The Marianist Province of the United States stands with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in echoing the Holy Father’s call for prayer and fasting to end the war in Ukraine.

Pope Francis called upon those with political responsibility to “examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not war, who is the Father of all, not just some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies.” Let us all unite in prayers that peace prevails.

Paul Masek, director of programs, Nathan Martin, executive director, and Jennifer Duncan, director of hospitality, at a recent commissioning service held at MRCC.

A new leadership team at the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center (MRCC) in Eureka, Missouri, is excited about writing a new chapter in the history of this retreat facility.

The team, modeled on the Marianist three offices, is comprised of Nathan Martin, newly appointed executive director, Jennifer Duncan, director of hospitality, and Paul Masek, director of programs.

Nathan spent the last 12 years working in fundraising for two nonprofits: the National Council for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He is especially excited about working with the MRCC team. “Our leadership model means that all three of us have an equal voice, which creates an environment of open communications.”

Maureen Hoock, Board Chair, sings the praises of these talented leaders: “Nathan, Jen, and Paul come to MRCC with joy, excitement, and passion for their jobs, the retreat center ministry and for the Marianist Charism. The Board of Directors also is excited about the ministry of MRCC and our future in retreat ministry in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.”

Marianist Call to Action

The Marianist Family Council of North America has endorsed the formation of the Marianist Family Encounter Project (MFEP) to facilitate a multi-year journey of responding to Pope Francis’ calls to action in his encyclicals, Fratelli Tutti (2020) and Laudato Si’ (2015).

The Marianist Family will respond to Pope Francis’ proposals in the Global Compact on Education by embracing the goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. This focus will invite us, personally and in our communities and ministries, to bring about meaningful and life-giving encounters at the intersection of the cry of the poor, the cry of the earth and the gift of our Marianist Charism.

“This opportunity emerged from a synergy of initiatives that reflects the approach and prophetic vision of our Marianist Founders two hundred years ago. The Encounter Project urges us from our communal strengths to forge prayerful solutions to emergent concerns in service of our church and our world,” said Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, MFEP coordinating team co-chair.

 Read more.

By Bro. David Betz

Our Marianist Saints: Bearers of God’s Love

February is a time when we spend a great amount of time recognizing the importance of love in our lives, especially the love among people. Traditions include giving cards, flowers  and candy to the ones we love and special dinners where the couples get engaged. It may also include acts of kindness to show appreciation for loved ones.

Read more.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Kelli Kinnear has known the Marianists for as long as she can remember. Her dad and uncles — all grads of Chaminade High School before it became Chaminade Julienne Catholic High (CJ) — and her mom, who once worked at University of Dayton, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the charism.

Kelli attended UD before taking her first job as a religion teacher at CJ. “That was 30 years ago!” she said. With her oldest son graduating from UD last spring, her middle son a junior at the school and her youngest a senior at CJ, the Marianist legacy continues in her family.

Today, Kelli is CJ’s director of ministry and service, a position she cherishes because “I love working with high school students and inspiring them to grow in their faith and commitment to serve others,” she said.

Her work is made easier by the sincere spirit of the CJ community. “I am inspired by the deep faith and passion for justice that I see in my coworkers,” said Kelli.

That commitment not only challenges her to grow, it inspires students, too. “I love my job —which is not just a job, but a vocation and a ministry. It gives me great joy. I can’t imagine working anywhere else!”

Pray With Us

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

Good to Know

The popular and free Marian Library exhibit “Journeys of Faith: Shrines, Souvenirs and Catholic Tourism” is extended until Mar. 24 and also is now available as a virtual exhibit.

About the exhibit: Catholic shrines and festivals attract millions of visitors each year, ranging from pilgrims on spiritual journeys to casual tourists. This exhibit features items from the Marian Library and the U.S. Catholic Special Collection. It explores the motivations for Catholic travel and delves into what visitors do at these sites and the souvenirs they collect — from handcrafted devotional objects to quirky mementos.

The Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May, NJ, is now accepting applications for week-long family retreats to enhance your spiritual life.

The peer group activities, community prayer services and beach activities provide the perfect spirit-filled family vacation. Check out available dates for the 2022 calendar, then fill out an application online.

Visit Cape May Marianists to learn more about the Center and its ministry.

The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) is seeking an Assistant Director, who reports to and works collaboratively with the MSJC Director. MSJC’s focus is to unite and multiply the efforts of Marianists to act for social justice. The Assistant Director will advance MSJC’s mission by providing leadership, facilitation and support to the volunteers in MSJC in ways that assure effective education and action for social justice within and beyond the Marianist Family.

Learn more.

TECABOCA is seeking a Program Coordinator for the Summer Camp in Mountain Home, Texas. This year-round, fully benefited position is responsible for Summer Youth Camp Program delivery, including but not limited to program planning, marketing, implementation and evaluation of summer camp for families, boys and girls.

Learn more.

Such a short time
Poorly lived
All I did
And didn’t do
For you
You are many
But wait!
It’s not too late
To see you as
You are
For you are
Here for me
And not to use
But to be one
With

 

Poem by: A Marianist

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

District Update #54 from the Marianist District of India
Justice Jottings  Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
Magnificat  World Council of the Marianist Family
MLC-NA e-News  Marianist Lay Community of North America
NACMS Newsletter  North American Center for Marianist Studies
Via Latina 22  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.

New Year Blessings

On behalf of the Marianist Province of the United States, we wish you a Blessed and Happy New Year. We pray that you will be filled with the peace, joy and hope of Jesus Christ, Our Savior throughout the New Year.

Fr. Oscar Vasquez, Provincial
Marianist Province of the United States

Fr. Sudhir Kujur (left) and Bro. Pulkit Minj (right)

Bro. Pulkit Minj Perpetual Profession

Bro. Pulkit Minj professed perpetual vows at Nirmal Deep, Ranchi, India, on Jan. 8. Fr. Sudhir Kujur, the District Superior, presided at the Mass and received the vows. In accordance with the Indian government’s new set of Covid rules, the perpetual vows celebration was simple with a limited number of participants. The Novitiate community and staff were very helpful in organizing the celebration in a meaningful way. A few family, Marianist Brothers, Sisters, and friends participated in the celebration. Click here to see more pictures.

A Marianist Moment

By Bro. David Betz

Prayers for the Canonizations for Blessed Adèle and Blessed Chaminade

January is the month that we celebrate the feast days of two of our Marianist Founders, Blessed Adèle (Jan. 10) and Blessed Chaminade (Jan. 22). They have been recognized by the Church for their holiness. Through their determination and effort, they strived to renew the Catholic Church in France after the French Revolution.

Read more.

In The News

Marianist Social Justice Collaborative Hires Sarah Gray as New Director

The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) has hired Sarah Gray as director to oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations. Prior to this position, Sarah served as part-time assistant director of the MSJC and part-time staff administrator for the Marianist Lay Community of North America.

“Sarah has extensive experience with both Marianist organizations and will help synergize the collaboration between them,” said Marge Cavanagh, the MSJC search committee chair.

Launched in 1998, the MSJC was designed to educate and engage Marianist Family members in social justice issues, including: Immigrant Justice; Racial Justice; Women & Justice; Death Penalty Abolition and Restorative Justice; LGBTQ+ Initiative; Environmental Justice; and the Adèle Social Justice Project, an initiative designed for young adults.

The organization has been led by Jim Vogt, who retired in January. “We are grateful for Jim’s many years of service,” said Marge. “During his 18 years at the helm, the MJSC has built a strong organization and increased awareness and action on many social justice issues by the Marianist Family.”

In addition, said Marge, “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Marianist Family Council and the generosity of our donors who have made the director position a full-time job. This will enable us to expand and deepen our engagement within the broader Marianist Family and continue to collaborate with our partners in social justice.”

Marianist Affiliates Growing

The Marianist San Francisco Affiliate Community held an affiliation ceremony for Leonardo A. Magnaye. Leonardo is a graduate of Archbishop Riordan High School(ARHS) where he is currently campus minister and also serves as LIFE Moderator, Coordinator of Christian Service at ARHS, and teaches religion.

The Cupertino Marianist Community held an affiliation ceremony for Barbara Louis. Barbara is involved with the Cursillo Movement and a number of ministries at her parish, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Campbell, Calif. She was introduced to affiliation by Lynda DeManti, Marianist Affiliate.

See more photos.

Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) Reflection

The following reflection is submitted by Tony and Jean Fitzgerald, who have assisted two immigrant families.

On a hot summer evening, 95 humid degrees, we received a phone call at 10:00 pm. In an African English dialect, a father says to me, “My children are crying and sweating and cannot sleep.” Being recently invited to mentor a refugee family from Uganda, Jean and I took the call.

Victor and Raziki and their two children lived in a two-bedroom second-floor apartment with no air conditioning or fans.

We had met our refugee family for the first time the day before when they arrived in Cleveland. We introduced them to their new home and apartment. We took them food shopping for basics. We spent a few hours orientating them to their new home, and upon leaving, we gave them our phone number and information that if they needed anything, not to hesitate to call. Read more.

The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative Immigration Team seeks to keep the Marianist Family aware of and to assist the US immigration situation.

If you are interested to learn more about or join the Marianist Immigration Team please check it out at msjc.net.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Spotlight on Campus Ministry: LIFE Program is Greatest Formation in the Charism

Matt Dailey – photo by Mike Bizelli

Matt Dailey, director of campus ministry at Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis, has been involved with Marianist schools for the past 20 years. First, at St. John Vianney, where for 11 years he taught religion and served as campus minister, and the past nine years he’s worked at Chaminade.

“As a religion teacher, I was able to teach my students about our Catholic, Marianist faith and traditions,” he said. But campus ministry is more experiential. “I particularly enjoy giving my students varied opportunities to live their faith.”

Matt, who also is a Lay Marianist, found his greatest formation in the charism happened during the years he participated in the Marianist LIFE summer programs. “My faith came more alive while learning, praying and building community with LIFE moderators from around the country,” he said.

Matt realizes how influential his position in campus ministry can be. “My goal is that all Chaminade’s students are comfortable and confident in living their faith and that they become good faith leaders in their communities one day, regardless of their vocations.”

The one thing Matt values most about the charism? “I love that we form individuals in their faith through intentional communities that we build around them.”

New Online Marianist History Course!

NACMS is offering a new Online Marianist History Course starting February 2022.

Registration is now open for Part One of the Online Marianist History Course. This covers the historical background of France and the Catholic Church leading up to the time of the Founders.

Part One begins in February 2022 and consists of three meetings via Zoom, assigned homework readings and class forum postings between sessions.

To read more about the course, see class dates and times, and to register online, click here.

Marianist Center for Lay Formation Day

The Marianist Center for Lay Formation will be celebrating Foundation Day with a virtual presentation on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.

For more information, please click here.

Pray With Us

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

Fr. John Leies – Undated

Fr. John Leies – 2015

Fr. John Leies, 95, Dec. 22, 2021. Fr. John dedicated his life in service to God and advancing Marianist, Catholic education. He served at St. Mary’s University for nearly 50 years in several administrative and academic roles, most notably as President. He also will be remembered for his deep faith, humility, wide-ranging knowledge, work as
a prolific publisher and wonderful sense of humor.

Read his obituary.

View the video of the memorial service.

View the video of the graveside service.

See more photos.

Fr. Joseph Uvietta – 1961

Fr. Joseph Uvietta – 2015

Fr. Joseph Uvietta, 90, Jan. 9, 2022. Fr. Joe was a gentle pastor and an effective administrator, known for his warmth, his spirituality and his love of a good joke. He was a teacher, a chaplain, a popular retreat leader and held top leadership positions in the St. Louis Province. In his seven decades of ministry, he collected innumerable friends, each of whom would attest to his happy grace.

Read his obituary.

View the video of funeral services.

See more photos.

Fr. Harold James Bartlett – Undated

Fr. Harold James Bartlett – 2015

Fr. Harold James Bartlett, 85, Jan. 10, 2022. Fr. Jim was a beloved teacher, pastor, campus minister and spiritual director. Remembered affectionately for both his playful sense of humor and joyful spirituality, Fr. Jim always treasured the opportunity to be present and available to those he encountered. He believed deeply in the lay apostolate decreed by Vatican II and worked throughout his adult life to encourage and empower laypeople to fully embrace their role as leaders of the Christian community.

Read his obituary.

See more photos.

View the video of the funeral.

Good to Know

TECABOCA – Program Coordinator – Summer Camp

TECABOCA is seeking a Program Coordinator for the Summer Camp in Mountain Home, Texas. This position is responsible for Summer Youth Camp Program delivery, including, but not limited to, program planning, marketing, implementation and evaluation of summer camp for families, boys and girls. Learn more.

Stay in Touch

Newsletters

AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
The Fulcrum from the Marianist LIFE
District Update 43 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

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.

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