MLC-NA Assembly? Building Community With Mary
As Marianists, we are community builders. We build community everywhere we go because of Mary, for Mary, and in a way that is informed by Mary. Some of the communities we build up are within the three branches of the Marianist Family as well as its many ministries and educational institutions. But Marianists are also engaged in building community in every other area of life as well: from family life to civil society, from the business world to the margins of society. “Building Community with Mary” is therefore a theme that will help us encounter Mary on a deeper level, while also developing our means of carrying out our community-building efforts in the Church and world.
From North East Marianist Family Council
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Inspired to build Community
The Assembly began with an inspiring opening ceremony where we presented flowers to Mary representing our openess to her spirit and the spirit of Community. Friday opened with Liturgy. Each day had morning prayer that was sponsored by a team of MSJC. Plenary Sessions were led by Graham McBain from Hey Neighborwho is a Master Community Builder and has his own process for building neighborhood communities. He has a fascinating and simple 10 step process for building communities. Make sure to check the link for Hey Neighbor. Our Keynote speaker on Saturday was Natalia Imperatori-Lee, who is a theologian, author and a professor at Fordham University. She spoke on “Mary or Marys: Impossible Ideals or Companion on the Journey”. She challenged us to think about how we regard Mary and how that impacts our relationship with her. She recommended art by Ben Wildflower and several books. Both she and Graham were animated and excellent speakers. There were workships and other opportunities to learn mission and community building. The Assembly was balanced with quiet time and lots of community time with Marianists from across the country. We closed with 8 people making Definitive Commitments as Lay Marianists and blessings of the Leadership Council including our new chair, Matt Naveau. Sr Rose Rucoba renewed her Temporary Profession of Vows. We sent forth those who will be representing MLC-NA at the 9th International Meeting of Marianist Lay Communities taking place in Bogotá, Colombia with a blessing. All Marianist Family Members renewed their commitment to Mary’s Mission. The Assembly ended with song and many good-byes. |
In The News
Caring for Our Common Home—One Watt at a Time
The University of Dayton is now meeting all of its campuswide electricity needs through an innovative carbon-free energy project that transforms wasted industrial heat into usable electricity.
The first-of-its-kind partnership among the University of Dayton (UD), AES Ohio, Tallgrass, and Kanin Energy captures heat that would otherwise be lost during natural gas pipeline operations and converts it into clean electricity for the university.
The project is expected to generate about 78,000 megawatt-hours of carbon-free electricity each year, reduce the university’s carbon footprint by 71%, and prevent an estimated 55,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
For UD President Eric F. Spina, the initiative reflects more than environmental innovation. “An important aspect of the University of Dayton’s Catholic, Marianist mission is to care for our common home,” Spina said. “This project puts UD at the forefront of clean energy innovation while giving our students meaningful opportunities for learning, research and preparation for the clean energy workforce.”
Beyond benefiting the Dayton campus, the project demonstrates how existing industrial infrastructure can be reimagined to create cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions for communities across North America. Click here to read more.
Aloha & Blessings
A new chapter in faith formation began at Chaminade University of Honolulu on July 26 as the university’s new Campus Ministry Team was introduced and blessed during Sunday Eucharist at the Mystical Rose Oratory.
Director Tasha Castro is joined by Andrew Ancheta, Chaplain Fr. Sean Downing, SM, Bro. Leno Ceballos, SM, and Aileen Bonilla. In addition to their work with Chaminade University, Fr. Sean serves as chaplain at St. Louis School, while Bro. Leno teaches there.
Building on the strong foundation established by Fr. Chris Wittmann, SM, and Scarlett Ford, the new team will accompany students in faith, service, and community—bringing fresh energy and vision while continuing the Marianist tradition of helping young people grow as disciples and leaders. Click here to see pictures from the “Launch” luncheon for Campus Ministry.
Turning the Page on a New Chapter for ALIVE
After nearly five years telling stories of the Marianist Family, Dave Luecking is retiring as editor of our ALIVE magazine. Since taking on the role in Oct. 2021, Dave has shared inspiring stories about people, ministries, and mission. The Province Communications Department took him to lunch to extend gratitude and offer congratulations.
Dave introduced one of the magazine’s most beloved features—Marianist Table—where members of the Marianist Family share favorite recipes and the stories behind them. The feature has become a reminder that some of our most meaningful connections happen around the table. We’re happy to share that Dave’s wife, journalist Kathleen Nelson, will continue producing Marianist Table, ensuring this popular section remains part of every issue.
As one chapter closes, another begins. We are pleased to welcome Christina “Tina” Steck as the new editor of ALIVE magazine. Tina brings a wealth of communications, publishing, and Catholic ministry experience to the role. She currently serves as Program Manager for the Office of Child and Youth Protection for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. For the past few years, she has helped the Province celebrate its jubilarians by composing their bios.
She has also spent nearly 14 years in marketing and publications at Ursuline Academy of St. Louis, producing magazines, annual reports, newsletters, and other communications for the school. Her professional background combines strong editorial expertise with a deep commitment to the Catholic Church, making her an excellent fit to continue ALIVE‘s tradition of sharing the stories that inspire and unite the Marianist Family.
We’d love to hear from you! Email your story ideas to: [email protected]
✨Service Spotlight 🔦
Renewal of Vows
Surrounded by the Marianist Family, Sr. Rose Rucoba, FMI, renewed her temporary vows on July 26 during the Assembly of the Marianist Lay Communities of North America (MLCNA). Her renewal took place within the Assembly’s closing Commitment ceremony, highlighting the shared Marianist call to faithful service.
Sr. Rose will continue serving the Dayton community as a bilingual religion teacher and classroom aide at Our Lady of the Rosary School, where she helps students grow in both faith and learning. Her renewed commitment is a joyful witness to God’s enduring call and the vitality of the Marianist mission.
Marianist Moments
Looking Forward Together
The recent Marianist Family Congress held in Indianapolis, sponsored
by the Marianist Family Council of North America (MFC-NA), was more than a meeting—it was a hopeful step toward a stronger, more united future.
In a reflection inspired by the Congress, Bro. Robert Moriarty, SM, notes that the gathering itself may be its greatest accomplishment. Bringing together the branches of the Marianist Family to listen, discern, and envision the future reflects a growing commitment to shared mission and deeper collaboration.
Bro. Moriarty encourages the Marianist Family to continue reflecting on the charism entrusted to us by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, emphasizing that a clear understanding of our shared mission will help us respond faithfully to the opportunities and challenges of our time. Rather than offering final answers, his reflection invites an ongoing conversation about how Marianists can continue forming communities of faith and building up the Church together.
It’s a hopeful vision for the future—one in which all branches of the Marianist Family work together to strengthen their shared mission and faithfully respond to the needs of our world. Click here to read Bro. Robbert Moriarity’s full reflection on the gathering.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
Good to Know
Two Wheels; Endless Possibilities
Sometimes the road to sharing the Gospel begins with something as simple as a bicycle.
Thanks to support from the U.S. Bishops’ Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, Marianist Sisters in the Central African Republic are reaching villages once considered beyond their grasp. Bicycles are providing “Gospel volunteers” with the means to travel farther, carrying Bibles, rosaries, and, most importantly, hope to families in remote communities.
These bicycles are more than transportation—they are instruments opening doors to faith formation, strengthening rural communities, and creating new opportunities for young people to encounter Christ.
Sometimes the most powerful investments aren’t measured by miles traveled, but by hearts reached. Through simple acts of solidarity, the Gospel continues to move forward—one village, one family, and one bicycle at a time.
Click here to read more from the USCCB about the solidarity fund and advancing Pope Leo XIV’s call for deeper unity.
Check Out More Marianist News
Via Latina from the General Administration of the Society of Mary
Marianist Encounters Newsletters from the Marianist Family Encounters Project
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
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.
AMU Newsletter from the Association of Marianist Universities
St. Leonard’s Ledger from the St. Leonard Marianist Community
Region Update #106 from the Marianist Region of India
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