Volume 4, Number 9
Tuesday, May 10, 2005

FR. TOM SCHROER NAMED MERCY SIENA DIRECTOR

Fr. Tom Schroer has been appointed director of the Marianist community at Mercy Siena in Dayton, Ohio, effective Aug. 15, 2005. Fr. Tom will continue his ministry as supervisory psychologist at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. Bro. Jim Vorndran, former director of Mercy Siena, will serve St. Anthony Parish in Wailuku, Maui, Hawai'i, beginning in July 2005. He presently lives at the Stonemill community, Dayton.

Bro. Jim at Mercy Siena

Judy Moehl has been appointed medical coordinator for the Marianist community at Mercy Siena. Fr. Tom and Judy will be assisted by the Mercy Siena support community, which includes Fr. Bob Backherms, Bro. Nick Rufo, Bro. Joe Mariscalco (Meyer Hall, Dayton) and Fr. Don Cahill, who becomes chaplain for the Mercy Siena complex in June 2005. Fr. Don currently serves at Our Lady of the Pillar parish in St. Louis. Until August, Fr. Bob will serve as acting director. Read the full announcement.

The Provincial Council thanks Fr. Tom, Fr. Bob and Fr. Don for their willingness to accept these ministries. The Council especially thanks Bro. Jim for outstanding service as director, especially his supervision of the transfer of the community from the Franciscan at St. Leonard's to Mercy Siena.

TWELVE PROFESS FIRST VOWS IN INDIA

Congratulations and blessings to 12 brothers who professed first vows on May 1, 2005, at the novitiate in Ranchi, India. Fr. Ignase Arulappen, regional superior of India, presided at the ceremony and received the brothers' vows. Bro. Libin Minj gave the homily. Approximately 600 friends and guests attended the luncheon celebration and cultural program in honor of the brothers.

At the May 1 profession of first vows, standing, from left, Bro. Augustine Kandulna, Bro. Binoy Kurian, Bro. Saghaya Raj M., Fr. Ignase, Bro. Lester Kaehler (novice master), Bro. Myla Ravi Babu, Bro. Justin Savari Raj L., Bro. Antony Xavier P.; kneeling, from left, Bro. Manoj Xalxo, Bro. Jyoti Prakash Minj, Bro. Erose Kujur, Bro. Ajay Babu N., Bro. Mariandu Belevendiran A., Bro. Ambrose S. V.

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER NOMINEES

The election procedure for delegates to the Provincial Chapter is underway. Ballots have been sent to every community for a final vote and are due to the Office of the Provincial no later than May 23, 2005. Brothers are being asked to vote for nominated individuals from each of the four former Provinces. Results will be announced on May 27. Those nominated are listed below.

Former Province of Cincinnati. Bro. Ed Brink, Bro. Tom Giardino,
Fr. Joe Kozar, Fr. Chris Wittmann
Former Province of New York. Bro. Reinaldo Berríos, Bro. Francisco González, Bro. Charles Johnson, Bro. Joe Lynch, Fr. Dave McGuigan,
Bro. Jack Ventura
Former Province of the Pacific. Fr. Roland Bunda, Bro. Jim Dods, Bro. John Haster, Fr. Stephen Tutas
Former Province of St. Louis. Fr. Bernie Lee, Bro. Tim Pieprzyca, Bro. Oscar Vasquez, Bro. Ed Violett

BOARD FORMATION TASK FORCE MEETS FOR FIRST TIME

The Marianist Board Formation Task Force met May 5-7 in St. Louis. The group is working to develop standards for governance and create a formation program for boards of Marianist ministries. Shown, from left, Alvan Sage, Bro. Gene Meyerpeter, Fr. Tim Kenney, Bro. Mike O'Grady, Carol Ramey, Lisa Gooding, Bro. Jack Ventura (co-chair), Tony Fitzgerald (co-chair) and Gary Liebl. Not shown: Joan McGuinness Wagner. For more information, visit www.marianist.com/fol (April 5, 2005, issue)

OPENINGS: MARIANIST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Marianist Volunteer Program (MVP) has openings for volunteers. If you know someone who is 21 or older and is looking for a year-long volunteer commitment beginning in August, please contact Dan Richter, MVP coordinator, at drichter@sm-usa.org. The MVP provides opportunities for men and women of faith to share in the Marianist charism by building a community for peace, justice and solidarity with the poor and marginalized. Domestic and international volunteer opportunities are available. Benefits include room and board, stipend and health insurance.

COLEGIO SAN JOSÉ STUDENTS MEET THE GOVERNOR

In April, Bro. Francisco González and students of Colegio San José, our Marianist school in Puerto Rico, visited the official home of the governor of Puerto Rico, Hon. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá. The governor graduated from the school in 1979, and his son is currently a student. Shown with the students are the governor and Marilu Vicens from Colegio San José.

PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENTS ANNOUNCED

The Provincial Council announces the following personnel assignments, effective August 2005. The Province sends best wishes and prayers to all in their new communities and ministries.

Bro. Michel Dourma (Region of Togo) will move to the Trinity Avenue Community in Dayton and will study at the University of Dayton.

Fr. Tim Dwyer will move to the Casa Maria community in San Antonio and serve as director of aspirancy there. Fr. Tim also will serve as a pastoral counselor for the Marianist Care Center, Marianist Residence, San Antonio.

Bro. Dave Herbold (Honolulu) will move to the Region of Japan for three years, with his community and ministry to be determined by the regional superior of Japan.

Bro. George Kemmett (Cleveland) will move to the Trinity Avenue Community, Dayton, to study philosophy and Italian at the University of Dayton to prepare for entering the International Marianist Seminary in Rome in June 2006.

Fr. Ted Ley (West Hills, Calif.) has been approved for a sabbatical program, which will include the Marist renewal program in Rome from October-December 2005.

Bro. Ed Longbottom will move to the District of Mexico, with his community and ministry assignment to be determined by the district superior and the Provincial Council. Bro. Ed is director of aspirancy in San Antonio.

Bro. Pat

Bro. Rich

Bro. Pat McDaid and Bro. Rich Villa have been approved for seminary studies and will enter the International Marianist Seminary in Rome this summer. Bro. Pat has already joined the community in Rome to study Italian and prepare for seminary studies.

Fr. Jim Mueller (Fort Worth, Texas) has been assigned to the Marianist community in West Hills, Calif., with ministry at Chaminade College Preparatory, Chatsworth, Calif.

Bro. Michael Murphy has resigned as assistant for temporalities and treasurer in the District of India and will return to the United States. His assignment is pending.

Fr. John Thompson has been reappointed to a second term of three years as president of Chaminade-Madonna High School in Hollywood, Fla.

DIRECTORS REAPPOINTED

The following directors have been appointed to new three-year terms, effective Aug. 15, 2005.

Fr. Ted Cassidy (Cape May, N.J.), third term

Fr. Tim Kenney (Maryland Ave., St. Louis), second term

ST. JOHN VIANNEY: NEW ENTRANCE, FIELD HOUSE

Fr. Robert Osborne, president of St. John Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Mo., reports that several months after initiating its first major capital campaign, "Vianney . . . Our Family is Building," the school has received the financing to proceed with Phase I, which includes a 1,200 seat field house and a new school entrance. Groundbreaking is scheduled for late August 2005. Vianney has 761 students.

BRO. STEVE ERSPAMER TO MOVE TO ST. MEINRAD

Bro. Steve Erspamer has received permission from the General Council to begin a three-year probationary period at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana with the possibility of transferring his perpetual profession in the Society of Mary to solemn monastic profession at St. Meinrad. The Province wishes Stephen every blessing as he begins this journey to the monastic life. We are grateful for the creativity and beauty that he has brought to us and to the larger Church. May God bless the journey ahead.

PROVINCE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE MEETS IN ST. LOUIS

The Province Assembly Coordinating Committee met for the first time April 26-28 in St. Louis. Committee members discussed possible host cities for the June 2007 assembly, the theme of the assembly and speakers for the event, among other issues. Committee members, from left, Bro. John Haster, Fr. Larry Doersching, Bro. Jack Ventura (committee chair), Bro. Jack Somerville, Diane Guerra and Bro. Frank O'Donnell.

MARIANIST CONFERENCE OF NORTH AMERICA MEETS

The Marianist Conference of North America (Province of the United States, Province of Meribah and the Region of Canada) met April 30, 2005, in Quebec, Canada. Provincial Stephen Glodek and Assistant Provincial Fr. Jim Fitz attended, as did Fr. George Cerniglia, liaison between the Conference and the General Council. The group discussed World Youth Day, the Marianist Family Council of North America, a possible joint meeting with the leadership conference of Marianists from South America (CLAMAR), the possibility of an international house of studies at UD, the republication of the Rule of Life in English, and the General Chapter of 2006. The group also met with all the Marianists in Quebec.

MOELLER MEN'S CHOIR "SINGS AND SERVES"

Students John Balbach (left) and John Molenda, members of the Men's Chorus at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, mix mortar to repair homes in Tijuana, Mexico, during a recent "song and service" trip to Tijuana and California. While in California, the chorus performed at Chaminade College Preparatory School in West Hills..

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

Bro. Jim, undated

Bro. Jim, recent

Bro. Jim Riley, 62, who died April 29, 2005, in Cupertino, Calif., of a heart attack. May he rest in peace. Visitation for Bro. Jim was held May 3 at Queen of Apostles Church in San Jose, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Fr. Tim Kenney presided at the Mass, and Fr. Jim Mifsud gave the homily. Bro. Jim was buried on May 4 at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Cupertino. Read Bro. Jim's obituary.

Bartolo Enrique Crotti, who died April 23, 2005. May he rest in peace. Bartolo was the father of Gabriel Crotti, principal of Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco.

SPRING WOODS, SHAW NATURE RESERVE, MISSOURI

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 . . .

Bro. Howard Lohrey (Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati), who was hospitalized today with a serious infection.

Bro. Norm Eckl, Fr. Edwin Johnson, Fr. Frank Kenney, Fr. Richard Knuge, Bro. Herman Lambers, Bro. John Lucier, Fr. Bill O'Connell, Bro. Charles Roggemann, Bro. Dick Rose and Fr. Ken Sommer. Read more information about these brothers.

L.I.F.E. TASK FORCE MEETS IN PHILADELPHIA

Marianist LIFE's (Living in Faith Experience) advisory board task force met April 1-2 in Philadelphia to determine the most effective form and function for the board and to discuss challenges facing Marianist LIFE. First row, from left, Fr. Larry Doersching, Bro. Jack Ventura, Marie Schultz, Carol LaMont, Joanne McCracken, Sean Sanford (kneeling). Second row, from left, Bro. Jesse O'Neill, John Malloy, and John Thompson. Not pictured, Brian Reavey (national LIFE coordinator).

BRO. STEPHEN GLODEK PUBLISHES ARTICLES

Bro. Stephen Glodek has written articles for two publications. "Sharpening Blunt Intentions: Reflections on the Future of Religious Orders in the United States Study of 1993" appears in the Spring 2005 issue of Forum, a publication of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. Read the article. "Dabs of Paint, Bits of Glass, and a New Creation" appeared in the Bulletin of the Union of Women Superiors General from Rome. The article, which was published in six languages, is based on a working group at the International Congress on Religious Life held in November 2004 in Rome.

VIA LATINA

Read the May 1, 2005, issue of Via Latina from the General Administration in Rome.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: SHARING FUND, IMMIGRATION REFORM Myles McCabe Province Director of Peace & Justice mmccabe@sm-usa.org Sharing Fund grants. The criteria and application forms for 2005-2006 Sharing Fund grants are available online. Special consideration is given to grants submitted by Marianist communities, religious or lay. More info, contact me at mmccabe@sm-usa.org or Sr. Mary Beth Hefti at mbhefti@sm-usa.org. Immigration reform. The Catholic bishops just announced a campaign on immigration reform. Also part of the campaign: the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. Read more about the campaign. Or visit the bishops’ Web site. Featured Web site: Yes Magazine is a remarkable publication and Web site which challenge adults and youth to help create a more just, sustainable and compassionate world, including a wealth of environmental resources and action suggestions. Featured article: From National Catholic Reporter: ”Romero and John Paul II: Now they see face to face.”

2006 GENERAL CHAPTER DELEGATES

Congratulations to the Marianists around the world who were elected as delegates to the 2006 General Chapter in Rome. Review the delegate list.

WHO'S DOING WHAT

Fr. Rich

Fr. Bernie Lee (West Ligustrum, San Antonio) announces that Patricia Mejia and Fr. Rich Wosman have accepted positions as co-chairs of the Marianist Forum at St. Mary's University, effective June 1, 2005. Fr. Bernie thanks outgoing co-chairs Bro. Mike Sullivan and Andy Hill for their two years of leadership and service to the Forum.

Congratulations to Fr. Jack McGrath (Washington St., Dayton), who received the Catholic Education Foundation Hall of Fame for 2005 for his contribution to Catholic education. He was honored at a dinner on April 8 in New York.

Fr. Jack (center) with Fr. Tim Kenney (left) and Bro. John Campbell, who nominated Fr. Jack for the award.

Fr. Gus

Bro. John

Fr. Gus Biehl and Bro. John Klein (East St. Louis, Ill.) represented the Society of Mary at a rally on May 1 in St. Louis to kick off the nationwide "Cover the Uninsured Week."

Bro. Harold Lootens (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) relieved study-week stress for students at St. Mary's University in San Antonio with a Beatles concert and singalong on April 27 at Treadaway Recital Hall.

Is it John, Paul, Ringo or George? No, it's Bro. Harold in 2003

While in Spain, Fr. Rudy presided at a memorial Mass for Pope John Paul II at the 16th-century Universidad de Alcalá de Henares chapel. He's shown at the remembrance altar for the late pope.

Fr. Rudy Vela (West Ligustrum, San Antonio) reports that his research proposal on "Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoa and his tilma" was accepted for presentation at the conference, "Recovering Hispanic Religious Thought in the United States," on May 13 at the University of Houston. Fr. Rudy has been teaching in Alcalá, Spain, this semester.

Ten students from Chaminade-Julienne High School in Dayton will spend part of their summer serving with DECAMP, the rural development project in Mexico's Uxpanapa Valley headed by Bro. Roberto Rapp. The students will work in the impoverished village of La Chinantla, where they will help build houses, organize savings accounts and work with villagers on character development.

Villagers in the Uxpanapa Valley

Bro. Al with elementary school students in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Note the students are wearing T-shirts from Nolan.

Bro. Al Kuntemeier reports on the November 2004 trip to Costa Rica taken by the ecology honors class from Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth. Dr. Joe Kuban has run the program for 30 years. In addition to studying biological issues, the group supports the elementary school in the village of Tortuguero.

PRINCIPALS NAMED AT TWO OHIO SCHOOLS

New principals have been appointed to lead two Marianist high schools in Ohio. John Marshall will join Chaminade-Julienne High School in Dayton as the school's new principal. John is a 1986 graduate of the school and a 13-year veteran educator. Al Early has been named the new principal of Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati, succeeding interim principal Jack Kennevan. Al has been a school administrator for almost 30 years. The Province sends best wishes to these two individuals in their new positions.

John Marshall

Al Early (left) with Bro. Joe Kamis, archdiocesan superintendent of Catholic schools in Cincinnati

PRIESTHOOD IN THE U.S. — DISORIENTATION, RENEWAL

Read an article by Katarina Schuth, OSF, about the state of priesthood in the United States that appears in the Spring 2005 issue of Seminary Journal, which is edited by Bro. Bernie Stratman.

MYSTERY MARIANIST

It was 1961 when this dark-haired young Marianist was ordained in Fribourg, Switzerland. Who is he? Hint: His sister played an important role with the Marianists, too.

NATIONAL STUDY ON RELIGIOUS BROTHERS

Provincial Stephen Glodek reports on a national study about religious brothers in the United States conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) and sponsored by Georgetown University. The research will provide a snapshot of brothers' lives and hopes for the future. Brother Stephen asks Marianist brothers to respond if contacted for the survey.

2004-2005 PERSONNEL

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

OUT AND ABOUT

Read the upcoming travel schedule of members of the Provincial staff in St. Louis.

MAY: THE MONTH OF MARY AND GARDENS

What is a "Mary Garden"? To find out, read an excerpt from "Mary's Flowers: Gardens, Legends & Meditations" by Vincenzina Krymow. The book is illustrated by Bro. Joe Barrish, and the excerpt features a photo by Bro. Bob Resing. Thanks to the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS)

Statue at Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School, Nebraska

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

EASTERN AFRICA. Read the April 2005 issue of Connections, the monthly newsletter from the District of Eastern Africa.

INDIA NEWSLETTER. Read the May 6, 2005, newsletter from the Region of India.

GOVERNOR'S ISLAND. Read the March/April 2005 newsletter from Governor's Island in Ohio.

MAUI NEWS. Read the May 2005 Maui newsletter from Fr. Steve Tutas.

MSJC. Read the May 2005 issue of Justice Jottings.

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.

MYSTERY MARIANIST UNVEILED . . .

It’s Fr. Joe Uvietta, who lives at Curé of Ars in St. Louis and directs the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center in Eureka, Mo., He says that his most satisfying work has been retreat and spiritual direction.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

May

Editor: Diane Guerra; 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 2005 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.