Volume 5, Number 14
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
www.marianist.com

MARIANISTS TO SERVE PARISH IN KENYA, AFRICA

Bro. Charles Kimeu, Bro. Paul Kageche, Fr. Abdon Ilabi and Bro. Daniel Wang’ombe

On July 2, at the request of Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa, Kenya, St. Martin de Porres Church in Mbungoni-Mombosa, Kenya, officially became a Marianist parish. For the past several years, the District of Africa has supported the building of the church facility and the pastoral needs of its approximately 3,000 members. Fr. Abdon Ilabi, from the Foundation of Congo, will serve as parish priest, and will follow a Marianist approach to parish leadership. Bro. Charles Kimeu of the Mombosa Marianist community will serve as parish administrator. Fellow Mombosa community members, Bros. Daniel Wang’ombe and Paul Kageche, will assist at the parish and continue their work at the Marianist Development Project, a technical school adjacent to the parish. A formal inauguration of the new parish will take place Aug. 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration.

St. Martin de Porres Church, Mbungoni-Mombasa, Kenya

GENERAL CHAPTER MEETING BEGINS IN ROME

The XXXIII General Chapter meeting got underway July 10 at the Villa Aurelia in Rome. Over 75 members of the Marianist family worldwide are attending the three-week meeting. Provincial Stephen Glodek was elected general chapter president, Bro. Maximin Magnan, Region of Togo, was elected secretary and Fr. Francisco Conseco Liera, Province of Madrid, was elected as a member of the committee. During week one, reports were presented by each of the presidents of the five “zones,” or major worldwide regions, of the Society of Mary. In addition, members of the Marianist Lay Communities, Alliance Mariale and the FMI (Daughters of Mary Immaculate) gave reports on their activities. At the end of the week, chapter members studied reports from the General Administration.

Bro. Maximin Magnan (Togo), Bro. Charles-Henri Moulin (France), Fr. Kazuo Louis-Ibaragi Shimizu (Japan), Fr. Manuel Madueño (Argentina) and Bro. Stephen Glodek

General Council, seated, Superior General David Fleming, Bro. Javier Anso; standing, Fr. George Cerniglia and Bro. José María Alvira

Key areas of concern presented by Marianist leadership were: Marianist spirituality, community life, the Marian model of the church, the Marianist Family and inculturation. Reports were also given on restructuring, formation, education and temporalities. The reports will be discussed in smaller groups over the next two weeks. Chapter elections for the next superior general and General Council will be held July 21 to July 23. For daily updates on the General Chapter meeting please visit the General Chapter blog on the Marianist portal or the General Chapter Web page.

HAVE YOU LOGGED INTO THE BLOG?

Brothers who are attending the 33rd General Chapter in Rome July 10 to July 30 are posting stories about the meeting to the new General Chapter Blog. Read what Bro. Stephen Glodek, Fr. Jim Fitz, Bro. Mike O’Grady, Bro. Ray Fitz, , Bro. Charles Johnson, Fr. Paul Marshall, Fr. Jack McGrath and Fr. Dave McGuigan have to say about the first week of meetings and post your comments. New entries are available by noon CST each day. To access the blog, simply log in to the PORTAL and click on the link for “General Chapter Blog.”

HERE’S WHAT THE BLOGGERS HAVE BEEN SAYING…

“The General Chapter made two decisions this morning that were necessary before the election of the General Council...” Posted by Fr. Jim Fitz 07/17/2006 5:57 AM

“We are called to examine well the realities of the Church today. A different Church is being shaped, but the various perspectives often divide us. Marianists need to regularly examine the Christian tradition in light of present realities…” Posted by Fr. Paul Marshall 07/15/2006 10:33 AM

Bro. Ray

“Yesterday we finished the General Administration reports. Overall they gave us a very hopeful report on the status of the Society of Mary and Marianist Family….” Posted by Bro. Ray Fitz 07/14/2006 11:40 AM

Editor’s Note: The Province Communications office is considering developing new blogs on various topics. If you have an idea for a blog topic, please contact Joan Suda.

TWO WILL PROFESS FIRST VOWS IN DISTRICT OF AFRICA

Two novices from the District of Africa, Peter Nyansimora, 23, from the Kisii area of Kenya, and Samuel Kyalo, 26, from the Machakos Diocese of Kenya, will profess first vows in a ceremony July 22 at the Marianist district house in Nairobi. Peter and Samuel have been ministering at Kenyatta National Hospital and a home for the elderly in the Kibera slum area of Nairobi. Prayers and blessings to Peter and Samuel!

Novices Peter Nyansimora (left) and Samuel Kyalo

NEW LOOK TO VOCATIONS ON THE WEB SITE

Visit www.marianist.com/vocations

The Province vocation office announces the launch of a newly designed vocation section of the Province Web site—www.marianist.com/vocations. Approximately 150 vocation inquiries came through the Web site in 2005. The site replaces the former www.buildingcommunity.org vocation Web site, and is the culmination of a 10-month web redesign project led by Bro. Brian Halderman (Marybrook, St. Louis). The site has several interactive features, including a video of the formation process by Bro. Jack Ventura, a “Getting Real” section, where Bros. Ed Brink, George Kemmett and Dennis Bautista answer frequently asked questions about vocations, and a blog section, where Bros. Aaron Sonnenburg and Roberto Rivera will chronicle their experiences in formation, ministry and community. The site also includes links to a Spanish-language version of the site and to pages for vocation information for Eastern Africa, India, Ireland and Mexico. According to Bro. Brian, the vocation Web site averages 75,000 visitors a year. If you have suggestions regarding the new Web site, please e-mail Bro. Brian.

PERSONNEL NEWS

Best wishes to Fr. Gerry Hammel, who will join Our Lady of the Pillar community in St. Louis and become an associate pastor at the parish.

Bro. Mike O’Grady has been appointed to a first term of three years as director of the Lindell community in St. Louis, effective Aug. 15. The Provincial Council thanks outgoing director Bro. Charles Johnson for his service.

REMINDER—PROVINCE REFLECTION GROUPS

There is still time to sign up for the Kansas City and Charlotte gatherings to discuss visioning for the Province of the United States. Please note that the Phoenix gathering is full. Bros. Frank O'Donnell and Bill Bolts from the Chapter Structures Committee are helping coordinate the discussions scheduled for:

Please register as soon as possible by e-mailing Donna Tucker. If you’re considering the September meeting, please register by Aug. 15, 2006. (Note: Please do not make airline reservations until you receive confirmation of your registration from the Office of Religious Life.)

IS YOUR MINISTRY ON THE WISH LIST?

The Querétaro Marianist community in Mexico is working with more than 100 children ages 5 to 9 to prepare them for First Communion.

The following Marianist ministries now have a presence on the online “Wish List” accessible at www.marianistmission.org/wishlist and also through www.marianist.com/supportus: Bergamo Retreat Center; Comunidad Marianista (Mexico); DeSales Crossings/ Mercy Connections (Cincinnati); Gallery St. John; Marianist Family Retreat Center (New Jersey); Marianist Retreat and Conference Center (Missouri); MEEC; MUSP; NACMS; Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School (Nairobi) and Wilderness Experience.

It’s easy to introduce your ministries to online donors via the Wish List. The more ministries participating, the more the Province can demonstrate to its donors that Marianists make a valuable contribution. To add your ministry to the Wish List, contact Helena Strauch, development special projects officer, 937.222.4641, x 244, or e-mail hstrauch@sm-usa.org.

BROTHERS ATTEND CALIFORNIA RETREAT

Twenty-four brothers attended the Province retreat at the Vallombrosa Center in Menlo Park, Calif., June 26 to July 2. INSET PHOTO: At the retreat, Fr. Norb Brockman, Fr. John Bolin and Bro. Dan Stupka. Photos courtesy of Fr. Roland Bunda

LAY MARIANISTS FORM ONLINE COMMUNITY

They span eight time zones and four countries, yet members of a lay Marianist group called “Our Lady of the Round Table” meet practically every day. How? Through “cyber-spirituality.” Five of the group’s eight members initially met online via a course organized by the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation in 2005. When the course ended, the group continued its dialogue and formed OLRT—which consists of daily readings, reflections and prayer conducted via e-mail. The late Bro. Walt Oberster was an OLRT member and an inspiration to the group, as he shared his reflections on his weakening health and persevering in his Marianist mission. To participate in an online Marianist community, contact Joanne McCracken or Brian Reavey.

DISCERNMENT RETREAT HELD IN CALIFORNIA

At a recent discernment retreat in San Fernando, Calif., Fr. Jim Mueller, Aaron Filsinger, Fr. John McEnhill, T. Pickens, Bros. Jim Wisecaver and Skip Matthews, Michael Chiuri, Nicole Trahan, Jezga Elias, Bro. LeRoy Viera, Sr. Vange Escobar, Bro. Dennis Schmitz and Ray Dominguez. Photo courtesy of Bro. Jim Wisecaver

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF . .

Bro. Arnold Wurzel (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), 89, who died July 11, 2006. May he rest in peace. Bro. Arnie spent 45 years teaching at Central Catholic High School in San Antonio. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 14 at the Marianist Residence in San Antonio. Burial was at the Marianist Cemetery on the campus of St. Mary’s University. The presider and homilist was Fr. George Montague. Read Bro. Arnie’s obituary.

Bro. Arnie, 1941

Bro. Arnie, recent

Please pray also for Zelime Lytle Amen Braun and Norma Thompson. Read more.

LAVENDER BUSHES, 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, visit www.resingart.com

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Fr. Roland Bunda (Santa Cruz, Calif.), who broke his collarbone in a cycling accident.

Please pray also for Tony DiGeorge, Patrick Kemmett Sr., Shirley Kenney, Nancy Martineau and James Pavlik. Read more.

NEWMAN CENTER CELEBRATES MASS FOR GRADUATES

Bro. David Betz, seated, and Fr. Roland Bunda, third from left, celebrated a special Mass July 11 for 14 students from the Newman Center community who are graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Photo courtesy of Fr. Roland

WHO'S DOING WHAT

Congratulations to Bro. Ed Brink (Stonemill-Kiefaber, Dayton), who received the “2006 Outstanding Alumni Award” from the Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership. ICEL recognized Bro. Ed’s many contributions to Catholic education, including his leadership of the Lalanne Program at the University of Dayton. The Lalanne Program is a Marianist program that provides training and support for Catholic school teachers.

“The works the Marianists are engaged in, in Eastern Africa are remarkable,” writes Fr. Steve Tutas of his recent visit to Eastern Africa. Read more about Fr. Steve’s journey and his retreats in Eastern Africa. Read Fr. Steve’s report.

Fr. Johann Roten, director of the Marian Library in Dayton, announces a symposium titled “Living with Mary Today,” July 26 to 29 at the Marian Library. Find out more.

Bros. Joe Barrish (Meyer Hall, Dayton) and Mel Meyer (Curé of Ars, St. Louis) recently made their annual art trip where they each painted 58 watercolors. A bonus of the trip was the “super” discounted rate they received at the Super 8 Motel in Estes Park, Colo. Vincent I. Chung, who was working the motel desk, recognized the Marianist Galleries sign on the brothers’ van. Vincent recalled his days in Korea when a Marianist, Bro. Silva, helped him. Subsequently, the brothers’ room rate was reduced. Thanks to Bro. Silva from Bros. Joe and Mel!

Bro. John Samaha (Villa St. Joseph, Cupertino) offers this inspiring tribute to Mother Teresa. View slide show.

Bro. Frank O’Donnell (Baltimore, Md.) gave a keynote address on restructuring at the Inter-provincial Assembly of the Claretians at the Dominican University in Chicago on June 15.

Fr. Cris Janson (Casa Maria, San Antonio) joined Lay Marianists Velma and Bob Schmidt and Summer Family Coordinator Monica Frazier for a family retreat at the Circle Lake Retreat Center of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The program is modeled after the family retreat program at the Cape May retreat center in New Jersey. Fr. Cris served as chaplain for the retreat.

At the retreat, Bob, Velma, Fr. Cris and Monica

MARIANISTS AT WORK
BRO. SKIP MATTHEWS — MINISTRY ON THE STREETS

He writes Christmas cards for street people on Los Angeles' Skid Row and works as a certified hospice counselor. He has delivered more than 100 babies in Africa. Meet Bro. Francis “Skip” Matthews (West Hills, Calif.), whose life has had numerous twists and turns. For most of the 1970s and 1980s, Bro. Skip ministered in Zambia, Africa, helping at the Matero Boys Secondary School and working at hospitals, delivering babies and providing general healthcare. In 1992, after a stint in the P.E. department at Junipero Serra High School in Los Angeles, Bro. Skip began his ministry with the street people of Skid Row in LA, serving meals and simply being present. “If I can help one person, then it’s worth sitting there. Every hour I spend on Skid Row is an hour well spent.” Read more.

PHOTO LEFT: Los Angeles’ Skid Row. PHOTO RIGHT: Bro. Skip’s Christmas card program for the homeless

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: SHARING FUND SUPPORTS MEAL PROGRAM Martha’s Kitchen in San Jose, Calif., which has received support from the Marianist Sharing Fund for the last three years, is celebrating its 25th anniversary of serving the hungry. Bro. Joseph Nu’uanu, who retired after 16 years as executive director of the kitchen in 2002, is still an active volunteer at the facility. Learn more about the Sharing Fund. IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION The House will be conducting field hearings during August on immigration reform. Contact House members throughout July and August and ask them to endorse a comprehensive immigration reform bill. Contact your representative today. Immigration Resource – The Leadership Conference of Women Religious has come out with a piece on immigration which could be part of a community reflection or a parish handout. View the piece. Contact Myles McCabe, Province Director of Peace & Justice, mmccabe@sm-usa.org. 314.533.1207, x. 235

VOLUNTEER VIEWPOINT:
AN INTERVIEW WITH NICK RADDELL

When we spoke with volunteer Nick Raddell, he was just days away from the end of his volunteer experience with the Youth Build Program in San Antonio. Youth Build provides educational and vocational training for individuals working toward their GED. Nick said he has loved his time at Youth Build, which provided him the opportunity to share his passion for building things in a very “constructive” way. Read more.

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . .

NOLAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. Congratulations to Stephen Hiner, who was named principal of Nolan, effective July 1. Stephen spent the past 28 years at North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh teaching science and math and in various administrative roles.

NCHS administration team, Dick Nelson, Arlene Anderson Jones, Fr. Larry Doersching, president, Irene Saurez and Stephen Hiner

CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY, CHATSWORTH announces that Mike Valentine will serve as acting middle school principal while Principal Christine Hunter is on sabbatical. A 27-year veteran of Chaminade, Mike has served as summer school principal and athletic director.

CHAMINADE-JULIENNE HIGH SCHOOL. Congratulations to recent graduate Holly Zelnio, who won $29,000 in scholarships and prize money at the Intel International Science and Engineering fair for her groundbreaking physics project on Synthetic Depth of Field. Zelnio plans to study engineering at Wright State University in the fall.

CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY, ST. LOUIS. Three mission trips, developed by Chaminade’s Servant-Leadership Program, allowed students to serve the rural poor in Appalachia, assist at a day care and safe haven in San Miguel Allende, Mexico, and take part in a St. Louis Urban Plunge neighborhood beautification project. The trips were led by Chaminade Campus Ministry Director Ray Harter.

PHOTO ABOVE: CCP students with children from the Case de los Angeles day care, a facility for single working mothers. PHOTOS BELOW, left, CCP student Jae Yoon Hyeon with a child from an after-school program in the Appalachian Mountains of Wheeling, W. Va.; right, CCP students prepare to rehab a four-family apartment in St. Louis.

YOU’VE GOT MAIL @ MARIANISTS.US

Get an e-mail account with an identity! E-mail accounts are now being offered to members of the Society of Mary with the extension marianists.us. The e-mail accounts will be set up with first initial and last name @marianists.us. (jdoe@marianists.us). These accounts have full functionality with POP and IMAP access, as well as access through webmail when you are out of town. You can use Outlook, Entourage or any e-mail client. These accounts are being set up and maintained through the efforts of the vocation ministry office. A fee of $10 per year is requested to maintain the e-mail service. If you are interested, contact Bro. Brian Halderman.

VISITING AT GOVERNOR’S ISLAND

PHOTO LEFT: Judy Moehl, Mercy Siena medical coordinator, shown with Bro. Paul Bredestege and Bro. Bill Deanhofer, recently led a group of brothers on a day outing to the Governor’s Island retreat center in Huntsville, Ohio. PHOTO RIGHT: Judy with Bro. Jim Abel, Judy’s daughter, Kim Evans, and Bro. Bob Kelly

OUT AND ABOUT

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

Please note: The new 2006-2007 Personnel will be distributed in mid-September. Remember that personnel information on the PORTAL is updated on a regular basis at www.marianist.com/portal

ET CETERA

HOME-SCHOOLING FAMILY RETREAT. The CFL Family Retreat Center in N. Topsail Beach, N.C., is offering a special Home-School Retreat Sept. 10 to Sept. 15. Please call 910.328.1584 or visit the CFL Web site for more information.

FOL PUBLICATION SCHEDULE. Please note that the next FamilyOnline will appear on Aug. 8.

PEYTO LAKE, BANFF, CANADA

Photo courtesy of Fr. Roland Bunda

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

U.C. International Organization of MLC. Read Isabella Moyer’s June 2006, MLC newsletter for the region of North America, Asia, Ireland and Australia.

CAPE MAY. Read the July 2006 issue of Beacon.com, the newsletter of the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J.

CMSC. Read the Summer 2006 issue of Centerpoint.com, the newsletter from the Center for Marianist Spirituality & Communities.

TEMPORARY PROFESSED RETREAT HELD IN INDIA

Fr. Tim Kenney, Provincial assistant for education, third row, center, spent the better part of June preaching at the temporary professed retreat in India.

THE CLASSIFIEDS

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT. Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School in Dayton, Ohio, is seeking a director of development to plan and implement the school’s fundraising efforts. Read more.

PART-TIME CAMPUS MINISTER. The Diocese of Fort Worth is seeking a part-time campus minister to serve the campuses of the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. The University Center is located near the Marianist staffed parish of St. Mark's. For more information, contact the diocesan director, Paul Combest, or go to the Job Opportunities section under Administration at www.fwdioc.org.

JUST ONE MORE...

Former Marianist LIFE member, Lainey Trahan visiting the Chaminade Training Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Lainey was in Kenya as part of an immersion experience.

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

Editors Note: If you would like your e-mail address eliminated from FamilyOnline for security reasons, please e-mail Ann Mueller.

July

August

VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT www.marianist.com

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 2006 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.