Marianist School Offers Aid After Deadly Tornado
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In The News
New Appointments at University of Dayton
The University of Dayton (UD) announced a new vice president for mission and rector – a role central to upholding the University’s Catholic, Marianist identity.
Bro. Tim Driscoll, a long-time Marianist and respected member of the University’s board of trustees, will assume the role effective Aug 1.
After 15 years of dedicated service as vice president for mission and rector and many more years in service at UD, Fr. Jim Fitz will transition to semi-retirement by Jan. 1. Fr. Fitz will assist Bro. Driscoll in his transition during the fall semester.
Fr. Fitz’s legacy at UD is profound, extending a nearly 50-year family history of leadership that includes his brother, Bro. Ray Fitz, who served as president for 23 years. Fr. Jim, who graduated from UD in 1968, has been involved and dedicated to the University for more than 36 years.
“It’s been a gift to me to serve here,” Fr. Fitz said. “This has always been an energizing ministry and work. I’ve never thought about being here as a job – it is a vocation.”
Bro. Driscoll brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His association with UD began in 2018 when he joined the board of trustees, where he demonstrated a deep appreciation for Marianist education and a “people approach” to leadership.
“I’m excited for this challenge,” remarked Bro. Driscoll. “I’m coming into this as a bridge builder, as Pope Leo XIV said, to help us work together to strengthen our community so we can better serve our students and our mission.” Click here to read the press release.
UD’s Center for Catholic Education also has new leadership. Rhonda
Mercs has been named executive director and will assume the role on July 16, 2025. Mercs brings a strong devotion to the Catholic, Marianist mission and a vision for expanding the reach of the Center for Catholic Education by building upon the great work that is already coming out of the Center’s existing programs.
“I am honored to be selected as executive director of the Center for Catholic Education. This opportunity is a privilege to serve the mission of Catholic education,” Mercs said. “Inspired by the Marianist charism, I want to form educators to be skilled in their profession and become deeply rooted in their faith. Through a spirit of collaboration, we will continue to empower educators to become transformative leaders who educate both hearts and minds in the tradition of Mary’s enduring ‘yes’ to God’s call.” Click here to learn more.
Making History By Uncovering It
A St. Mary’s University (StMU) alumnus claims he has a job he loves, and it all started before he was even born.
Ernesto Rodriguez III (B.A. ’96, M.A. ’04), the senior historian at the Alamo, says his family connection to the Spanish missions began with his father’s birth on the grounds of Mission San Francisco de la Espada. His father passed down his love of history and culture during family vacations to Mexico.
Though his father had a third-grade education, he was wise in the ways of the world. He advised his son to choose a career he loves over financial incentives because, “if you don’t like what you do, you will never be happy even when you’re making money.”
Rodriguez, who was baptized at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, adjacent to the University, said he was essentially raised in the arms of the Marianist community. He and his three siblings all attended StMU. It was in studying colonial-era documents written in Spanish during his Master of Arts in History that he felt a calling to the Alamo.
“Every little piece fills in the puzzle,” he said. “When you think about the Alamo story in general, and all of our stories, we’re all connected. It’s a tapestry of San Antonio, and every thread matters. You have to know where you come from to know where you’re going,” said Rodriguez. And in doing so, he’s building awareness, creating understanding, and ultimately impacting the future. Click here to read the full story.
Grant Seed Application Available
Do you have a project that needs additional funds? The Visitation Marianist State Community may be able to help. The community of vowed Lay Marianists provides grants to projects in the following four categories:
- Strengthen Marianist Lay Communities and Networks
- Assist in building the Church
- Impact the faith and involvement of young adults in the Church
- Social Justice, including Economic Justice, Environmental Justice, and Human Rights
Grants are intended for special projects, not for general operating funds. Grant proposals must be sponsored by a member of the Marianist Family. For more information or to request an application form, click here. Applications are due by August 31, 2025.
2024 Seed Grants were awarded to:
- Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School; Omaha, NE, to support building community among the students and planning a Marian garden, pilgrimage, and retreat
- Marianist Family Council; North America, to help support the convening of a Marianist Family Congress, bringing forth all three branches together for dialogue, discernment, and visioning
- Mission of Mary Cooperative; Dayton, OH, to aid in the work to prepare seeds whose growth will give life and help reduce food insecurity
Marianist Ministries in Action
Rooted in Service and Beauty
By Jennifer Duncan, Executive Director, Marianist Retreat & Conference Center
This spring, 14 juniors from St. John Vianney High School took on a special project during their service time at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center—preserving and replanting irises that have surrounded Marycliff for over 50 years.
These historic flowers, some of which had grown wild and tangled over
time, were carefully dug up, transported, and lovingly replanted by the students. Their thoughtful work ensures that these beautiful, heirloom irises will continue to bloom for generations to come.
This wasn’t just gardening—it was a gift of legacy. Thanks to these young men, the beauty that has quietly graced our grounds for half a century will keep inspiring retreatants, staff, and guests with every spring bloom.
We are so grateful for their effort, care, and heart. What a blessing to have such capable hands and generous spirits helping to nurture the sacred space we call home. Thank you, Vianney juniors—you’ve planted more than flowers; you’ve planted joy.
A Marianist Moment
Servants of the Lord
A warm welcome to the newest Marianist Lay Community at St. Mary’s University. The Servi Domini MLC was chosen for its Latin meaning, “Servants of the Lord,” echoing Mary’s words to the Archangel Gabriel, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.”
Pictured (L-R) are Fr. John Thompson, Bro. Dan Klco, Arely Reyes, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Marie Culbreth, José Perez, and Aspirant Paul Pruski, who assisted in their formation.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
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 2025 Jubilarians! We will highlight them over the course of the next few months in FamilyOnline.
Click here to see pictures from the Jubilee celebration in Honolulu earlier this month.
FR. GERALD HABY
As I wrote in my 50th-anniversary autobiography, I was a reluctant religious and priestly vocation. Born in Hondo, TX, in 1934, I am the oldest of seven brothers and two sisters who grew up on a farm and ranch near the hamlet of Rio Medina, TX, about 25 miles west of San Antonio. After finishing both grade school and high school at St. Louis Parish School in Castroville, TX, I went to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 1952 for reasons other than religious, but seeking the answer to my question, “How can I, given my talents and abilities, do the most good for the greatest number of people?”
Click here to read in full.
BRO. STANLEY MURAKAMI
I was born in Wailuku, Hawaii, on the island of Maui on March 24, 1936. I grew up in Maui and professed my First Vows on August 15, 1955 in Santa Cruz, California before going on to earn Bachelor of Arts in Latin with a minor in philosophy (1963) and a Master of Arts in Latin (1971).
Twenty-four years of my Marianist service was spent teaching in both Hawaii and California, beginning in 1958 with two years at Saint Louis School in Honolulu.
Click here to read in full.
FR. THOMAS THOMSPON
My vocation is rooted in the fervent Catholic atmosphere that was part of the family, school, and parish life in Pittsburgh, PA, in the early 1950s. Brother Joe Meder was an enthusiastic religious whose weekly letters to his mother (my grandmother) and family described the daily life of a versatile grade school principal. The Sisters of Divine Providence at my home parish and school, St. Basil’s, provided a rich devotional atmosphere. I am still grateful to my piano teacher, Sr. Generosa, who introduced me to the joy of music, without which I cannot imagine life.
Click here to read in full.
FR. JAMES TOBIN
“For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.” That quote from Dag Hammarskjold has always captured a milestone moment for me. As I reflect on these 70 years as a Marianist, I am grateful to God for so many blessings—too many to count—and I recall a verse from one of the Psalms: “What return shall I give the Lord for all that He has done for me? I will take up the chalice of salvation and call upon the Lord.”
Click here to read in full.
FR. PATRICK TONRY
I am impressed by how fast Jubilees come upon us. As I reflect on this, my 60th anniversary of ordination, I am almost overcome with feelings of gratitude and appreciation.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, NY, I attended St. Clement Grade School in Queens and then Mount St. John Normal School in Dayton, OH, before professing my First Vows on September 5, 1952, in Marcy, NY. I continued my studies at University of Dayton and then served at Cathedral Latin School in Cleveland, OH, for six years before entering the seminary at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, in 1961.
Click here to read in full.
Good to Know
You’re Invited to a Gathering in the Spirit
Gathering in the Spirit is a monthly online meeting of Marianist Family members designed to build community through shared reflection and prayer. It’s a collaborative initiative created by the Embers Marianist Lay Community and MLC-NA.
By hosting monthly faith-sharing opportunities, the Embers make space for the Marianist Family to regularly pray, build stronger relationships with one another, and grow deeper in the Marianist Charism.
Please join for this prayerful experience on the first Wednesday of the month at 8 PM ET!
Please find the Zoom info for all Gathering in the Spirit meetings below:
- Zoom Link to Join
- Meeting ID: 835 9212 6586
- Passcode: Marianist
Check Out More Marianist News
Via Latina from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
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
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
Region Update #92 from the Marianist Region of India
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.
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