The Centenarian: Brother Francis Heyer Celebrates 100!

When Bro. Francis Heyer turned 100 on Sept. 1, he received one of the biggest surprises of his life: A Papal Blessing and greetings from the Governor of Missouri.

The week was packed with surprises and celebrations to honor this oldest living Marianist in the United States Province and across the entire Marianist world.

Bro. Francis has suggestions for reaching the century milestone. “First and foremost, love God. Pray. Lead a healthy life. Accept change. Also, stay in touch with family and friends. Whatever you do, do in Mary’s name.”

Fr. Al McMenamy, who lives with Bro. Francis in their community in St. Louis, says Bro. Francis is “an education in small things. I’ve watched him take care of the lawns and flowers outside. He loves some birds, and he still finds little chores to do in the house. At his age, I admire his efforts to be faithful in his prayer and our community life.”

See more photos.

A Helping Hand That Makes All the Difference

The Marianist Urban Students Program (MUSP) offers students the financial, academic and social support they need to succeed at a Catholic Marianist high school, so that college and a bright future can become a reality.

It is a sad fact that in many American cities, the high school graduation rates for disadvantaged students hover around 50 percent. The pandemic has created even more challenges. Without this most basic educational credential, thousands of young people face an uncertain future.

MUSP offers a young person the helping hand that makes all the difference.

To learn more, click here.

Watch Bro. Jesse O’Neill’s video about the significance of the MUSP program.

A Marianist Moment

By Bro. David Betz

Witnesses

We celebrated the Marianist Martyrs of Cuidad Real on Sept. 18. They are Carlos Eraña, Jesús Hita, and Fidel Fuidio. For this month’s Marianist Moment, I share with you a reflection written by Bro. Juan Issa, SM. This reflection comes from a pamphlet titled, “Witnesses,” produced by the Province of Spain. Spend some time reflecting on these words as you consider being witnesses to Jesus and continuing the Mary’s Mission of bringing Him to the world. Granted, you may not aspire to be a martyr, but we are called to share the Good News in all we do and say.

Read more.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Building on a Legacy: Chaminade College Prep-St. Louis Starts Year Under New Leadership

Matt Dailey, Jack Twellman, Philip Rone and Todd Guidry

“Fr. Ralph Siefert was probably the best CEO of any secular or religious organization I’ve ever encountered,” said Joe Eckelkamp, chair of the Board of Trustees at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis. “He had a clear vision for the school, along with great foresight.”

That foresight included a year-long leadership transition plan in which he would mentor Todd Guidry, the new incoming president, and the leadership team that includes Phillip Rone, principal of the high school for the past nine years, and incoming principal of the Middle School, Jack Twellman.

But that plan was quickly revised when Father Ralph fell ill and died on August 20, 2021.

So while shock waves of grief rippled through the close-knit Marianist and Chaminade families, the school’s top administration geared up to lead the school.

Todd acknowledges the immense legacy left by Fr. Ralph. “Our strong academic programs, extracurricular and faith-development programs, our financial stability, our world-class campus, our deep embrace of the Marianist Charism, and the loyalty of our faculty, staff, alumni and parents — all of it are a direct result of Fr. Ralph’s leadership.”

Adds Phil: “We will continue the direction that Fr. Ralph established, including the mission, spirit and fire of the Marianist Charism and our guiding principles of Marianist education.”

See more photos.

The Marianist Lecture

For the past 25 years, the Marianists have hosted the Mackey Lecture on the Kalaepohaku campus sponsored by Chaminade University, Saint Louis School and the Marianist Center of Hawaii. Now named, “The Marianist Lecture” it honors the presenter with the Mackey Award for Catholic Thought. The presenter this year was Franciscan Fr. Dan Horan, OFM, director of the Center for Spirituality and Professor of Theology at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana.

His lecture, “The Spirituality of Justice: Racism and Climate Change: A Catholic’s Response” was held on Sept 26.  To listen to the lecture, click here.

Vespers celebrate the Exultation of the Cross, and Venerable Marie Thérèse DeLamourous

Fr. Bill Meyer, Rector, and Fr. Brandon Paluch, planned and gathered members of the St. Mary’s University Marianist community for vespers to celebrate the Exultation of the Cross and Marianist Lay Collaborator, Venerable Marie Thérèse DeLamourous. Marianist Sisters Gretchen Trautman and Grace Walle, were also present.

In The News

More Than an Idea

In June, Fr. Jim Heft published his latest book titled, The Future of Catholic Higher Education – The Open Circle.” Drawing upon his extensive experience, Fr. Jim lays out the current state of Catholic higher education and what needs to be done to ensure that Catholicism isn’t phased out of the educational system. Fr. Jim is the president emeritus of the Institute of Advanced Catholic Studies (IACS) at the University of Southern California. Read the most recent review by Commonweal magazine by clicking here.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

Marianists in St. Louis Celebrate Jubilees

Congratulations to Fr. Tim Kenney (50 years profession), Bro. Ken Straubinger (60 years of profession) and Bro. Louis Fourier (50 years of profession) who celebrated their Jubilees during a Mass at Our Lady of the Pillar Church in St. Louis on Saturday, Sept. 25. The Jubilee Mass was followed by a reception in the parish center.

See more photos.

32nd Annual McBride Communion Breakfast and Hall of Fame Ceremonies

Bro. Larry McBride is pictured with his sister, Sharon Reynolds, and family.

Bro. Larry McBride was honored at the 32nd Annual McBride High School Communion Breakfast and Hall of Fame Ceremonies on Sept 11, 2021, at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis. While at McBride, Bro. Larry was a home room rep, sodality member, played football (honorable mention all-district) and participated in track all four years. He also was active in student court and yearbook committee. Congratulations, Bro. Larry!

See more photos.

One of these two will grow up to be a Marianist. Who is it?

Who is…

A little challenge from the Marianist Archives in San Antonio… Can you guess who is featured in the photo above? Hint: One of these two will grow up to be a Marianist. Click here to see more photos and the answer will be revealed.

Thanks to Bro. Brian Zampier for submitting this challenge.

North American Center for Marianist Studies – Program and Technology Assistant

The North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) is seeking a full-time Program and Technology Assistant. This position will provide support to the development and delivery of NACMS programs and support the technology needs of the NACMS staff. Learn more.

(posted September 29, 2021)

Marianist Family Council of North America (MFC-NA) – Director for the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC)

The Marianist Family Council of North America (MFC-NA) is searching for a Director for the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC). The position application window will close October 22, 2021. The complete position description and information on how to apply may be found here. Applications must include a cover letter, an updated resume, three references, and a writing or presentation sample. Following the closing of applications, the search committee will move forward with the interview process leading to selection by the,MFC-NA. For more information on the MSJC, please click here.

(posted September 29, 2021)

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

The Fulcrum from the Marianist LIFE
District Update 49 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
Magnificat from the World Council of the Marianist Family
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

Blogs

Bro. Phil Aaron
Susan Vogt
A. Brian Zampier

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.

“They Do Us Proud:” Marianist Alumni Garner Gold at Tokyo Olympic Games

SAITAMA, JAPAN - JULY 25: Jayson Tatum #10 of Team United States dunks against Team France during the first half of the Men's Preliminary Round Group B game on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Super Arena on July 25, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 05: Katie Nageotte of Team USA celebrates after winning the gold medal in the Women’s Pole Vault Final on day thirteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 05, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Tokyo Olympic Games were full of heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. For Jayson Tatum, 2016 Chaminade College Preparatory-St. Louis graduate and member of Team USA men’s basketball, Aug. 7 will forever be remembered as the day the U.S. Olympic team made history, winning its fourth consecutive gold medal in the sport by defeating France 87-82.

The team was rattled just before the Games began when key players, including Bradley Beal, a 2011 Chaminade College Preparatory-St. Louis alum, were pulled from Team USA due to fears of COVID-19 exposure. Beal plays point guard for the NBA’s Washington Wizards. The revolving door of team players kept Team USA on its toes.

“We knew it was going to be different guys every night, and we figured it out,” Tatum said in a post-game interview. The 23-year old Tatum racked up 19 points and 7 rebounds during USA’s victory. Tatum plays professionally for the Boston Celtics.

Two days earlier, Katie Nageotte, who spent the 2011-2012 seasons on University of Dayton Flyers track and field team, won an Olympic gold medal in the pole vault on Aug. 5.

Nageotte, 30, of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, and a first-time Olympian, became the third American woman to win the pole vault at the Olympics.

MLC-NA Welcomes Inagural National Director

The Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA) welcomes Rob Brodrick as its inaugural national director. As national director, Rob will be responsible for implementing the vision of MLC-NA and facilitating its day-to-day operations.

Rob currently serves as the MLC-NA at-large member for strategic planning and web development. He brings extensive experience in service and ministry through his work with the Mission of Mary Cooperative, the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities and the Adèle Social Justice Project. Rob possesses a deep commitment to the Marianist Charism and to the growth and development of Marianist laity. In this position, Rob will help bring to life the work of the Leadership Council on behalf of our lay members.

Margy Lisjak, MLC-NA chair, writes, “We are grateful to the Society of Mary for its confidence and initial funding to establish this position. Together we will continue to expand and deepen our engagement and communication within the broader Marianist Family.”

“We congratulate and welcome Rob Brodrick as the inaugural national director for MLC-NA” says Fr. Oscar Vasquez, provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States. “This is an exciting time for the Marianist Family. We look forward to collaborating with the MLC-NA as it continues to expand and facilitate the growth of the Marianist Family and Marianist Charism under Rob’s leadership.”

Read the MLC-NA full announcement.

New Virtual Lay Marianist Formation Program Hosts 21 Participants

The Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA) completed its first Virtual Lay Marianist Formation (VLMF) program in June with 21 participants from across the United States.

“We had people enroll from small towns and cities in Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, Texas and Hawaii,” said Abbey Saurine, head of education for MLC-NA and coordinator of this first cohort.

One of the main reasons people signed up for this first virtual program is the ease and accessibility it affords.

“There are many people who haven’t been able to participate in lay formation because of location, jobs and other circumstances,” said Abbey. “The virtual format overcame those barriers. We’ve been missing some people who want to be formed in the Marianist tradition. We need them – and their gifts.”

“I am grateful to Abbey, as well as Sarah Wood and Margy Lisjak for getting this program off the ground,” said LeeAnn Meyer, head of spirituality for MLC-NA. “Now, when people ask how they can become a Lay Marianist, we have an answer that suits people’s busy lifestyles and different locations.”

Next VLMF program: A new VLMF cohort will start in early 2022. Registration will begin in Nov.-Dec. 2021. The program runs four to five months and meets every other Tuesday evening. To learn more, please contact Abbey Saurine.

A Marianist Moment

By Bro. David Betz

Fr. Jakob Gapp, SM – An Advocate for Social Justice

On Aug. 13, we celebrated the memorial of Blessed Jakob Gapp, SM. Our Austrian Marianist Brother was martyred in 1943 for his activities that were deemed detrimental to the Nazi Regime. He persisted in speaking out against the National Socialists since he strongly believed that this government was not conducive to Catholic Christian values. For him, one’s Catholic faith was more important than any nationality. Here is testimony from his interrogation that expounds on his belief when asked about public resistance to National Socialism:

Read more.

In The News

Bro. Jesse O’Neill, Fr. Oscar Vasquez, Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries, Kim Gorr and Leo Hyland

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Welcomes New President

On Aug. 11, Fr. Oscar Vasquez, provincial, and others celebrated the President’s Welcome Mass for Leo Hyland, the new president of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, Akron, Ohio.

Read the article from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.

Brotherhood is Right for Me

Before he considered a religious vocation, Bro. Allen Pacquing was achieving his professional dreams. Yet, he always had a sense that something was missing in his life; a yearning that he couldn’t pinpoint. Bro. Allen recently discussed his journey to becoming a Marianist Brother in an article for Vision Vocation Network. Read the article.

Continuing the Grace of Charismatic Renewal

The Brothers of the Beloved Disciple, a charismatic and Marian religious community of brothers and priests in San Antonio, was founded by Fr. George Montague, SM, and Fr. Bob Hogan, BBD.  Fr. George, 92, has moved to a care center.  Fr. Bob penned an article in the latest edition of Pentecost Today Magazine in which he discusses how the community is continuing in the spirit of Fr. George with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit.  Click here to read the article.

Marianist Family Updates

First Marianist Jubilarian in Mexico

Bro. Fermín García García is the first Marianist from Mexico to celebrate 25 years as a religious brother. Fr. Oscar Vasquez, provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States, presided at a special Jubilee Mass to honor Bro. Fermín on Sunday, Aug. 15. The jubilee celebration was held outdoors at the Marianist Community in Querétaro. Click here for pictures.

Marianist Novitiate Communities Welcome New Novices

On Sunday, Aug. 15, the Society of Mary (SM) and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (FMI) novitiate communities welcomed three new novices into their respective novitiate programs. Rose Rucoba and Natalie Ross became novices with the FMI and Juan de la Cruz joined Jesús Alvarez Peña as a SM novice. Sr. Laura Leming, FMI novice director and Bro. Dennis Bautista, SM novice director, blessed the crosses that were presented to the novices. They were joined in a final blessing by Fr. Tim Eden, assistant SM novice director, Sr. Gretchen Trauman, FMI provincial, who directed Rose and Natalie’s retreat and Fr. George Cerniglia and Bro. Ed Brink, who directed the retreat for the SM novices. Novitiate classes began on Monday, Aug. 16. Please join in prayer for all of the young men and women on their Marianist journey!

See more photos.

Marianist Affiliates Continue to Grow

Rebecca Salkeld, Monica O’Neill, Riza Vlasic, Shirley Vachon, Fr. Al McMenamy

The Marianist Streamwood, Illinois, Affiliate group met on Friday, Aug. 6, in the home of Jay and Monica O’Neill. They shared the sacrament of Reconciliation, The Holy Eucharist, the Anointing of the Sick and the Ceremony of Affiliation for Candidate Riza Vlasic. Fr. Al McMenamy is the spiritual advisor for the group, meets monthly with the group, but has made adjustments due to the pandemic. Welcome to the Marianist Family, Riza.

See more photos.

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

Fr. Ralph Siefert – 2015

Fr. Ralph Siefert – Early Years

Fr. Ralph Siefert, 76, died Aug. 20, 2021. Father Ralph was a pillar of the school community at Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis, where he served as president for 33 years. He is credited with putting the school on firm financial footing and with building its reputation for excellence in academics. He will be remembered as a caring shepherd, a quick wit, a voracious reader and a gourmet cook.

Read his obituary.

See more photos.

◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family

◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018

Good to Know

The FundRun is Back: Lace up your shoes to Benefit Tecaboca

Join the FundRun for Tecaboca: A Marianist Center for Spiritual Renewal, located near Kerrville, Texas. It’s easy to participate. Just find a route to walk/run near your home, and invite your family or friends together to create a small team. Visit the fundraising page to create a team and gather pledges for your walk/run or make a donation. There will be prizes for the individual and team that raise the most and an online silent auction. Set out for your walk/run Saturday, Sept. 11, and watch the Tecaboca Facebook page for live updates throughout the day. Share your videos and pictures using #TecabocaFundRun21. Commit to walk or run.

Click here to learn more about the event.

Seeking business/family sponsors for the event, click here.

Called to Serve- MLC-NA Leadership Council Nominations Being Accepted

MLC-NA is accepting nominations for Head of Spirituality and Head of Temporalities on the national Leadership Council for terms beginning January 2022.

Responsibilities can be found in the MLC-NA Leadership Model document.

Please use the online nomination form to nominate yourself or someone else by September 30. You may re-reuse the link to submit multiple nominations.

Nominees will be contacted to confirm their interest and to complete a questionnaire that will be shared on the ballot.  Nominations are welcome from within the Marianist Family. Voting is limited to members of MLC-NA.

Questions about the process or the positions can be emailed to [email protected]. Thank you for your support!

In the Album

There were some fun pictures submitted this month including:  Bro. Mike O’Grady’s birthday, the Hawaiian pool party in Cupertino, some great photos of the late Fr. Gerry Hammel, and Fr. Mwageni visits St. Francis de Sales Parish. View this month’s photo album.

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

District Update #49 from the Marianist District of India
The Fulcrum from Marianist LIFE
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

Blogs

Bro. Phil Aaron
Susan Vogt
A. Brian Zampier

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.