Brother Delmar Jorn Reflects on His Ministry after 38 Years in Southeast Asia
Having served as a librarian at Marianist-sponsored schools in the U.S. Province, Bro. Del Jorn was surprised one day when the late Fr. David Fleming, then provincial of the former St. Louis Province, asked him to consider a missionary assignment in Nepal and India in the 1980s.
“I was hesitant at first because I struggle to learn foreign languages,” he said. “But off I went on a Pan-Am flight to Kathmandu.”
His first assignment in Nepal was working at a library located on the edge of a pasture. “On one side of the modest library was hay storage for cows and pigs; on another side was an open well with plenty of rats,” he said. “And, it was incredibly cold.”
“Picture me trying to work with books in 35-degree weather, and I’m wearing gloves because there’s no heat in the building,” says Bro. Del laughing.
Between Nepal and India, Bro. Del spent nearly four decades managing libraries and collecting and documenting Marianist artifacts. In India, he also taught aspirants and novices in formation, both those of the Society of Mary and the Daughters of Mary(FMI), and supervised finances as head of temporalities.
Learn more about Bro. Del’s life and ministry in ALIVE magazine where he is featured in the Summer 2021 edition.
Marianist Sister Leanne Jablonski’s Sustainability Expertise is Tapped by Vatican
“Catholics have a critical mass to collectively address climate change, reduce economic poverty and achieve total sustainability,” said Sr. Leanne Jablonski, who along with two other sustainability experts at University of Dayton have been asked to share their knowledge and experiences with the Vatican.
In May, the Vatican’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform was launched to track goals that were established by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the environment. The trio of UD experts are sharing their sustainability successes and challenges and how some could be implemented on the online platform.
The University attracted the attention of the Vatican group, in part, through the work of the Hanley Sustainability Institute where Sr. Leanne serves as an Institute Scholar for faith and the environment. She also directs the Marianist Environmental Education Center located at Mount Saint John in Dayton.
The global Marianist Family, through its involvement in education, health care, environmental nonprofits, parishes and religious congregations, is already engaged in these sustainability goals, said Sr. Leanne.
To read the full UD News story about Sr. Leanne and UD’s involvement with the Laudato Si’ platform, click here.
Marianist Ministries in Action
Connecting As Affiliates
On Sat., July 17, 2021, the Marianist Affiliates gathered for a virtual National Day of Retreat. The theme was Connecting as Affiliates. This was an opportunity to connect and pray with other affiliates from across the country and Canada. Fr. Mike Nartker, spiritual advisor for the Marianist Affiliates in Ohio and Pittsburgh, gave a presentation about community using the image of the Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth as a model of affiliation in which we are all called to share the Good News in small and large ways. We share a common experience, just as Mary and Elizabeth did in their pregnancies, which were the result of God’s grace. Bro. Stephen Glodek, spiritual advisor for Marianist Affiliates on the East Coast, Canada and Italy, expanded on this image, saying that we each carry something holy – our ages, life experiences and our affiliations – to our encounters, just as Mary and Elizabeth did.
The retreat included a couple of prayer experiences: The Jesus Prayer which was done in a large group and Lectio Divina in small groups using a passage from Fr. Henri Nouwen on the theme of community. This was the first time many participants had experienced Lectio Divina using a passage from a spiritual reading rather than scriptures. Finally, Bro. Stephen Glodek conducted a session about where we go from here. Once the retreat evaluations are gathered and collated, next steps will be pursued.
If you are interested in becoming a Marianist Affiliate please contact Bro. Jack Ventura, the National Coordinator for Mariniast Affiliation, at [email protected]. He will direct your inquiry to the spiritual advisor in your area.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
Fr. Gerald Hammel – Undated
Fr. Gerald Hammel – 2011
Fr. Gerald Hammel, 79, died July 10, 2021. Fr. Gerry was a beloved pastor, missionary chaplain, spiritual director, campus minister, retreat master and cook. Beginning his life of service in the kitchen at several Marianist houses of formation, he would go on to feed the spirit of communities on three different continents – ever praying that Mary would help him “develop a gentle, loving care within me for my brothers, that I may care for them as she cared for our Lord, and as she cares for all of us in our mission.”
Bro. Norbert Karpfinger’s obituary: Bro. Norb died on June 23. His obituary was not completed in time for the June issue of FamilyOnline. It is available now. Read his obituary.
Jubilee Celebrations
Marianists Celebrate Jubilees
Each year, the Society of Mary recognizes brothers and priests who are marking milestones of their first professions of vows or of their priestly ordinations. This is the fourth and final group of 2021 Jubilarians we honor as a special section of FamilyOnline.
FATHER JOSEPH RASKY
70 years of profession
Now, at the age of 88, I am filled with gratitude to God for my vocation and grateful to the brothers and priests who have helped me along the way. I have especially enjoyed the laypeople of the Marriage Encounter community and the Marian consecration groups who have been an inspiration to me. I am grateful to God for my good health that enables me to continue to work with these people. I am grateful for the Good News of the Gospel, which shows me how wonderful God is. I feel privileged, and I rejoice that I can proclaim these truths to the world.
Fr. Joseph Rasky died on April 26, 2021. Read his obituary.
FATHER THOMAS SCHROER
60 years of profession
I love Frederick Buechner’s definition of a vocation as “your deep passion (or gladness) meeting the world’s deep need.” My deep gladness was first expressed around the age of 8 or so, one night while riding with my family in our 1949 two-door Chevrolet along Ohio Rt. 127. We were passing the Precious Blood seminary in Carthagena, Ohio, returning home from visiting our lovable, petite, grey-haired Grandma Schroer. Sitting between my sisters on the floor, I announced from the backseat, “I’m going to that seminary one day.” The courtship period for my deep passion and the world’s deep needs began in my teen years at the Marianist Chaminade High School in Dayton, Ohio. The actual commitment at age 19 and our “honeymoon” took place during my novitiate in Marcy, New York.
BROTHER FREDERICK SILBEREIS
60 years of profession
I have come to believe firmly that our God is a God of surprises; and not only does He surprise us, but His surprises — after the fact — always look so right. In conversation with a modern-day mystic, God reportedly told the seer that “with Me there is no such thing as a coincidence.” Things that look like accidents or blunders can be His hand at work, directing us in ways in which we would not otherwise have gone — and forcing us to grow.
BROTHER KENNETH STRAUBINGER
60 years of profession
As the years go by, it causes one to reflect more on how swiftly the years go by. This prompts me to reflect on “how did I get here?” Obviously, it was not only my personal effort. So, I thankfully recall the many, many graces received from our Lord through the love and support of my parents, brothers and sisters and their families. And, finally, but not least, those of the many faith-filled and holy men with whom I lived. A debt of gratitude to all.
BROTHER STANLEY ZUBEK
60 years of profession
At the end of my novitiate, I chose as my motto Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Today I would choose Luke 1:47: “My soul magnifies the Lord.” As a magnifying glass makes details clearer, so too, when looking at what God has done for/through me, the Lord is magnified.
Good to Know
Saint Louis School’s “175 Years: Strength in Diversity” Television Special
Check out the television special celebrating Saint Louis School’s history and diversity! Click here to see special program.
What A Year It Has Been
The link below will indeed make you smile. Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School’s faculty and staff reflect on this past year and the year ahead. I think you will agree that Fr. Bob Jones is Broadway-bound. Enjoy! Click here.
Marianist Celebrate July 4th
Bro. Ed Longbottom and guests celebrated our nations birthday at the Mayer Hall Community Independence Day picnic in the Chaminade Room of NACMS building. Guests included Fr. Buby, Bro. Bob Dzubinski, Ann Frapwell, Bro. Jim Vorndran and Chris Adams. Thanks for sharing Bro. Ed!
Marianist Vocations – Digital Communications/ Marketing Coordinator
The Marianist Province of the U.S. is searching for a new Digital Communications/ Marketing Coordinator. The Digital Communications/ Marketing Coordinator will work with the National Vocations Director to promote and foster a culture of vocations through a multifaceted approach which includes development and implementation of strategic marketing, advertising and communication. Learn more.
Marianist Retreat & Conference Center – Executive Director
The Marianist Retreat & Conference Center, located in Eureka, MO, is searching for an Executive Director. This position will focus on the overall strategic direction, sustainability, and promotion of the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center (MRCC). In the spirit of the Three Offices of the Marianist Tradition, the Executive Director (Office of Temporalities) will serve in collaboration with the Director of Hospitality (Office of Hospitality), and the Director of Programs (Office of Education & Spiritual/Religious Life). Learn more.
Choir Director at Queen of Apostles Marianist (part-time)
The Queen of Apostles Marianist Community at Bergamo, Mt. St. John, Beavercreek, OH, is seeking a part-time choir director to help with Sunday morning services and other community activities. Learn more.
Stay in Touch
Newsletters
District Update 47 from the Marianist District of India
Gifts and Tasks from the Int. Organization of Marianist Lay Communities
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
Marian Library Newsletter Spring 2021
MLC-NA e-News from the Marianist Lay Community of North America
NACMS Newsletter from the North American Center for Marianist Studies
Via Latina 22 from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
Other Resources
Marianist Archives 
FamilyOnline Submissions
We welcome and encourage submissions of interest to our nearly 3,400 subscribers. Please send them to Bernadette McCaffrey Groner.
GET CONNECTED!
Stay in touch with the Marianist Province by downloading our new mobile app!
Download your free copy today for easy access to information that supports the work of Marianist-sponsored ministries. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices.
