“Gathering in the Spirit” Monthly Faith Sharing Continues
What started out as a practice-run through last May by the Embers Marianist Lay Community turned into a full-fledged community building effort when they launched “Gathering in the Spirit,” an online monthly community in June 2020.
Using monthly Zoom gatherings, Embers has invited others in the wider Marianist Family to join them. Each month about 14 people have participated, said Erin Bole, one of the community members involved in organizing the outreach.
“I have enjoyed meeting new people in the Marianist Family, especially during the COVID shutdown,“ said Erin. “The monthly gatherings gave me an opportunity to reflect and share with others what I was experiencing and to realize that others were struggling, too,” she said when interviewed for an article to be published in the Summer edition of ALIVE Magazine.
The Embers MLC, which was formed in 2007 at University of Dayton, meets annually in March and periodically throughout the year using online technology and in-person gatherings.
For more about “Gathering in the Spirit” which meets via Zoom on the first Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. E.T., please click.
A Marianist Moment
By Bro. David Betz
Marianists Saints Project
I would like to extend my gratitude to you for reading my reflections about our Marianist saints. It has been a pleasure looking at various themes and then looking at what our Marianists saints have said and believed concerning these themes. Granted, most of the reflections dealt with Blessed Chaminade and Blessed Adèle since we have more letters and other writings from them compared to other Marianist saints. But all of our saints are important because of the holiness and faithfulness that they have demonstrated throughout their lives. It is because of this holiness and faithfulness that the Church has formally recognized them as part of the Communion of Saints.
In The News
A Double Dose of Gratefulness: Cupertino Marianist Community Celebrates
Gratefulness – along with joy, relief and heartfelt appreciation for a strong team effort – were on display on May 25 when the Cupertino Marianist Community gathered to acknowledge the people who kept the health care residence free from COVID-19 for the past year.
The celebration, organized by Grace Zollman, director of nursing, and Bro. Jack Somerville, community director, was planned shortly after they learned Provincial Fr. Oscar Vasquez, was scheduled to visit Cupertino.
“We wanted to express our gratitude to Fr. Oscar and the Provincial Administration for their ongoing support, especially during the pandemic,” said Grace. “We also wanted to thank Bro. Jack Somerville for his example of humility during this stressful time and acknowledge our solid team of people who worked so hard to keep our residents COVID-free.”
Using the acronym GODD – which stands for “Gratefulness on Double Dose” – the group recalled this past year with thankful hearts. “I encouraged this team to be grateful each day, regardless of how rough some days could be,” said Grace. “We fought COVID with compassion, hard work, efficiency and common sense. And we won!”
Because of the 100 percent success rate, “we decided to double our dose of gratefulness to each other,” said Grace. “We conquered COVID with love.”
Marianist Ministries in Action
Marianist Educational Associates Celebrate Commitments
Two St. Mary’s University community members, Julieta Sanchez and Yolanda Ramirez, were celebrated at their formation and commitment as Marianist Educational Associates (MEA).
Pictured from left to right are current MEA Dr. Michael Losiewicz, who was on the retreat planning team, Julieta Sanchez, Yolanda Ramirez and Dr. Jessica Uhlig. Also, President Tom Mengler joined the group for dinner and the service where other current MEAs renewed their commitment.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
Fr. Joseph Hartzler – Early Years
Fr. Joseph Hartzler
Fr. Joseph Hartzler, 65, died May 27, 2021. Father Joe was a beloved teacher, retreat leader, theologian and associate pastor. Remembered for his sense of humor and incisive intellect, he used his scholarly talents to promote and strengthen collaboration between ordained and non-ordained members of the church – working to enhance what he described as “a specific charism of the Society of Mary.”
Fr. Joseph Rasky – Undated
Fr. Joseph Rasky – 2015
Fr. Joseph Rasky, 89, died June 8, 2021. Father Joe was a beloved teacher, associate pastor, hospital chaplain and Marriage Encounter retreat leader. Remembered for an ever-cheerful demeanor and competitive spirit, he willingly devoted all his talents and energy to a variety of ministries – because even as a novice, he had realized “the more I give myself to Mary, the happier my life becomes.”
Bro. Norbert Karpfinger – Early Years
Bro. Norbert Karpfinger – 2015
Bro. Norbert Karpfinger, 89, died June 23, 2021. Bro. Norbert was a beloved teacher, administrator and prolific letter-writer – whose fruitful advocacy for the poor and disadvantaged was profiled in The New York Times in 2013. His obituary will appear in the next issue of FamilyOnline.
Jubilee Celebrations
Congratulations to our Cupertino Jubilarians
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 third group of 2021 Jubilarians we honor as a special section of FamilyOnline.
FATHER JAMES RUSSELL
70 years of profession
With the exception of two long assignments in campus ministry at the University of Dayton and as chaplain at Governors Island, I have had a number of brief assignments, especially in my early years as a Marianist. These were sometimes difficult and caused me to underestimate the value or efficacy of my ministry. However, I now am amazed at how many folks, even after many years, express gratitude for my work with them. This has helped convince me that it was the Lord who was truly the minister.
BROTHER FREDERICK RECH
60 years of profession
I am very happy being a Marianist, living and working in Ireland, coming up to my 60th year of vows. God knows my parents and family — to whom I am very grateful — were very instrumental in promoting my vocation.
FATHER TIMOTHY KENNEY
50 years of profession
I cannot believe I am celebrating 50 years as a Marianist in this prophetic and amazing moment in our history: the best of times and the worst of times! I use to look upon golden jubilarians as the old guys. Now I have a different perspective as I continue to see God at work in my life and ministry. I am so blessed with people who love me and encourage me to be better and better.
BROTHER FERMÍN GARCÍA GARCÍA
25 years of profession
During these 25 years in the Society of Mary, I have experienced and lived many moments of joy. God has given me the opportunity to work at tasks according to my abilities, and I have done so with much joy and satisfaction. My only desire has been and will be to serve, not in my own name, but in the name of the good Master who has invited me to his mission. Being here gives me the assurance that the love and grace of God is much greater than anything I can be or do.
FATHER JOSEPH UVIETTA
60 years of ordination
I was ordained in Fribourg, Switzerland, on July 16, 1961. I returned to the United States to celebrate my first Mass at my home parish, St. Agnes, in San Antonio. I was graced to have my caring family present for that Mass.
Good to Know
Catholic Cares Coalition Weekly Updates
Catholic Cares is a coalition of more than 50 Catholic Organizations including the Association of Marianist Universities (AMU) coming together to encourage their constituents and faith communities to get vaccinated as an act of charity and solidarity. Their shared goal is to promote COVID 19 acceptance in the US and around the world. They believe that all people should have the same access to life-saving vaccines. Bro. Tom Giardino, Executive Director of AMU, who is featured in the video says, “Drawing on social Catholic teaching, Catholic Cares stands in solidarity and service. Pope Francis recently said ‘Solidarity finds concrete expression in service, which can take a variety of forms in an effort to care for others. And service in great part means caring for the vulnerable members of our families, our societies, our people.’ Watch the video.
Cupertino Landscaping Upgrade
Bro. Jack Somerville reported that Cupertino Center upgraded its landscaping. He worked with Bro. Bob Juenemann and former Marianist brother Joe Aspell on planning the project. They gathered the necessary resources for completing the project. See the photos of the beautiful results.
New MSP 2.0!
The North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) is offering the members of the Marianist Family an opportunity to explore and create a project on the topic “Marianist Prayer: Listening, Pondering, and Responding” in its one-year Marianist Studies Program (MSP) 2.0. Emerging from this pandemic, many may be asking: How can Marianist Prayer help us be stronger people of faith? How is God calling us to offer the gift of Marianist Prayer to the Church as the world is changed and changing? Join us as we explore how Marianist Prayer transforms us, our community, the Church and the world.
Click here for more information.
Marianist Vocations – Vocation Marketing Coordinator
The Marianist Province of the U.S. is searching for a new Vocation Marketing Coordinator. The Vocation Marketing Coordinator will work with the National Vocation Director to promote and foster a culture of vocations through a multifaceted approach which includes development and implementation of a strategic marketing, advertising and communication. Learn more.
(posted May 26, 2021)
Marianist Retreat & Conference Center – Executive Director
The Marianist 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.
(posted May 25, 2021)
Choir Director at Queen of Apostles Marianist (part-time)
The Queen of Apostles Marianist Community at Bergamo, Mount St. John, Beavercreek, OH, is seeking a part-time choir director to help with Sunday morning services and other community activities. Learn more.
(posted May 25, 2021)
President – North Catholic High School
North Catholic High School, located in Cranberry Township, PA, north of Pittsburgh, is moving to a President-Principal model for the 2021-2022 school year and seeks a highly qualified candidate for President of the school, to further our Marianist mission of forming Christ-centered young adults who are leaders in their communities, known by their intellectual, practical, ethical, and human skills. Learn more
(posted April 12, 2021)
Stay in Touch
Newsletters
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
The Fulcrum from the Marianist LIFE
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
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
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