You’re Invited!
What does it take to build genuine community in a world that can feel increasingly disconnected? For the Marianist Family, the answer begins with Mary.
That belief brought Lay Marianists from across the country—and across generations—to Louisville, KY, for the Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA) Assembly. The theme “Building Community with Mary” had participants explore how to strengthen community and carry a distinctly Marianist way of living into families, neighborhoods, and the wider world.
The gathering drew approximately 117 adults and 21 children, from young families to longtime Lay Marianists in their 80s—including families representing two and even three generations. “The atmosphere was vibrant and hopeful,” described Assistant for Education Bro. Tom Wendorf, recalling worship filled with song and enthusiastic participation.
Speakers and workshops approached community from different perspectives. Graham McBain of Hey Neighbor offered practical approaches to bringing people together, while theologian and author Natalia Imperatori-Lee invited participants to consider how their understanding of the Blessed Mother shapes their relationship with her. The Marianist Encounters team explored ways individuals and ministries can deepen ecological care and inspire faith-driven action.
For Jessica González Uhlig, Ed.D., Program Administrator at NACMS, the meeting came at an important moment. “The assembly provided a time for members of the Marianist Family to come together at a time of change in demographics, yet creating a sense of hope for facing challenges together,” she said.
New leadership throughout the branches of the Marianist Family adds to that sense of possibility. Jessica sees an opportunity for fresh perspectives and closer collaboration among Lay Marianists, the Society of Mary, and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.
Bro. Tom agrees, “My hope is that MLC-NA will continue to foster vocations to the Marianist Family and collaboration with the vowed religious branches,” he said, calling MLC-NA “a vital gift for the Church in the U.S.—a witness that lay people and communities are at the heart of the Church’s mission in the world.”
The assembly also raised important questions for what comes next, such as: How can the Lay Marianist Family become more diverse, including greater participation among Hispanic Catholics? Could MLC-NA, FMI, and SM someday gather in a joint assembly? And how can each branch maintain its distinct identity while working more closely as one Marianist Family?
Those conversations are already extending beyond Louisville. The international Lay Marianist assembly recently wrapped up in Bogotá, Colombia, carrying the same spirit of community and collaboration onto a global stage.
While these gatherings may have concluded, the real work is just beginning—in homes, ministries, and communities where Marianists are called to live Mary’s mission together and invite others to become part of it. Consider this your invitation!
In The News
Caring for Our Common Home—One Watt at a Time
The University of Dayton is now meeting all of its campuswide electricity needs through an innovative carbon-free energy project that transforms wasted industrial heat into usable electricity.
The first-of-its-kind partnership among the University of Dayton (UD), AES Ohio, Tallgrass, and Kanin Energy captures heat that would otherwise be lost during natural gas pipeline operations and converts it into clean electricity for the university.
The project is expected to generate about 78,000 megawatt-hours of carbon-free electricity each year, reduce the university’s carbon footprint by 71%, and prevent an estimated 55,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
For UD President Eric F. Spina, the initiative reflects more than environmental innovation. “An important aspect of the University of Dayton’s Catholic, Marianist mission is to care for our common home,” Spina said. “This project puts UD at the forefront of clean energy innovation while giving our students meaningful opportunities for learning, research and preparation for the clean energy workforce.”
Beyond benefiting the Dayton campus, the project demonstrates how existing industrial infrastructure can be reimagined to create cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions for communities across North America. Click here to read more.
Aloha & Blessings
A new chapter in faith formation began at Chaminade University of Honolulu on July 26 as the university’s new Campus Ministry Team was introduced and blessed during Sunday Eucharist at the Mystical Rose Oratory.
Director Tasha Castro is joined by Andrew Ancheta, Chaplain Fr. Sean Downing, Bro. Leno Ceballos, and Aileen Bonilla. In addition to their work with Chaminade University, Fr. Sean serves as chaplain at St. Louis School, while Bro. Leno teaches there.
Building on the strong foundation established by Fr. Chris Wittmann, and Scarlett Ford, the new team will accompany students in faith, service, and community—bringing fresh energy and vision while continuing the Marianist tradition of helping young people grow as disciples and leaders. Click here to see pictures from the “Launch” luncheon for Campus Ministry.
Turning the Page on a New Chapter for ALIVE
After nearly five years telling stories of the Marianist Family, Dave Luecking is retiring as editor of our ALIVE magazine. Since taking on the role in Oct. 2021, Dave has shared inspiring stories about people, ministries, and mission. The Province Communications Department took him to lunch to extend gratitude and offer congratulations.
Dave introduced one of the magazine’s most beloved features—Marianist Table—where members of the Marianist Family share favorite recipes and the stories behind them. The feature has become a reminder that some of our most meaningful connections happen around the table. We’re happy to share that Dave’s wife, journalist Kathleen Nelson, will continue producing Marianist Table, ensuring this popular section remains part of every issue.
As one chapter closes, another begins. We are pleased to welcome Christina “Tina” Steck as the new editor of ALIVE magazine. Tina brings a wealth of communications, publishing, and Catholic ministry experience to the role. She currently serves as Program Manager for the Office of Child and Youth Protection for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. For the past few years, she has helped the Province celebrate its jubilarians by composing their bios.
She has also spent nearly 14 years in marketing and publications at Ursuline Academy of St. Louis, producing magazines, annual reports, newsletters, and other communications for the school. Her professional background combines strong editorial expertise with a deep commitment to the Catholic Church, making her an excellent fit to continue ALIVE‘s tradition of sharing the stories that inspire and unite the Marianist Family.
We’d love to hear from you! Email your story ideas to: [email protected]
✨Service Spotlight 🔦
Renewal of Vows
Surrounded by members of the Marianist Family, Sr. Rose Rucoba, FMI, renewed her temporary vows on July 26 during the MLC-NA assembly. Her renewal took place during the closing commitment ceremony, highlighting the shared Marianist call to faithful service.
Sr. Rose will continue serving the Dayton community as a bilingual religion teacher and classroom aide at Our Lady of the Rosary School, where she helps students grow in both faith and learning. Her renewed commitment is a joyful witness to God’s enduring call and the vitality of the Marianist mission.
In Mexico, during the brothers’ annual retreat in early August, four temporary
-professed Marianist Brothers: Juan De La Cruz, José Manuel Gutiérrez Manzo, Guillermo Peña Contreras, and Carlos Alexis Román Altamirano renewed their vows. They were surrounded by perpetually professed brothers and several Lay Marianist members.
The gathering offered time away for prayer, reflection, and fraternity. At the same time, the renewal of vows provided a beautiful reminder that the Marianist vocation is lived within a community of faith and shared mission.
We give thanks for these brothers and their continued commitment to religious life—and for the entire Marianist Family in Mexico that accompanies and supports them along the way.
Marianist Moments
Looking Forward Together
The recent Marianist Family Congress held in Indianapolis, sponsored
by the Marianist Family Council of North America (MFC-NA), was more than a meeting—it was a hopeful step toward a stronger, more united future.
In a reflection inspired by the Congress, Bro. Robert Moriarty notes that the gathering itself may be its greatest accomplishment. Bringing together the branches of the Marianist Family to listen, discern, and envision the future reflects a growing commitment to shared mission and deeper collaboration.
Bro. Moriarty encourages the Marianist Family to continue reflecting on the charism entrusted to us by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, emphasizing that a clear understanding of our shared mission will help us respond faithfully to the opportunities and challenges of our time. Rather than offering final answers, his reflection invites an ongoing conversation about how Marianists can continue forming communities of faith and building up the Church together.
It’s a hopeful vision for the future—one in which all branches of the Marianist Family work together to strengthen their shared mission and faithfully respond to the needs of our world. Click here to read Bro. Robbert Moriarity’s full reflection on the gathering.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
Good to Know
Two Wheels; Endless Possibilities
Sometimes the road to sharing the Gospel begins with something as simple as a bicycle.
Thanks to support from the U.S. Bishops’ Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, Marianist Sisters in the Central African Republic are reaching villages once considered beyond their grasp. Bicycles are providing “Gospel volunteers” with the means to travel farther, carrying Bibles, rosaries, and, most importantly, hope to families in remote communities.
These bicycles are more than transportation—they are instruments opening doors to faith formation, strengthening rural communities, and creating new opportunities for young people to encounter Christ.
Sometimes the most powerful investments aren’t measured by miles traveled, but by hearts reached. Through simple acts of solidarity, the Gospel continues to move forward—one village, one family, and one bicycle at a time.
Click here to read more from the USCCB about the solidarity fund and advancing Pope Leo XIV’s call for deeper unity.
Pledge for Pope
St. Mary’s University is turning its Marianist Mission into action, committing to 10,000 hours of community service during the 2026-27 academic year in honor of Pope Leo XIV.
The effort kicked off Aug. 22 with the University’s annual Continuing the Heritage Day of Service, when more than 500 students, faculty, staff, and alumni fanned out across San Antonio to serve local nonprofits—building beds for children, stocking food pantries, supporting those experiencing homelessness, and beautifying community spaces.
“As a Marianist University, service is our mission,” said St. Mary’s President Winston Erevelles, Ph.D. “Every hour our volunteers give reflects the faith, strength, and excellence that make Rattlers who we are.”
Since Continuing the Heritage began in 1997, nearly 26,000 volunteers have contributed more than 69,000 hours of service throughout the San Antonio community.
Check Out More Marianist News
Via Latina from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
Marianist Encounters Newsletters from the Marianist Family Encounters Project
Sharing Our Marianist Stories podcast from North American Center for Marianist Studies
All Things Marian podcast from the International Marian Research Institute
Justice Jottings from the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
FatherSide Chats is a web video series featuring Fr. Gene Contadino. Discover new episodes every Tuesday about a variety of topics. Click the graphic to view episodes. Click here to read more.
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
St. Leonard’s Ledger from the St. Leonard Marianist Community
Region Update #106 from the Marianist Region of India
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