Volume 5, Number 15
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
www.marianist.com

GENERAL CHAPTER BRINGS NEW LEADERSHIP, DIRECTION During Mass at the General Chapter meeting, Bro. Ray Fitz and Bros. José María Alvira, Mike O’Grady, Tom Giardino and Fr. Venancio Garagorri By the close of the XXXIII General Chapter meeting in Rome July 30, new leadership was elected, 31 propositions were voted on by the Chapter and five commissions submitted reports. The themes for the commissions were: A Marian Style of Church; International Community; New Structures; Stewardship; and Religious in the Family of Mary. The final reports of the General Chapter will be available in early fall. In addition, the General Chapter approved the first financial directory for the entire Society of Mary. Its official title is “The General Finance Directory for the Use and Administration of Material Goods in the Society of Mary.” Other decisions included: extending the term of the General Council and time between General Chapter meetings to six years; rejecting the addition of a fifth assistant to the General Council; approving Chapter 7 of Book 2 of the “Rule of Life”; and assigning a yearly assessment limit of 300 euros from each member of the Society of Mary for the support of the General Administration. A first for the Chapter meeting was a Mass celebrated in the chapel of the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter, located directly behind the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica.

MARIANISTS ELECT NEW SUPERIOR GENERAL On July 21, General Chapter delegates in Rome elected Fr. Manuel Cortés, 61, as superior general of the Society of Mary. He succeeds Fr. David Fleming, who just completed his second term as superior general. Read More. BRO. STEPHEN GLODEK REAPPOINTED U.S. PROVINCIAL On July 29, the General Council in Rome reappointed Bro. Stephen Glodek to a second term of three years as provincial of the United States. The appointment is effective July 1, 2007. Read More. BRO. ED VIOLETT ELECTED TO GENERAL COUNCIL On July 22, General Chapter delegates in Rome elected Bro. Ed Violett (W. Ligustrum Ave., San Antonio) to the General Council as assistant for temporalities. Read More.

At the General Chapter meeting, CLOCKWISE from top, Bro. Armando Añeses leads the procession into Mass at the chapel at Villa Aurelia; Bro. Roberto Hanss with Frs. Jack McGrath and Jim Fitz; Bro. Dennis Schmitz shares a toast with Marianist sisters from Korea; and Bro. Charles Johnson lights a candle.

GENERAL CHAPTER BLOG A HIT WITH BROTHERS

Thank you to all of the brothers who participated in the General Chapter Blog. The blog generated 48 stories from the brothers in Rome and over 85 comments responding to the stories. If you haven’t seen the blog, you can still access it by logging in to the PORTAL and clicking on the link for “General Chapter Blog.”

If you would like to receive a copy of the blog contents on a CD, please contact Ann Mueller.

The Province communications office is looking to expand the blogging forums. If you have an idea for blog, please send it to Joan Suda.

HERE’S WHAT THE BROTHERS THOUGHT OF BLOGGING…

BROTHERS PROFESS FIRST VOWS IN NAIROBI

At the first vow ceremony, Fr. Martin Solma, Bro. Samuel Kyalo, Fr. Mike Nartker, Bro. Peter Nyansimora, Bro. Tom Oster and Bro. Steven Grazulis

On July 22, about 80 Marianists, family members and friends gathered at the District House in Nairobi to witness the first profession of vows in the Society of Mary by Peter Nyansimora Asimundi and Samuel Kyalo Masivu. The colorful liturgy of dancing and music, drums and tamborines, captured the joy of this day for the new brothers. Fr. Martin Solma, district superior, received their vows on behalf of the Provincial, and was assisted by Fr. Gabriel Kirangah. The homily included a message of congratulations and promise of prayers from Fr. Manuel Cortés, superior general, and Bro. Chola Mulenga, assistant district superior and delegate to the General Chapter. The ceremony was followed by lunch, singing and dancing.

After a visit with their respective families, Bros. Peter and Samuel will join the Marianist scholasticate at Bro. Vincent House and pursue a teacher education course at Christ the Teacher Institute at Tangaza College.

The District is especially grateful to Bro. Steven Grazulis, novice director, Fr. Mike Nartker and Bro. Tom Oster for the excellent novitiate formation the brothers received.

Bro. Samuel (left) and Bro. Peter with their parents.

MARIANIST EDUCATORS MEET IN DAYTON

Teachers from Marianist schools on a break from the MEC meetings

The Province Office of Education hosted over 70 administrators, teachers and campus ministers for the 19th annual MEC (Marianist Education Consortium) gathering July 20 to July 23 at the University of Dayton. The education office includes Director Fr. Tim Kenney, Bro. John Habjan, Bro. Gene Meyerpeter, George Lisjak and Mary Perotti. MEC’s goal is to deepen the knowledge and living out of the CME (Characteristics of Marianist Education). Discussions and workshops focused on Marianist religion curriculum, TAM (Teaching as Ministry) and environmental education. Sr. Leanne Jablonski, director of the Marianist Environmental Education Center, gave the keynote address.

At MEC, Bro. Jim Eppy, Chaminade College Prep St. Louis; Charles Hughes, Nolan Catholic High School, Ft. Worth, Texas; and Bro. Gene Meyerpeter

BRO. LESTER NAMED DIRECTOR OF MARIANIST RESIDENCE

Effective Aug. 15, 2006, Bro. Lester Kaehler will become the director of the Marianist Residence at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. Bro. Lester replaces Bro. Joe Grieshaber, who will continue his teaching duties at St. Mary’s University and remain a member of the community. The Marianist Residence has approximately 45 brothers and includes the St. Joseph community, which offers nursing care. Bro. Lester’s previous experience includes formation work in Peru, Chile, where he was novice master and assistant novice master, and, most recently, Ranchi, India, where he served as novice master. The community will continue to have two sub-communities within the Residence: St. Joseph with Bro. Jim Jaeckle as sub-director, and the "Active Community" with Fr. John Leies as sub-director. Congratulations and our prayers to Bro. Lester!

PERSONNEL NEWS

Bro. John Habjan (Maryland Ave., St. Louis), has been appointed part-time associate principal of St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, effective Aug. 1, 2006. The assignment is for the 2006-2007 school year. In addition to administrative responsibilities, Bro. John serves as the “Marianist voice” on the administrative team and will promote the Marianist charism throughout the school. He will continue his ministry for the Office of Education. Our prayers and blessings to Bro. John!

Best wishes to Fr. Steve Tutas, who will be joining the Marianist community in Cupertino, Calif. The move will allow Fr. Steve to be more active in retreats and similar programs.

Congratulations to Fr. Cris Janson, who has been appointed pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in San Antonio, effective Aug. 15, 2006.

Best wishes to Bro. Max Beyer, who has left Mercy Siena and rejoined the Alumni Hall community in Dayton.

Fr. David Fleming has a new e-mail address. His new address is: dflemingsm@yahoo.co.in

BRO. MARIANUS VISITS OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR PARISH

Bro. Marianus Lugun of the District of India, who is a Marianist seminarian in Rome, visited Our Lady of the Pillar parish in St. Louis for pastoral experience with Fr. Jim Tobin, Fr. Bill Wightman and Bro. Bill O’Leary (shown above, right). Bro. Marianus also is visiting the LIFE South program in Texas and the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, N.J.

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.)

HOMILY FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

“The political world trades in the currency of fear and power, covetousness and pride. In contrast to this, Christ comes, meek and riding on an ass, to banish the weapons of war – the chariot, the horse, the warrior’s bow – and to proclaim peace to all the nations…” Read more of Fr. Chris Wittman’s homily from a Mass for peace in the Middle East celebrated July 28 at Immaculate Conception Chapel in Dayton.

MARIANIST MISSION STAFF SHOWS SPIRIT

Employees of the Marianist Mission in Dayton enjoyed “Spirit Day” on July 3. The event, organized and inspired by the Mission employees, featured lots of patriotic attire, games and barbeque. INSET PHOTO: Employee Lori McClay received a “WOW” ribbon for her artistic barbeque grill cake.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF . .

Mary Davis, 50, who died recently. May she rest in peace. Mary was the daughter of Rosemary Davis, the former secretary of the former McBride High School in St. Louis.

Isabel Gess, who died on July 23, 2006. May she rest in peace. Isabel was a longtime Marianist Affiliate from Milwaukee.

DUSK AT WILSONS 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, visit www.resingart.com

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALING OF . . .

Bro. Art Dofing (Curé of Ars, St. Louis), who is recovering from surgery on his pancreas and stomach.

Bro. Joseph Gaudet (Mercy Siena, Dayton), who is under hospice care at Mercy Siena.

Bro. James Jaeckle (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), who is recovering from knee surgery and undergoing rehabilitation.

Bro. Paul Komrska (Region of Peru, staying at Curé of Ars, St. Louis), who is recovering from eye surgery.

Fr. Richard Kuhn (Sneads Ferry, North Carolina), who is recovering from gall bladder surgery.

Bros. Bill Schlosser and John Woo (District of Africa), were the victims of an armed robbery at the White Fathers’ house in Mzuzu, Malawi, on Aug. 5. Neither was seriously hurt, but Bro. John has a broken arm and is presently in the Mzuzu hospital.

Please pray also for Dan Bauman, Florence Boitano, Tony DiGeorge, Diane Guerra, Fr. James Krings, Dot Sabistan, Richard Walsh and Eileen Webster. Read more.

BROTHERS GO HAWAIIAN FOR SUMMER RETREAT

At the Honolulu retreat at St. Anthony’s Retreat Center July 23 to July 29, seated on floor, Novice Luis Gamboa and Bro. Dennis Bautista; seated, Bro. Paul Novosal, Fr. Mike Lisbeth, Bro. Tom Spring, Bro. Dave Murphy, Fr. Bob Backherms and Fr. Jim Mueller; standing, Bro. Jim Burkholder, Fr. Jerry Chinchar, Bro. Kevin Whalen, Fr. Ralph Siefert, William Raddell, Bro. David Quigley, Fr. Paul Fitzpatrick, Bro. John Dempsey, Bro. Joseph Scheible and Bro. Will Halloway

WHO'S DOING WHAT

Bro. Charles Cummiskey (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) is featured in the summer issue of the St. Mary’s University alumni magazine. Bro. Charles is recognized for his 50 years of teaching chemistry at St. Mary’s. Read the article.

Art work from Bros. Joe Barrish, Mel Meyer and Brian Zampier is featured in the newly published edition of the “The New Creative Artist” book by Nita Leland.

Congratulations to Bro. Jim McCaffrey (Marianist Residence, San Antonio), who was named Mission Concepción’s 2006 Volunteer of the Year. Bro. Jim has logged 500 hours as a docent at the historic mission located in San Antonio.

Bro. Stephen Glodek’s article: “Pinceladas, trocitos de cristal y nueva creación” appeared in the current issue of Testimonio, the journal for religious in Chile (No. 215, Mayo, Junio 2006).

Bro. Gary Morris (Pohaku Community, Honolulu), drama professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu, is receiving rave reviews for his direction of the play “Sylvia,” at downtown Honolulu’s Yellow Brick Studios.

Fr. Rich Wosman (W. Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio), addressed faculty members from the Corpus Christi, Texas, diocese at a one-day retreat July 26 entitled, “The Qualities and Role of the Catholic School Educator.”

Fr. John Leies (Marianist Residence, San Antonio) wrote an editorial about the Church’s position on same sex marriage, which appeared in the July 7 issue of Today’s Catholic.

RECENT GATHERINGS FOCUS ON MARY

Fr. Francois Rossier, center, of the Marian Library in Dayton, presented a workshop on Mary to vowed and lay Marianists in Querétaro, Mexico, Aug. 2 to Aug. 5. Also shown, Susana Ramirez, Bro. Esteban Reyes Duran, Estella Ramirez Cortez and Bro. Roger Bau

MARIANISTS AT WORK
FR. TED CASSIDY— STRIVING TO END RACISM

“Racism is a dysfunctional social system created by human beings that is like a hurricane. It is a way of living and thinking that has enormous negative effects assuming its own powerful force,” writes Fr. Ted Cassidy in his new booklet, “The Hurricane of Racism.”

After 10 years of research, Fr. Ted wrote the booklet as a guide to conquering racism. He points out that racism was built by human beings and therefore can be dismantled by them. His book offers practical steps to understand and begin the dismantling process.

Fr. Ted, who has a doctor of ministry degree from Catholic University of America, has served as a teacher, pastor, novice master and chaplain, and has worked extensively on issues of social justice and racism throughout his ministry. While a pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish in Eldersburg, Md., he gave workshops on the nature of racism and the dynamics involved in stopping it . “It works like a dysfunctional family,”said Fr. Ted. “It’s basically a misuse of power that becomes so strong in society it develops a life of its own, like a storm or hurricane.” Read More.

PEACE & JUSTICE UPDATE: Marianists Attend Shareholder’s Meeting Bro. Jim Wisecaver and Ray Dominguez represented the Province at the Computer Sciences Corporation annual shareholder’s meeting in Los Angeles and introduced a resolution calling for greater board diversity. Read more. Katrina Relief Report The Province peace & justice office has released a report on the Katrina Relief project in New Orleans. The report outlines the accomplishments of the more than 60 Marianist volunteers and plans for future efforts. Read the report. Ceasefire Petition Almost 1000 innocent people in Lebanon and Israel have died over the past four weeks. Urge our leaders and members of the Security Council to end this slaughter . Sign the petition. Marianist Social Justice Collaborative The Adele Social Justice Project is looking for young adults in the Washington/Baltimore area to participate in a social justice immersion/reflection weekend in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6 to Oct. 8. Find out more. Contact Myles McCabe, Province Director of Peace & Justice, mmccabe@sm-usa.org. 314.533.1207, x. 235

MEXICAN LAY MARIANISTS HOLD GATHERING

Approximately 200 lay Marianists from the Querétaro, Guanajuata and Vera Cruz regions of Mexico held their biannual “congreso” July 14 to July 16 near Querétaro City. This year’s gathering included over 30 teenagers who have made a personal consecration to Mary within their lay communities. Photo courtesy of Bro. Ed Longbottom

FROM THE SCHOOLS . . .

ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY has awarded $2.6 million in scholarships to promising high school students who recently completed their third year of the San Antonio Prefreshman Engineering Program. Read more.

LAY AFFILIATE CEREMONY HELD IN MILWAUKEE

Fr. Al McMenamy, spiritual assistant for affiliates, leads the affiliation ceremony for new affiliate Dorothy Parzych (center), in Milwaukee June 25. Also shown are Dorothy’s husband Jerry Parzych and the formation team of Roberta Oleniczak, Jeanne Burch and Sue Pfohl.

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.

RETREATS OFFER FUN AND FAITH FOR FAMILIES

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

MARIANIST LIFE PROGRAM AT TECABOCA

At the Marianist LIFE Visitor’s Night at TECABOCA in Ingram, Texas, Brian Reavey, national coordinator for LIFE, Betsy Rickter, Kathy Murray, Anthony Fucci, director of the Cape May retreat center, and Mary Buczacki

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CREDIT CARD HOLDERS

Recent “phishing” attacks were lodged against Fifth Third Bank cardholders and cardholders of other banks. Phishing is a highly sophisticated scam that computer hackers utilize to obtain customers’ account numbers, login IDs and passwords. The hackers send unsolicited e-mails to large numbers of people who may or may not be customers of the targeted financial institution. The fraudulent e-mails often state that the bank will suspend service unless the customer updates their records; the e-mails look authentic, but they are not. Read more.

ALIVE MAGAZINE

The new issue of Alive magazine has been mailed. If you need additional copies, e-mail Ann Mueller at amueller@sm-usa.org.

OOPS…

In the July 5 issue we mistakenly wrote that Bro. Ron Luksic was leading an African safari in July 2006. His trip is actually in July 2007. Our apologies!

SUNRISE OVER THE GULF OF ARGOS, GREECE

Photo courtesy of Fr. Charles Miller

NEWSLETTER CENTRAL

MARIANIST SOCIAL JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE. Read the August 2006 issue of Justice Jottings.

NEWS FROM INDIA. Read the July 2006 issue of the newsletter from India.

REDS. Read the July 2006 issue of the REDS newsletter (Ragpickers Education Development Scheme).

DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A MARIANIST CALENDAR?

A calendar that lists events involving Marianist brothers, Marianist sisters and lay Marianists is 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.

THE CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY DIRECTOR. Catholic Charities Hawai’i is seeking a Community Director for its office on Maui to develop new programs and coordinate campaigns and events. Read more.

JUST ONE MORE...

A huge tree and downed power line blocks the alley and garage behind the Marybrook community house in St. Louis after a powerful storm ripped through the area July 19. Over 90 mph winds and heavy rain left 500,000 residents without power. Photo courtesy of Bro. Brian Halderman

PROVINCE BIRTHDAYS

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

August

September

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.