the blessing and presided over the commissioning ceremony. A luncheon and social followed with Fr. Mitch Doyen serving as master of ceremonies.

MARIANIST EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATES MAKE COMMITMENT

Marianist Educational Associates at Chaminade University of Honolulu gathered Sept. 30 for a commitment ceremony. Shown is Kapono Ryan, CUH communications director and newest MEA, making her initial commitment to Bro. Jerry Bommer, CUH rector. In the background are returning MEAs who made a recommitment to the program. MEAs are members of the university community intentionally committed to strengthening and developing the Catholic and Marianist mission of Marianist universities. Courtesy of Kay Stone

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

Please pray also for the brother of Barb Belle, Don Eggleston, Sr., Jane Marie Glodek, Benita Ramirez, Bill Schwarze and Ella Tuss. Read more.

MASAI MARA, KENYA

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Fr. Michael Barber (District of Mexico)

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

Fr. Cris Janson (Holy Rosary, San Antonio)

The families of Bros. Brandon Alana and Roberto Rivera and Contacts Heribertus Denny and Julius Militante who are suffering from the natural disasters in Samoa, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The Samoan students at Chaminade University of Honolulu who have members of their extended families either missing or dead after the tsunami.

Please pray also for Greer King, Jim Mueller, Mary Lou Okruhlik, Lou Ann Peternell and Timothy Prevou. Read more.

BIRTHDAY TIME AT STONEMILL-KIEFABER IN DAYTON

LEFT: Bro. Tom Pieper (holding cake) and Fr. Jerry Chinchar present Bro. Charlie Wanda with a birthday cake during a community celebration Sept. 28; RIGHT: On Oct. 5 it was Aspirant Hugo Bastida’s turn for cake and birthday wishes. He is shown with Bro. Sean Downing.

WHO'S DOING WHAT. . .

Bro. Mel Meyer (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) will be signing copies of his new book, “Brother Mel, A Lifetime of Making Art,” on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Marianist Galleries in St. Louis. The book was written and published by Dr. Anne Brown. Copies of the book are available through The Arts Company (615.254.2040).

Isabella Moyer, president of the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities, is authoring a new blog. Its purpose is to give Marianist Family members background on current tasks, topics for reflection and a forum for discussion. Visit the blog.

IN INDIA WITH BRO. TOM WENDORF

UD English professor Bro. Tom Wendorf is teaching English 102 and World Literature this semester to the scholastics at Deepahalli in Bangalore, India. Clockwise from top, Bro. Tom (center) with Bros. Arul and Renny, who are holding a copy of Homer’s Odyssey; Bro. Darwin Joseph with Fr. Jack McGrath (who is assisting at the scholasticate); a cobra spotted by Bro. Tom; and Bro. Tom with Bros. Mervin, Peter, Kumar and Balaswamy in the scholasticate reading room

GOOD TO KNOW Oct. 12 Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar Oct. 12-13 Provincial Council meeting, Dayton Oct. 15-18 Marianist LIFE Regional Admin.Team meeting, Scottsdale Oct. 17 St. John Vianney High School 50th anniversary celebration, St. Louis MORE PERSONNEL CHANGES. Personnel updates for the Province Personnel book are posted for the brothers on the PORTAL only. They are not sent via e-mail. To access the most current personnel information, click on the “Personnel Information” link on the PORTAL homepage. 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 OCTOBER FEAST DAYS. Fr. George Cerniglia, assistant for religious life, writes about important feast days in October. Read Fr. George's letter. Read the list of October feast days.

MARIANIST CENTER IN PHILLY PRESENTS FAMILY RETREAT

The Marianist Center in Philadelphia and a team of lay and religious Marianists presented a family retreat in September in the home of the Foungs. The Foungs are part of a faith community in New Jersey that has been meeting on a monthly basis for five years for Bible study. This was their first “at home” retreat. Marianists who staffed the retreat were Deb and Alex Durand, Lou and Kathy Scibelli, Vince and Laura Mirigliani, Pati Krasensky, Stan Termini and Fr. Rich Kuhn (shown seated in photo).  Photo courtesy of Pati Krasensky.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Awakening the Dreamer. At the meeting, Marguerite Chandler, Myles McCabe, Erin Iturriaga, Brenda Fitzpatrick, Ann Hirt and  Tara Poling On Sept. 19, members of the Province Peace and Justice Office, Marianist Social Justice Collaborative and Marianist Environmental Education Center met in Dayton with Marguerite Chandler, a facilitator for the “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream” program. The group discussed the creation of a modified version of the MSJC's Global Economic Justice program. The new program will be available next year ACTION ALERT. On October 20 many religious orders are collaborating in a national day of action for healthcare reform.  Read more if you believe that healthcare reform should not wait any longer. GREEN TIPS. The Mount Saint John Green Team in Dayton offers several tips for using water wisely. Read Green Tips

“BIG AL” IS A HIT AT MACKEY MARIANIST LECTURE

Gathered around a painting of the late Fr. Mackey are Lay Marianist Jayne Mondoy (director of religious education for the Diocese of Honolulu and emcee for the lecture), Bro. Dennis Schmitz, Blessed Chaminade, Big Al, Fr. Joe Kempf and Bro. Bernie Ploeger (CUH president). Photo courtesy of Kapono Ryan

Saint Louis School, Chaminade University of Honolulu and the Marianist Center of Hawai’i once again jointly sponsored the Fr. Robert Mackey (first president of CUH) Marianist Lecture Sept. 27 at the Mystical Rose Oratory. The speaker was Fr. Joseph Kempf, a priest from the St. Louis Archdiocese, who, along with his puppet-friend “Big Al,” is noted for making the sacraments understandable to young and old. The lecture title was “Seeing God Through Tears: No One Cries the Wrong Way.”  In keeping with the spirit of the lecture, a Blessed Chaminade puppet introduced the speakers for the event.

Fr. Kempf and Big Al

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . . DANIEL J. GROSS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. Congratulations to Principal Dr. Dorothy Ostrowski, who was named 2009 Administrator of the Year by the Archdiocese of Omaha. Dorothy is in her 29th year as an educator at Gross Catholic and has served as principal since 2000.  Read more. CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL received a $4 million gift from the Tom and Gayle Benson family. The gift is the largest in CCHS history. In gratitude, the CCHS stadium was renamed in a special ceremony Sept. 18 in honor of the Benson’s son Bob, a 1966 CCHS graduate who died of cancer at age 37. Read more Gayle and Tom Benson present the $4 million check to Bro. Peter Pontolillo, CCHS president (far left); Fr. Joe Tarrillion, CCHS president emeritus (second from right); and Robert L. Elizondo. ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL in St. Louis is celebrating its 50th anniversary this school year. The school was founded when the former Marianist high school, Eugene Coyle, closed in 1960. The male students from Coyle were sent to the new St. John Vianney High School and the female students went to nearby Ursuline Academy. To celebrate the anniversary, Vianney and Ursuline students joined in Mass Sept. 24 at Vianney. Special guests included former Coyle High students. LEFT: Vianney school chaplain Fr. Tim Kenney chats with Ursuline Academy students; RIGHT: Vianney and Ursuline Academy students gather with former Coyle High School students Bobbie Garland and Jim Reilly NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. On Sept. 18, during the Marianist Martyrs liturgy, the Nolan Catholic LIFE Team was commissioned. LIFE Alumni—students and moderators— assisted with the ceremony. Courtesy of Toni Mesina

 FR. NORB CELEBRATES MASS WITH ST. MARY’S STUDENTS

Fr. Norb Brockman delivers the homily Sept. 24 during Mass at Founders Hall on the campus of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. The Casa María community and approximately 30 students gathered to celebrate Mass.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

MLC. Read the September 2009 issue of Gifts and Tasks, the newsletter of the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities.

MIV. Read the Sept. 2009 edition of the Marianist International Volunteers newsletter.

JUST ONE MORE . . .

BRO. BOB IS “NUMERO UNO”

Casa Maria community director Bro. Brian Halderman presents Bro. Bob Jones with the “Uno Cup” while Aspirant Norman Capinpin offers congratulations. Bro. Bob Jones totaled 128 cumulative points to capture the first Casa Maria community “Uno Cup” on Sept. 21. Read his reflection on the significance of this event.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

OCTOBER

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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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