There’s Always Room – Just Make a Bigger Table

For many teenagers, the hardest part of Summer LIFE (Living In Faith Experience) begins before the first prayer when they’re asked to hand over their phones. For one week, the endless scrolling, snaps, and group chats disappear. So do many of the walls students unknowingly build around themselves. What replaces them is something increasingly rare and remarkably powerful — community.

This summer, 162 high school students from 18 school LIFE programs and one parish, joined by 35 adult moderators and 22 coordinating team members, gathered for two Summer LIFE sessions held in CA and OH to discover that authentic connections can be found somewhere everyone belongs.

The 2026 theme, “Bigger Table,” inspired by Matt Maher’s song of the same name, invited participants to imagine a world shaped by Christ’s welcome. “Every year we choose a theme that reflects our mission of building Christian communities and living the Marianist Charism,” said DeDe Barth, national coordinator for Marianist LIFE. “This year’s message couldn’t have been more fitting. The Marianist Table reminds us that everyone has a place, everyone has gifts to share, and Christ’s love is always making room for one more.”

From the moment students arrived—often nervous, skeptical, or unsure what they had signed up for—they were greeted by cheering moderators, dancing Marianist Brothers, energetic songs, and enthusiastic welcomes. “It probably feels a little overwhelming at first,” remarked Bro. Mark Motz, who served as an auxiliary moderator during Session 2. “Students come from all over the country, many outside their comfort zones, wondering if they fit in.”

Somewhere between the icebreakers, late-night conversations, shared prayer services, small faith-sharing groups, leadership development, reconciliation, social justice education, and lots of laughter, something inspiring happens. “The same students who quietly watched everyone else on day one are often the ones leading the singing, dancing, and prayer by the end of the week,” Bro. Mark said. “You can literally watch confidence, faith, and joy grow before your eyes.”

They met in groups with students from different schools while also spending time with their home communities, helping them discover not only how to grow personally, but how to build “bigger tables” in their own schools, parishes, and communities. Ask any LIFE participant, “Who are we?” Without hesitation comes the booming reply: “Marianist LIFE!” Then ask: “What do we do?” The response is even louder: “Build Christian communities!”

It’s not just a chant; it’s a mission and one that draws students back as moderators to help the next generation. This summer, 15 of the adult team members and moderators were Marianist LIFE students themselves. “That tells you everything you need to know,” Barth said. “LIFE isn’t just a great week in the summer. It plants seeds that continue growing for years. Many former participants return because they want today’s students to experience the same faith, friendships, and sense of purpose that changed their own lives.”

Because they know that long after the music fades and suitcases are unpacked, there is always room at Christ’s table – we just need to build a bigger table.

Fr. Lawrence Schoettelkotte, 87, died on June 28, 2026, in Centerville, OH, with 67 years of religious profession.  Father Larry was a cheerful, dedicated Marianist with an easy smile. He spent three decades as a high school teacher, chaplain, and guidance counselor. In his later years, he served in parish ministry. Sometimes referred to as “Father Runner” by his friends, Fr. Larry was an avid runner most of his adult life, typically running for about two hours daily. “He was a man of energy and movement, as much at home on a running route as he was at the altar,” said Bro. Charlie Johnson. Click here for the full obituary. Click here to see pictures.

Each year, the Society of Mary recognizes brothers and priests who are marking milestones of their first profession of vows or their priestly ordinations.

Thank you to our 2026 Jubilarians! On June 25, jubilarians were celebrated at the Province Assembly in Dayton, OH. You can click here to learn more. This concludes our jubilarian highlight for this year.

BROTHER THOMAS SUDA – 60 years of profession

I was born in 1947 and grew up in Affton, MO, where I attended Seven Holy Founders grade school and St. John Vianney High School. The decision to attend Vianney guided me toward choosing religious life and my vocation as a Marianist
Brother. Several brothers who befriended me during those years encouraged me to enter religious life, and with their friendship and my belief in God, I made the choice to enter the Society of Mary at the end of high school. I began my life as a Marianist in July 1965 at the Novitiate in Galesville, WI, and professed my First Vows in August 1966.  Click here to read more.

BROTHER JEFFREY SULLIVAN – 60 Years of profession

My life as a Marianist actually started two years before I professed my First Vows, when I attended my brother Tim’s First Profession in 1964. I saw something special and attractive about the brothers as they lived their lives together. In the short time I was there with my brother, I saw family spirit, hospitality, a deep sense of prayer, and a happiness that they shared with one another. These things, along with what he shared in the letters he wrote home during his novitiate year, confirmed my desire to follow in his footsteps and see if religious life was what God was calling me to do for my life’s work. Click here to read more.

BROTHER  MICHAEL SULLIVAN – 50 years of profession

Born in 1949 and raised in Pueblo, CO, I come from a family of 10 children. Although we had a few disagreements and challenges along the way, we
grew up to be best friends with much support and encouragement for one
another. We were blessed with parents who always let us know that we were loved and cared about. I often tell people that I have two families—my birth family and the Marianist family—and both have always supported and encouraged me. Click here to read more.

FR. DAVID MCGUIGAN – 25 Years of ordination

Born in Philadelphia, PA, in 1960, I attended St. Martin of Tours grade school, Cardinal Daugherty High School, and LaSalle University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 1983. Nine years later, I professed my First Vows at the St. Joseph Catholic Community in Sykesville, MD, on August 15, 1992, and was ordained there another nine years later on June 2, 2001. Click here to read more.