Volume 3, Number 23
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004

MARIANIST 'FACES OF THE FUTURE' AT DAYTON WEEKEND

Novices, aspirants and other temporary professed are pictured at the Marianist Formation Weekend held Nov. 12-13 at the Bergamo Center in Dayton. Bro Jack Somerville (E. Patterson Rd., Dayton) delivered a presentation on the vow of poverty. The weekend program is an annual event coordinated by the Province office of religious life.

BRO. GLODEK ATTENDING INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Bro. Steve Glodek is a U.S. representative to the International Congress on Religious Life held Nov. 22-27, 2004, in Rome. The Congress gathers religious leaders from around the world to recognize the action of the Spirit in consecrated life and to act together with renewed passion for Christ and humanity. There are discussions on enculturation, inter-religious dialogue, solidarity in a world of exclusion, congregational culture, justice and peace, mass media, celibacy, Scripture, corporate transformation, community as mission, partnership with the laity, leadership and authority and the ecclesial dimensions of consecrated life.

PROVINCE VOCATION OFFICE HUMMING

Bro. Charles Johnson, Province vocation director, shows off the new banner which will be displayed at booths at vocation and youth conferences throughout the United States. Art by Bro. Steve Erspamer. Jill Pfeiffer in the office of communications assisted Bro. Charles in producing the banner.

Bro. Charles has created a visual prayer aid for members of the Province to pray for all those in formation: temporary professed, novices and aspirants. He has sent to senior members framed photos of those in formation with the words "please pray for" and the person's name and location. Shown: Bro. Sean Downing. "I wanted the senior brothers to be able to 'put a face with a name,'" said Bro. Charles.

SEND COMMENTS ABOUT PROVINCE FINANCE POLICIES

Fr. Jim Fitz, chair of the Province Directory Committee, reports that the committee integrated the suggestions of the Chapter into a draft text on Province financial policies that was sent to communities and members of the Province. Comments on the draft should be mailed or e-mailed to Fr. Jim at the Provincial Offices no later than Jan. 7, 2005 (jfitz@sm-usa.org.) Suggestions will be integrated into a new draft submitted to the Province and the Provincial Chapter for the March 2005 session. The draft is available on the PORTAL at www.marianist.com/portal/

BRO. FRANCIS KIM ORDAINED IN KOREA

Congratulations and prayers to Fr. Francis Il Young Kim, who was ordained a priest Nov. 20, 2004, at Sangok-dong Church, Incheon, Korea. Pictured from left, Frs. Fidelis Kim, Francis Kim, Timothy Kim, Regional Superior, and Joe Lackner, assistant for developing regions.

The Most Rev. Boniface Choi, D.D., bishop of Incheon Diocese, Korea, ordained Fr. Francis Nov. 20, 2004.

MARIANIST FAMILY COUNCIL MEETS IN ST. LOUIS

The Marianist Family Council of North America met Nov. 13, 2004, at the Province offices in St. Louis. The Council supports two initiatives: the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) and a joint venture on Marianist lay formation. Council members are Bro. Stephen Glodek and Fr. Jim Fitz, Society of Mary; Sr. Evangeline Escobar and Sr. Marcy Loehrlein, Marianist Sisters; and Marge Cavanaugh and Jean Canning, Marianist Lay Network of North America (MLNNA). Fr. Jim Fitz was chosen as chair for a two-year term, replacing Marge Cavanaugh. Joan McGuinness Wagner, director of the Lay Marianist Formation Initiative, reported on the program’s progress. The Council also received the annual report of the MSJC and a summary of the work of its issue teams. To read the meeting news release, please click here:

MAKIN' MUSIC

Eucharist musicians perform for a gathering with lay Marianists at the Marianist Formation Weekend held Nov. 12-13 at the Bergamo Center in Dayton, from left, Sr. Laura Leming, Novices Luke Hoenigman and Dennis Bautista and Aspirant Bob Jones.

EDUCATION MEETINGS IN SAN ANTONIO, ST. LOUIS

Fr. Tim Kenney and the Province Office of Education hosted two successful meetings in November. The School Administrators Conference, comprised of presidents and principals of secondary and middle schools sponsored by the Marianists, met Nov. 8-10 at the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio. The schools have a combined faculty of more than 1,300 teachers and almost 14,000 students. At the meeting, 35 administrators gathered with Province personnel to discuss Catholic, Marianist identity. From Nov. 11-14, Fr. Tim reports that 40 teachers from Marianist schools gathered at the “Teaching as Ministry” (TAM) meeting in St. Louis. Fr. Tim hosted a Eucharist and dinner for the teachers on Nov. 13 at the Province offices.

A busy group: Fr. Tim Kenney, director (top), with Bro. Gene Meyerpeter and Mary Perotti of the Province office of education. Not shown: Bro. John Habjan

SECTOR OF MEXICO ASSEMBLY

The Sector of Mexico held its annual assembly Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at Taller Obrero in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, to discuss changes to their mission statement and updates on vocation, formation, ministry and community life. The assembly unanimously voted to request becoming a District, dependent upon the U.S. Province. Sector members shared comments about statutes for the new District, which the sector council will formulate.

Front row, from left: Novice Gobi Torres, Bro. Fermín García and Bro. Raymundo Domínguez. Second row, from left: Fr. Quentin Hakenewerth, Pre-novice Ricardo Mejía and Bros. Servando Méndez, Juan García, Roberto Hanss and Régulo García. Third row, from left: Pre-novice Uziel Verduzco, Bros. Esteban Reyes and Nicolás Castilla, Pre-novice Nereo Ramírez, Bros. Rafael Neumann and Rogelio Bau, Fr. Mario González-Simancas, Bro. Roberto Rapp, Jesús Ruíz, Bro. Lorenzo McBride, Fr. Miguel Barber and Pre-novice Juan José Ochoa. Not pictured: Fr. Paul Neumann

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS SET

Congratulations to our 2005 jubilarians! Here are the locations and dates of the five Province jubilee celebrations:

• San Antonio: Saturday, April 9, 2005
• Honolulu: Friday, May 13, 2005
• St. Louis: Sunday, June 5, 2005
• Dayton: Sunday, Aug. 14, 2005
• San Francisco: Sunday, Aug. 14, 2005

THE LITTLEST ANGEL

In celebration of the Marianist World Day of Prayer on Oct. 10, approximately 200 people attended Mass at Queen of Apostles Chapel at Mount St. John in Dayton. The Mass was followed by a reception at Bergamo Center. Pictured at the reception, from left, novice Isak Keyman-Ige (Marianist novitiate), baby Jakob Burdick and Bro. Hugh Bihl (Marianist novitiate).

LITURGY COMMISSION MEETS IN DAYTON

Bro. Mike O'Grady, assistant for religious life, reports that the Province Liturgy Commission (Bros. Steve Erspamer, chair; Rich Villa, Jack Somerville, Mike O'Grady and Fr. Jerry Chinchar) met at the Stonemill Avenue community Oct. 15-16. The committee worked on revision of the ritual texts for entrance into the order and responsibilities for the liturgies for Province retreats; created a "to-do" list for retreat liturgists; revised the Marianist Book of Prayers; reviewed a prayer booklet for Chaminade Day celebrations on Jan. 22; and, reviewed Province funeral celebrations.

CHRISTMAS PARTY, ST. LOUIS

You're invited! The Curé of Ars Community invites all Marianists in the St. Louis area to the annual Christmas party on Dec. 27 at St. John Vianney High School. Festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. with Eucharist in the school chapel. A social and dinner in the Griffin Café will follow. RSVP by Dec. 23 to Fr. Bill Wightman at 314.965.0727.

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

Bro. Maurice Brissinger (Province of France), 73, who died Nov. 18, 2004, in Mittelwihr (Alsace) France. May he rest in peace. Bro. Maurice's obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.

Bro. Mauro Curiel (Province of Zaragoza), 79, who died Nov. 6, 2004, in Barcelona, Spain. May he rest in peace. To read Bro. Mauro's obituary, please click here:

Fr. José Antonio Fernández (Province of Madrid), 81, who died Nov. 7, 2004, in Madrid. May he rest in peace. To read Fr. José's obituary, please click here:

George Rogers, who died of a heart attack on Nov. 17, 2004. May he rest in peace. George was the uncle of Bro. Jack Ventura (Lindell Blvd., St. Louis).

Please also pray for the repose of the soul of Thomas Brassington, Sr. (father of former member Thomas Brassington, Jr.), Terry Fulkerson, Magdalena Kainz, Peggy Lamb, Charles Loscalzo, Vicky Tolman and Earl Young. For more information about these intentions, please click here:

WILD GRAPE VINES, ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

Photo courtesy of Bro. Bob Resing, S.M. Bro. Bob's images are available for sale as note cards or prints. To order, contact Bro. Bob at rresing@sm-usa.org.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Fr. Vincent Plassenthal (Villalba, Puerto Rico), who will have carpal tunnel surgery on Nov. 24, 2004.

Bernetta Duffy, who has inoperable cancer in her neck. Bernetta is the aunt and godmother of Bro. Bob Donovan (Elm St., Cincinnati).

The sister of Fr. Robert Hoeper (Mercy Siena, Dayton), who will undergo surgery for breast cancer.

Donald Hanson, who has liver cancer. Donald is the cousin of Bro. Ed Loch (Central Catholic, San Antonio).

Please also pray for the Coppa Family, Andrea Hafele, four-year-old Hazen, Tony Lekan, John Lipker and Jim Rider. To read more about these intentions, please click here:

PRAYER REQUESTS

To read the Nov. 22, 2004, prayer requests from the General Administration, please click here:

SENDING LIGHT TO INDIA: MARIANIST SHARING FUND

Bro. John Gracious Minj (far left) with children from the Prabhat Tara Middle School in Ranchi, India, who are posing with their solar lanterns, purchased with a $5,000 grant from the Marianist Sharing Fund. The lanterns were given to school children whose homes lack electricity and whose families cannot afford kerosene lamps. Bro. Ananias Tete (Ranchi, India) showed the students how to use the lanterns. The Marianist Sharing Fund grants financial assistance to projects that help the poor and vulnerable in an effort to share the Province's financial resources with other social justice and direct service projects.

DEPARTURES

The Holy Father has granted dispensation from perpetual vows to Stephen Johnson and Agustin Guzman. Stephen will continue as a professor of education at Santa Clara University in California. Agustin will enter the novitiate of the Congregation of the Oratory in South Carolina. The Province community offers its gratitude to Stephen and Agustin for their years of service. We pray for God's blessings to them.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: United Nations; Fund Deadline, Conscientious Shopping Myles McCabe Province Director of Peace & Justice mmccabe@sm-usa.org Bro. Steve O’Neil’s work at the United Nations: To read Bro. Steve’s Nov. 18 issue of the “Marianist NGO Report,” please click here: Visit the Marianist NGO website at www.marianistngo.org/reports.htm. Featured website/article: At least five members of our Province and 35 students and faculty from UD attended the recent Call to Action conference; visit the website http://www.cta-usa.org/ Zogby poll – post election - for a fascinating read on the issues that effected voting, please click here. Marianist Sharing Fund Deadline – 01/07/05: The guidelines and application forms for the Sharing Fund are available at http://www.marianist.com/grants/ Be a Conscientious Christmas Shopper - Help Eliminate Sweatshops: Visit the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative website at www.msjc.net that discusses a good way to shop this Christmas season.

PEACE & JUSTICE DIRECTOR VISITS NEW YORK

Myles McCabe, Province director of Peace and Justice, visited the Rockaway Park, N.Y., community on Nov. 10 to discuss his efforts in his new role. The visit was the first of several regional visits to communities. (SEE SCHEDULE BELOW). In attendance at the meeting, from left: Bros. Ray Miklich, John Collins, and Steve O'Neil; Frs. Tom Doyle and Paul Landolfi; Bro. Ray Gohring (visiting from Africa); Myles McCabe; and Bro. Walt Oberster.

MEETING SCHEDULE: MYLES MCCABE

RECTORS OFFICE AT UD

Things are a-changin' at the rector's office at the University of Dayton. Fr. Gene Contadino, who has served as UD's rector for nine years, will step down from the role on June 30 to work with UD President Daniel Curran to promote the university's mission to alumni and friends. Kathleen Norman is the office's new director of Marianist strategies for faculty, staff and administration. Kate Henry is the new administrative assistant. Best wishes to Fr. Gene, Kathleen, Kate and the entire staff.

The UD Rector’s Office has been busy, from left: Sue Zielinski, Joan McGuinness Wagner, Fr. Gene Contadino, Kate Henry and Kathleen Norman

WHO'S DOING WHAT

Bro. Mel Meyer (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) was named one of this year's 25 "Ageless - Remarkable St. Louisans" by St. Andrew's Resources for Seniors (STARS), a faith-based, non-profit organization in St. Louis. More than 600 people attended a dinner and awards celebration for the honorees on Nov. 14. Congratulations, Bro. Mel!

Bro. Mel Meyer, an "Ageless - Remarkable St. Louisan." Photo courtesy of David Stradal Photography.

Bro. John Habjan (left) with Anthony Carter

Bro. John Habjan (Maryland Ave., St. Louis) received the Brother Eveslage award for outstanding service to Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati on Nov. 3, 2004, at a dinner with parents, alums and students. Bro. John is credited with bringing the “Characteristics of Marianist Education” to Moeller. He also presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to Anthony Carter (’79).

Help Bros. Bob Wiethorn and Bill Grundish (DeSales Crossings, Cincinnati) and their ministry at "Mercy Connections" by purchasing a 2005 calendar called the “Hidden Treasures of Cincinnati” for $15. Visit www.mercycon.org (click on "Hidden Treasures") or e-mail Bro. Bob at brobobwiethorn@mercycon.org and he won't charge you shipping!

Bro. Ken Jung (Chaminade-Waldron, St. Louis) won three ribbons at a baking contest held Nov. 4 in St. Louis. Bro. Ken's rhubarb pie won second place in the pie category. His "energy spread" won second place in the special recipes category, and his honey treats won third prize in the cookie category.

Bro. Ed Loch (Central Catholic, San Antonio), was interviewed on Nov. 15 by San Antonio television station WOAI for a special report, "Treasures of the Archives," about the San Antonio Archdiocese's collection of Catholic artifacts. Bro. Ed has served as the archivist for the archdiocese for 17 years. Kudos to Bro. Ed.

Bro. Aaron Sonnenburg (Jackson Street, Hollywood, Fla.) was having lunch with alumni from Chaminade-Madonna High School when this terrific photo was taken. Aaron is director of the school's alumni relations/adult faith formation, a teacher of freshman theology, and assistant vocation director for the Province.

Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, director of the Marianist Environmental Education Center, was among a select group of scholars and national religious leaders who attended the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops consultation, "The Person, the Poor and the Common Good - A Catholic Dialogue on the Environment" held Oct. 29-31, 2004, at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

MYSTERY MARIANIST

Who is this elegant young brother with the bowler hat? The photo was taken sometime in the 1930s. A hint: He lives at the Marianist Residence in San Antonio. Scroll down for the answer!

WE NEED YOUR ADDRESSES!

The fall/winter 2004 issue of ALIVE magazine is on its way. We'd like to expand our mailing list. To add a friend or family member to the mailing list of ALIVE, e-mail Ann Mueller at amueller@sm-usa.org.

2004-2005 PERSONNEL

TO READ CHANGES TO THE PERSONNEL, please click here: NEED MORE COPIES OF THE PERSONNEL? Just e-mail Ann Mueller at amueller@sm-usa.org

OUT AND ABOUT

To read the upcoming travel schedule of members of the Provincial staff in St. Louis, please click here:

NEW AFFILIATES IN WISCONSIN

Welcome to Marie Kraehenbuehl and Cherie Schwertel, two new Lay Marianist Affiliates who were accepted on Nov. 13 in Galesville, Wis. Standing, front row, from left, Bro. Ken Jung, Dolorous Heffner, Vivienne Grant, Marie and Cherie; back row, from left: Theresa Haines, Barbara Hammer, Evelyn Grover, Darleen Lunde (leader) and Fr. Al McMenamy, spiritual advisor for affiliates in the midwest and southwest areas. Not shown: Bernadine Emerson, Ruth Maas and Russell Grant

PROVINCIAL OFFICES CLOSED

The Provincial offices in St. Louis will be closed Nov. 25-26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

LIFE FOCUS GROUP MEETS IN PHILLY

The Marianist LIFE (Living in Faith Experience) Young Adult Focus Group gathered Nov. 12-14 at the Marianist LIFE National Office in Philadelphia. These LIFE moderators, current and past coordinating team members, and past participants of LIFE programs met to discern the next step for graduating high school students involved with LIFE programs. Pictured in "Love Park," from left, Todd DeCosta, Cristin Lush, Jane Rombach, Jess Lisjak, Clare Savage, Jennifer Talley, Brian Reavey (national coordinator for Marianist LIFE), and Henry Van de Putte.

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

CAPE MAY. To read the November issue of Beacon.com, the e-newsletter of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May, N.J., please click here:

REDS. To read the November 2004 issue of the newsletter from the Ragpickers Education Development Scheme (REDS) from Bro. Darwin Joseph, please click here:

Note: To view PDF files, you need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free of charge at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. If you're opening a "PDF" file and the publication is too small, pull down the "percentage" menu and increase the percentage to 100 percent or higher for easy viewing.

SCHOOL NEWS

The University of Dayton' s entrepreneurship program is the 15th best program in the nation for students who want to learn how to start their own businesses, according to The Princeton Review and Forbes.com.

VASJ STUDENTS SEND TREATS TO TROOPS

Students at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School (VASJ) in Cleveland baked, packaged and shipped 9,000 Christmas cookies to U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. VASJ students began baking the cookies on Oct. 31. They shipped the cookies in 320 decorated shoeboxes complete with Christmas cards designed by art classes and penned by religion classes. The school's Marianist LIFE (Living In Faith Experience) club collected the shoeboxes. Local businesses donated funding for postage, cookie ingredients, and decorating materials.

A VASJ student decorates a few of the cookies baked for U.S. troops in Iraq. Holzheimer Foods of Euclid, Ohio donated the decorating materials..

VASJ students started baking 750 dozen Christmas cookies on Oct. 31 for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. Sysco Food Services of Cleveland donated the ingredients for the cookies.

A THOUGHT

ARE YOUR DATES POSTED ON THE CALENDAR?

A calendar that lists events involving Marianist brothers, Marianist sisters and lay Marianists is now available at www.marianist.com/calendar. The calendar also is available on the PORTAL at www.marianist.com/portal. If you'd like an event included, send the event, date, location and contact information to Pat Stephens at pstephens@sm-usa.org.

MYSTERY MARIANIST UNVEILED . . .

It's Bro. Eugene Feld (Marianist Residence, San Antonio)!

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

November

ABOUT FamilyOnline

Editor: Diane Guerra; assistant: Ann Mueller. This biweekly e-mail newsletter 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. 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. Please 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 find a solution, 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: To subscribe, visit http://www.marianist.com/subscribe.htm. UNSUBSCRIBE: To unsubscribe, visit http://www.marianist.com/subscribe.htm.