Thanksgiving Blessings
On behalf of the Marianist Province of the United States, we wish you a Blessed Thanksgiving. May you feel God’s divine presence as you gather with your loved ones to give thanks to our Lord. God is truly great and we are so grateful for all He provides. Know that each of you remains in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep us in your prayers.
Fr. Oscar Vasquez, Provincial
Marianist Province of the United States
Please click here for a Thanksgiving prayer from the Marianist Mission.
Bro. Mark Motz and Conor McEntee Team Up to Engage a Younger Generation
While COVID-19 forced many to seek online video platforms for their day-to-day communications, Bro. Mark Motz, Marianist national vocation director, had been doing that for years. “I’ve been working remotely with a laptop and cell phone and using video conferencing for a long time,” he said.
So while the rest of the world catches up with Bro. Mark, he knows he needs to stay a step ahead with a younger generation of discerners. That’s where Conor McEntee enters the picture.
“I was hired to spread the word about the Marianists through traditional marketing tools and evaluate the use of newer social media platforms — such as Instagram — to reach a younger audience,” said Conor, a recent grad of Bradley University with a degree in Communications.
“Strategically, the Marianists need to use the latest trends, memes and sound bites to grab young people’s attention and get them thinking about their vocations,” said Conor, Marianist vocation marketing coordinator since August.
Conor meets frequently with Bro. Mark to map out their plans. “Conor works behind the scenes coordinating our marketing efforts, which require a lot of forethought and planning,” said Bro. Mark. “That enables me to be present to people when I reach out to them on retreats, workshops and school visits.”
Dave Luecking Joins the Marianist Family as Editor of ALIVE Magazine
You might think Dave Luecking, who worked for almost 30 years for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, many as a writer covering St. Louis Blues hockey, would say that his most memorable moments at the paper were meeting hockey legends such as Brett Hull or Bob Plager.
But Dave, who took the reins as editor of ALIVE magazine this month, is a family man at heart. “The highlight of my years at the Post were meeting my wife, Kathleen Nelson,” he said. They have a son named Andy.
More recently, Dave worked as a writer for the St. Louis Review, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
As ALIVE’s new editor, Dave is most interested in featuring stories about Marianist work in education, retreat ministry and parishes. “It will be rewarding to cover their accomplishments that might not be recognized by broader media,” he said.
He also intends to set a high bar. “It’s an honor to follow Jan Dixon as the editor of ALIVE,” said Dave. “She has left a legacy of excellence to carry forward.”
A Marianist Moment
By Bro. David Betz
Gratitude and Hope
Recently I participated in a Bay Area (Cupertino, CA) Affiliate Gathering on Zoom, and we reflected on gratitude. One of the participants shared that with gratitude comes hope. I began to reflect on that statement: According to the Oxford Dictionary, gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Hope, according to a faith perspective, is to trust and wait expectantly – looking forward.
I find that having gratitude is essential in building relationships with others and with God. Gratitude enables me to be cognizant of the blessings in my life and even the challenges which call me to conversion. It is these blessings and challenges that contribute to the deepening of my relationships with others and God. I need to be willing to say “thank you” for both the blessings and challenges so the deepening can take place.
In The News
Fr. Ralph Siefert Posthumously Recognized
On Thursday, Nov. 11, the late Fr. Ralph Siefert was posthumously awarded the 27th Annual Great Preacher Award from the Aquinas Institute of Theology during a virtual event.
Established in 1995, the award is presented to individuals who embody the “Holy Preaching” which Dominicans understand as a comprehensive and dynamic response to God’s presence in our lives and in the world. The award honors preachers who proclaim, in word and deed, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the coming and presence of the reign of God. Fr. Oscar Vasquez, provincial, received the award on his behalf.
Read the Fall/Winter 2021 Issue of ALIVE
Be sure to check out the latest issue of the award-winning Marianist ALIVE magazine, which includes stories about the late Fr. Ralph Siefert and the new leadership team guiding Chaminade College Preparatory School – St. Louis; Fr. Gene Contadino’s new role as spiritual director of the Marianist Mission; 2021 Jubilee celebrations and much more. Read it now!
To get your free subscription to the print edition of ALIVE, please send your name and mailing address to [email protected].
Marianist Ministries in Action
“The Best of Quest”
The first edition of “The Best of Quest” is now available online. Selected from the 30-year library of Quest and Summer Reflections, Bro. Bob Moriarty, (director, Pastoral Department for Small Christian Communities, 1989-2017) has assembled a collection called, The Best of Quest. Covering all weeks of the year, including feasts and solemnities, the first edition of this material begins with Lectionary Year C. Reprinted with the permission of the Archdiocese of Hartford, The Best of Quest is being published online by the North American Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS). It may be accessed free of charge by clicking here.
Marianist Lay Collaborators Learn to Live Marianist Spirituality Everyday
Earlier this month, the Office of Sponsorship hosted Head to Heart (H2H) workshop. Held from November 8-10 at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in St. Louis, H2H welcomed lay collaborators from Marianist-sponsored schools and retreat centers. Participants learned ways to live Marianist spirituality in everyday experiences and the workshop provided practical applications to deepen the expression of the Marianist Charism. One of the participants wrote, “The Head to Heart experience has been a journey and has helped me to grow closer to Mary, enthusiastically deepening my love and commitment to Her. As a disciple of Mary, it has even brought me to a closer relationship with Jesus.” See more photos.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
Good to Know
University of Dayton Accepting Graduate Assistantships
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS at the University of Dayton – a Catholic and Marianist Institution. Share your faith ministering to college students while pursuing a Master’s in Theology or Pastoral Ministry. Work alongside seasoned campus ministers and engage in holistic ministerial formation as you form your own ministerial identity and approach. Serve undergraduate students by journeying with them to cultivate faith, foster spiritual growth and form Christian leaders through spiritual mentoring and discipleship, leading small groups, facilitating retreats, planning worship, coordinating service and justice initiatives and more. Positions for the upcoming year will be comprised of unique portfolios that include a combination of the following: Residence Life Ministry, Retreats, Service and Justice and Vocational Discernment ministries. Tuition, stipend and housing are provided.
Click here for the application and more information or contact Kelly Adamson at 937-229-2574. Applications are due Feb 1.
Marianist Province of the United States – Communications Coordinator
The Marianist Province of the United States is seeking a part-time Communications Coordinator. This position is responsible for coordinating communications and some technology initiatives for the Province of the US, for both internal and external audiences. As well as maintain and manage the Province’s Access Database. To learn more and review the full position description, click here.
Marianist Province of the United States – Digital Content & Web Editor
The Marianist Province of the United States is seeking a full-time Digital Content & Web Editor. The focus of this position is the creation and production of content and materials for the province communications department including, e-newsletters, surveys and province social media campaigns. Manages province website and portal. Assists in coordinating province web-based subscriptions and resources. Learn more and view the full position description.
Marianist Mission – Legacy Giving Administrative Assistant
The Marianist Mission is seeking a Legacy Giving Administrative Assistant. This position will provide documentation, research and support for our Legacy Giving department. Assist in stewarding the Chaminade Society and the Pillar Society; and maintain good ongoing communication and rapport with our Legacy Giving donors. Learn more.
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.
University of Dayton Campus Ministry – Assistant Director of Liturgy
University of Dayton Campus Ministry has an available position within its Liturgy area. The assistant director of Liturgy collaborates with the liturgy team to establish a vision for and ensure the development and successful implementation of university liturgies, liturgical catechesis, liturgical ministry formation, and sacramental preparation. Learn more.
Stay in Touch
Newsletters
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
The Fulcrum from the Marianist LIFE
District Update #51 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 
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