Volume 4, Number 19
Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005
www.marianist.com

PERPETUAL VOW PROFESSION FOR BRO. SEAN DOWNING

Provincial Stephen Glodek (left) and Fr. Jim Fitz with Bro. Sean Downing at his profession of final vows.

Bro. Sean Downing, 37, professed perpetual vows in the Society of Mary on Oct. 1, 2005, at Immaculate Conception chapel at the University of Dayton. Fr. Jim Fitz presided at the Eucharist, Provincial Stephen Glodek accepted the vows and Fr. Paul Marshall gave the homily. A reception and dinner followed at Kennedy Union. Among the hundreds who witnessed the event included his family-parents Richard and Mary, brother Ryan, sister Elizabeth and other relatives-as well as co-workers and students from Chaminade-Julienne High School, where Bro. Sean teaches religion. He was born in Xenia, Ohio. Bro. Sean spent his aspirancy in Cleveland, his novitiate in Dayton and Honolulu, and professed first vows on May 18, 2002. Our prayers and congratulations to Bro. Sean.

At the Eucharist at Bro. Sean's final vows, from left: Fr. Paul Marshall, Fr. Ken Templin, Fr. Jerry Chinchar , Fr. Bert Buby, Novice Roberto Rivera, Bro. George Kemmett and Novice Steve Paone

PHOTO LEFT: Provincial Stephen Glodek (left) and Assistant Provincial Fr. Jim Fitz (right) with Bro. Sean Downing at his final vows ceremony; RIGHT: Fr. Paul Marshall greets Bro. Jack Ventura (left) and Aspirant Tom Farnsworth at the dinner following the vow ceremony.

SEPTEMBER CHAPTER MEETING IN SAN ANTONIO

The Provincial Chapter met Sept. 23-25, 2005, at the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio for a reflection and discussion session. The group discussed the Provincial Council's report, "A Work in Progress" (visit the PORTAL at www.marianist.com/portal under "Chapter Documents"). In addition, a committee was formed to work on a draft of the Province vision statement. On Saturday night, brothers from the San Antonio area gathered for discussion and a social. Read a report on the Chapter from Fr. Jim Fitz. The next Chapter in March 2006 will be a legislative Chapter session.

TOP LEFT: From left, Bros. Charles Cummiskey, Earl Leistikow and Ed Loch at the social hosted by the Chapter; TOP RIGHT: Fr. Rich Wosman (left) and Bro. Mike Sullivan in a small group discussion about the new mission statement; BOTTOM LEFT: From left, Bros. Al Gillis, Bill McCarthy and Jim Burkholder; BOTTOM RIGHT: Bros. Dave Quigley (left) and Jim McCaffrey

BRO. GABRIEL TO BE ORDAINED; FIRST IN EASTERN AFRICA

Bro. Gabriel Ng'ang'a Kirangah, 37, will be ordained to priestly ministry at 11 a.m. on Oct. 29, 2005, at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church in Nairobi, Kenya. Bro. Gabriel is the first Marianist to be ordained a priest in the District of Eastern Africa. The ordaining bishop will be Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki. A reception will follow. Congratulations to Bro. Gabriel!

MARIANIST DIRECTORS MEET IN CALIFORNIA

PHOTO LEFT: Fr. Rudy Vela (standing) with Bro. Joe Grieshaber TOP RIGHT: Fr. Jack Russi (left) and Bro. Alex Tuss BOTTOM RIGHT: Bro. Bob Dzubinski (left) and Fr. Paul Fitzpatrick. All photos courtesy of Fr. Roland Bunda

The directors of almost 60 communities, together with the Provincial Council and several presenters, gathered in Menlo Park, Calif., for the annual Directors' Weekend Oct. 7-9, 2005. The group shared its thoughts on the new Province Mission Statement and how it can be implemented. Presentations on the interaction of faith and culture on Marianist life and ministries were given by Bro. Victor Forlani, Fr. Bill Meyer, Bro. Rudy Vela and Myles McCabe. The directors also dialogued with the Provincial Council in an open forum.

At the meeting of directors, from left, Fr. Chris Conlon, Bro. Victor Forlani and Fr. Bill Meyer

Frs. John Thompson, Jim Tobin and Larry Doersching.

TWO ASPIRANTS JOIN CLEVELAND COMMUNITY

The Marianist communities of Cleveland welcomed two new aspirants into the Marianist Family during evening prayer on Oct. 2, 2005. Tom Farnsworth (left) and Luis Gamboa (right) are shown with Fr. Mike Lisbeth, aspirancy director-Cleveland. The Marcella Marianist community joined the Saint Aloysius parish community for prayer and a joyous meal. Our congratulations to Tom and Luis!

MARIANIST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM PLANS FOR FUTURE

The steering committee for the Marianist Volunteer Program met September 13-15 in San Antonio to review the past year and plan for the future. The meeting started with a dinner and social with the three Marianist volunteers serving in San Antonio, and Andy Hill, MVP local coordinator. Front, from left: volunteer Tom Mole, steering committee members Bro. Jack Ventura, Joan McGuinness Wagner, Bro. David Betz and Bro. Dennis Schmitz; back, from left: Maureen O'Rourke, MVP assistant coordinator; volunteer Nick Raddell, Dan Richter, MVP coordinator; and volunteer Rob Bowie.

NEW MARYBROOK COMMUNITY

Members of the newest formation house, the Marybrook community in St. Louis, at a planning session in mid-September. Shown front, Bro. Brian Halderman (left) and Novice Dennis Bautista. Back, from left: Fr. Oscar Vasquez, Bro. Brian Zampier and Fr. Ralph Siefert. Photo courtesy of Dennis Bautista.

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

Daniel Eden, 87, who died Oct. 4, 2005, in Salt Lake City, Utah. May he rest in peace. Daniel was the father of Fr. Tim Eden (Center Marianist, Honolulu).

Catherine Hecker Marcinowski, 93, who died Oct. 5, 2005, in Edinboro, Penn. May she rest in peace. Catherine was the mother of Bro. Gary Marcinowski (Chambers Street, Dayton).

Jim Sullivan, who died from cancer Sept. 22, 2005, in Tampa, Fla. May he rest in peace. Jim was the brother of Bro. Jerry Sullivan (Charlotte, N.C.).

Please also pray for Basilio Ki Jong Choi, Grace Walle and Renee Allen. Read more.

WILSON'S PROMONTORY, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

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. David Betz (Santa Cruz, Calif.), who will have outpatient surgery for a procedure on his ear.

Bro. Marianus Bilung (Ranchi, India), who was hospitalized with a diffused backbone disc and diverticulitis.

Bro. Jim Droste (Eureka, Mo.), who will undergo treatment for prostate cancer.

Bro. Jim Fitzgibbons (Cape May, N.J.), who is hospitalized following knee surgery. He is temporarily residing at the Marianist Residence in San Antonio.

Fr. Jim Mifsud (San Jose, Calif.), who has Parkinson’s disease.

Bro. Paul Quinn (Lincoln Street, Hollywood, Fla.), who was hospitalized for weakness in his legs.

Fr. Vincent Plassenthal (Puerto Rico), who is undergoing radiation treatment. He is currently residing at Mercy Siena in Dayton.

Bro. Kerobim Xalxo (Ranchi, India), who was hospitalized with a diffused backbone disc.

Please also pray for Elaine Acker, Alfons Backherms, Jacob Brossart, Joseph Douglass, Mary Ann Emmanuel, William Meyer, Barb Muñoz, Diane Read, and the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Read more.

CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY'S 50th ANNIVERSARY

Enjoying the anniversary festivities, front row, from left: Bros. Frank Damm and Frank Spaeth; back row, from left: Bros. Paul Nomi, Jim Facette, Jerry Bommer and Jim Roberts. Photo courtesy of Jaimie Guerra

PHOTO LEFT: Fr. Joe Lackner against a backdrop of the 50th anniversary logo at the opening Eucharist; PHOTO RIGHT: Also at the Eucharist, from left: Bro. Gary Morris and Frs. Steve Tutas, Allen DeLong, Joe Lackner and Tim Kenney

FROM THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

Superior General Fr. David Fleming has written Circular No. 15, "To All Marianist Religious Under the Age of 40," dated Oct. 2, 2005. Fr. Fleming states, "I am writing to thank you for your witness of faith and hope in dedicating your life as Marianists . . . I want to assure you that Marianists around the world believe in your potential and rejoice in your deep aspirations."

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

VASJ SIGNS SPONSORSHIP DOCUMENT

Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School (VASJ) in Cleveland celebrated its 15th anniversary as a combined Marianist and Ursuline school with the signing of official sponsorship affirmation documents by both religions orders on Sept. 2. Pictured from left, Margaret Lyons, superintendent of schools, Diocese of Cleveland; Janice Roccosalva, principal; Deborah Sesek, VASJ board of advisors president; Jim Sukys, president; Sr. Angelita, superior of the Ursulines of Cleveland; and Fr. Tim Kenney, Province director of education. Photo courtesy Matthew Orgovan, VASJ

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY: SHAREHOLDER ACTION

Attending the Annual Meeting of the Interreligious Center for Corporate Responsibility, from left, Bro. Bob Metzger, Bro. Steve O’Neil and Myles McCabe. They are identifying shareholder actions in which the Province will be involved this year. Read more on corporate responsibility at the Web site.

Marianist Sharing Fund in Action
STUDENTS GROW THROUGH IMMERSION EXPERIENCE

Digging ditches in the Uxpanapa Valley

The Marianist Sharing Fund changes lives in many ways. The high school “immersion experience” is a good example. Last spring, nine boys from St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, together with girls from Nerinx High School in St. Louis, assisted Bro. Bob Rapp in the rural Uxpanapa Valley in Mexico, building pig pens, digging ditches, pouring concrete and painting. Said Vianney student Chris Flieger: “In a short time, the Vianney students became part of the community. The experience really opened their eyes to the contributions they can make on a worldwide scale, as well as in St. Louis. The experienced allowed them to grow as individuals.” Has your community identified a potential grant proposal? For guidelines and applications, visit the Marianist Web site.

MERCY CONNECTIONS OUTREACH TO SPANISH SPEAKING

Mercy Connections in Cincinnati begins this year’s Hispanic Outreach with two classes: Computer Literacy in Spanish (24 students registered) and English for Speakers of Other Languages-ESOL (36 registered). The classes are a collaboration between Mercy Connections (Bros. Bob Wiethorn and Bill Grundish, Fernando Calienies and Marty Hogan) and Tom Strotman and Tito Sanchez, teachers from Purcell Marian High School. The computer and GED classes were a featured in taped interviews on the local program for Spanish speaking

MARIANIST LEADERSHIP RETREAT

Carol Ramey (standing, far left), director of the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS), led a one-day retreat on Marianist leadership at Governor's Island in Huntsville, Ohio. At the retreat, standing, from left, Carol, Anthony Fucci, director of the Marianist Family Retreat Center, and Maureen O'Rourke, NACMS intern. Seated, from left, Joan McGuinness Wagner, director of Marianist Strategies at the University of Dayton, Patti Gehred, NACMS intern, and Jessica Sherwen, program director at the Marianist Family Retreat Center.

WHO'S DOING WHAT

Bro. Frank (Skip) Matthews (West Hills, Calif.) has been named a "Cavalier Immortal," a title bestowed annually to an outstanding alum of Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, Calif. Bro. Frank (class of '58) will receive the honor on Oct. 29 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in El Segundo, Calif. All interested brothers are invited to attend. Contact Bill Andrews at 510.459.6111.

Isak with the judge from the U.S. District Court. Photo courtesy of Novice Armando Añeses.

Congratulations to Bro. Isak Keyman-Ige, who became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in San Antonio on Sept. 29. Isak professed first vows in May 2005 and is a member of the Casa María Community in San Antonio.

Congratulations to Fr. Lee Sciarrotta, who was honored on his 50th jubilee as a Marianist by Emmanuel Parish in Dayton, with approximately 275 people gathered for a picnic.

Bro. Martin McMurtrey (Central Catholic, San Antonio) has published his autobiography, which features a foreword by Bro. Herbert Janson (Marianist Residence, San Antonio).

Bro. Mel Meyer (Cure of Ars, St. Louis) has donated his sculpture, “Forever, and Forever” to the city of Kirkwood, Mo., where it was installed at the Kirkwood Community Center. A dedication celebration was held on Sept. 19.

Bro. Bob Wood (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) has published a new book, "The Beautiful Light: The Life and Papacy of Benedict XIV." According to Wood's book, Pope Benedict XIV had an enormous impact on the Church. He established rules for beatification and canonization that are still used today. Bro. Bob is selling the book for $12 plus postage, while supplies last. E-mail rowosm@yahoo.com.

Anthony Fucci, director of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May, N.J., reports that more than 65 Dayton-area alumni of the retreat center gathered in September for a potluck dinner and games at Mount St. John in Dayton. Carol Ramey, director of NACMS, spoke about Marianist community, and Patti Gehred, NACMS intern, led family bingo games. Also in attendance were three novices and Sr. Laura Leming.

Sr. Laura at the bingo table

A Chaminade University exhibit of rare photographs taken by Bro. Gabriel Bertram Bellinghausen is featured in the Sept. 18 issue of the Honolulu Advertiser. Bellinghausen, one of the first Marianists to arrive in Hawai'i in 1883, captured images on glass plates using a camera about the size of a breadbox. The exhibit runs through Nov. 18 in the Sullivan Library at Chaminade University. Read the article.

Bro. Frank "Paco" Gomes sends his greetings from Makawao, Maui, where he is caring for his brother, John Gomes.

THE CHAMINADE PROJECT TEAM

Members of The Chaminade Project team met Sept. 16-17 at the Stonemill-Kiefaber Community in Dayton. The team discussed several projects and outlined content for 2006 summer retreats. Standing, Bro. Brian Halderman (left) and Fr. Joe Kozar. Seated, Bros. Tom Pieper (left) and Charles Johnson. Not pictured: committee members Bros. Reinaldo Berrios and Bob Resing.

PROGRAMS FOR ONGOING FORMATION - 2006

Bro. Tom Giardino, executive director of the International Center for Marianist Formation in Dayton, announces two spiritual renewal programs with the Marist Brothers in 2006, both to be held at the Marist International Spirituality Centre in Manziana, Italy.
Religious 35 - 50 years - Jan. 22 - June 6, 2006.
(3-5 places available)
Religious 65 - 80 years - Oct. 15 - Dec. 16, 2006. (5-6 places available)
The schedule includes personal and group prayer, conferences and discussion, and free time for personal work and relaxation. There are also pilgrimages and cultural opportunities. Contact Fr. Jim Fitz at jfitz@sm-usa.org; Bro. Tom at tom.giardino@udayton.edu or your district superior. Participation requires approval of unit administration.

PRAYER SERVICE AT ASCENSION PARISH

Sr. Laura Leming presided at an evening service at Ascension parish in Dayton, celebrating the feast of the Queenship of Mary along with the annual celebration of the sister parish in Lima, Peru, Nuestra Senora de la Luz. Front row, from left, Laura Luehrmann, Sr. Laura, Bill Hirt and Sr. Audrey Buttner; back row, from left: Jim Murray, Bud Nickelman, Jean Nickelman, Sr. Leanne Jablonski, Cindy Mueller and Steve Mueller

CHAMINADE-JULIENNE POSTER CONTEST

Chaminade-Julienne High School in Dayton held an art contest looking for a poster that reflected the charisms of both the Marianists and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Student Ahlia Moyers won, and her poster now hangs in every classroom. Pictured from left, Bro. Aaron Sonnenburg, Ahlia Moyers, teacher Molly Burdine and Bro. Sean Downing.

MLC NEWSLETTER REMEMBERS BEATIFICATION

Tony Garascia, president of the International Organization for Marianist Lay Communities, shares the organization's September 2005 newsletter that pays tribute to the anniversary of the beatification of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade.

EASTERN AFRICA DIRECTORS MEETING

Fifteen directors and deputy directors from the eight Eastern Africa communities gathered for their annual meeting on Aug. 21-25 at the Emmaus Centre in Nairobi. This was the first time that deputy directors were included in the meeting. Participants discussed leadership and service within Marianist communities and the financial policies and procedures of the communities represented. Directors and deputy directors, front row, from left, Bro. Frank Annunziata, Fr. Mike Nartker, Bro. Chola Mulenga, Bro. Kondwani Nalivata, and Fr. Martin Solma. Back row, from left, Bros. Patrick Kagai, Michael Cochran, Stephen Wanyoike, Daniel Wang'ombe, Erick Otiende, Steve Grazulis, and Bill Schlosser.

DEVELOPMENT PLANNING SESSION

The Provincial Development Office in Dayton met for an evaluation and planning session in mid-September at Governor's Island in Huntsville, Ohio. Shown from left: Gary Friedman, information systems technology consultant; Helena Strauch, special projects officer; Ven Adkins, information systems technology consultant; Lisa Gooding, executive director; and Linda Hayes, senior development office. Lisa said: "Our session was enlivened by the surroundings--the lake, water birds and breezes--and the warm hospitality of Bros. Paul Bredestege and Bill Deanhofer." Photo by Bro. Paul.

MYSTERY MARIANIST

This month's Mystery Marianist was 18 in 1966, when this photo was taken at the profession of his first vows in Marcy, N.Y. Today he's a highly regarded administrator. Who is he?

MARIANIST ASSOCIATES ANNUAL RETREAT

Bro. Stephen Glodek led the Marianist Associates annual retreat on Sept. 16-18 at the Marianist Family Retreat Center at Cape May Point, N.J. The Marianist Associates is a group of adult Catholics who aspire to live their family life according to Marianist ideals and virtues. First row, from left, Paul Schirmer, John Linge, and Mary Linge. Second row, from left, Helen Madden, Nancy Conley, Evelyn Smith, Diane Capone, Eileen Garavente, Marguerite Foley, Jane Rodier, and Karen Rowley. Third row, from left, John Conley, Jim Smith, Judy Bonanno, Ed Bonanno, Harry O'Brien, Lou Garavente, Bob Foley, Dick Canning, Jim Walsh, and Bro. Stephen Glodek. Fourth row, from left, Fr. Ted Cassidy, Mike Capone, Kay O'Brien, Mary Koenke, Ed Koenke, and Wally Rodier. Not pictured: Bob Abiuso.

DAYTON HOSTS ECUADOREAN TEACHERS

Teachers from San Miguel, the Marianist school in Ecuador, were sponsored by the Province for English studies in Dayton. Shown with the Washington Street community, back row, from left, Bro. Bernie Hartman, Jack McGrath, Jim Brown and Aaron Sonnenburg; front, from left, Bro. Tobias Ferrer, teachers Beatriz, Mercedes and Wilson, Fr. Charles Bergedick and Bro. Ed Zamierowski

OUT AND ABOUT

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

MARIANIST MINISTRY WEEKEND

The Center for Marianist Spirituality and Communities (CMSC) and the Office of Religious Life co-sponsored the “Marianist Ministry Development” program on Sept. 9-11 at the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston, Penn. Bro. Walt Oberster (CMSC director) and Debbie Durand (CMSC board member) organized and led the program. Other speakers included Sue Vogt and Joanne and Ray McCracken. A similar program is planned for 2006. Program participants, top row, from left: Lou Scibelli, Bro. Walt, Alex Durand, Ray McCracken, Joe McNicholas, Debbie Durand and Kathy Conroy. Middle row, from left: Bro. Jack Ventura, Chris Suriano, Carol Weiss and Vince Mirigliani. Kneeling: Kathy Scibelli (left) and Pati Krasensky. Front row, from left: Joanne McNicholas, Joanne McCracken, Sue Vogt and Laura Mirigliani.

Read updated changes to the personnel. For more copies of the new personnel, e-mail amueller@sm-usa.org. Remember that personnel information on the PORTAL is updated on a regular basis at www.marianist.com/portal

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

CENTERPOINT.COM. Read the October 2005 e-newsletter from the Center for Marianist Spirituality & Communities.

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS. Read the August 2005 issue of the newsletter of the Marianist International Volunteers from José Luis Pérez, MIV coordinator.

TOPSAIL. Read the September/October 2005 issue of High Tidings, the e-newsletter from the CFL Family Retreat Center in N. Topsail Beach, N.C.

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.

A THOUGHT

Photo courtesy of Bro. Don Smith. Taken at Mount St. John; arranged by Marianist Property Management There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been! Percy Bysshe Shelley

MYSTERY MARIANIST UNVEILED . . .

It's Bro. Bernie Ploeger, who lives at the Marianist Hall community in Honolulu. He is executive vice president and provost of Chaminade University of Honolulu. Bro. Bernie offers two life lessons: "Never regret looking like your students at age 25; you'll appreciate it at 55," and "Pray for openness to the faith journey; responding to the 'Come and See' invitation has been a wonderful grace."

FORT WORTH AFFILIATE RETREAT

On Sept. 10-12, 2005, the Fort Worth Lay Marianist Affiliates held a retreat at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Fort Worth. The retreat ended with Mass and dinner to celebrate the feast of the Holy Name of Mary. Seated, from left: Mary Cerda, Dee Sweeney, Senneth Mendoza, Regina Ramey, Maria McDonald and Julian Hinojosa. Standing, from left: Joseph Rangel, Juanita Rangel, Fr. Al McMenamy, spiritual advisor for the Midwest and Southwest areas, Teri Peets, Vincent Castillo, and Cathy Ortiz

JUST ONE MORE . . .

Bro. Paul Galantowicz (right) is not easily discouraged. Despite the hardship of dealing with Hurricane Katrina at the Madeleine House in New Orleans (with Bro. Tom Heinle and lay Marianists), Bro. Paul can still clown around with Bro. Louis Pinckert at the Directors’ Meeting in California.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT www.marianist.com

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.