b'In 1970, when the late Marianist Father Larry Doer-PHOTO: ROBIN JERSTADsching helped launch LIFE (Living In Faith Experi-ence), a program that equips high school students tocreate and lead faith communities at their schools orparishes, he likely didnt foresee the program celebrat-ing its golden anniversarylet alone in the midst ofa global pandemic.As people around the world change the way theycommunicate with one another, so, too, is the Societyof Mary, invoking the insight of founder Blessed WilliamJoseph Chaminade: New times call for new methods.Erica Duarte, the new Marianist LIFE national coordinatora position previously held for nineyears by Toni Mesinasays the rapid adjustment inprogramming to a temporary online format, whileundoubtedly challenging, is central to how Marianistsadapt and change. Like Father Chaminade revampinghis vision of the Church during the French Revolution,were using this difficult time as an opportunity to trynew ways, she says. Becoming better listenersTraditionally, the Marianist LIFE summer program isa seven-day event that takes place annually in threeregions: Dayton, Ohio (Central); Occidental, California(Pacific); and Mountain Home, Texas (South). DuringLIFE, students from Marianist and non-MarianistCatholic institutions converge to explore their faiththrough prayer, discussion groups and leadershipactivities. In a normal year, about 170 to 180 students partic-ipate in LIFE training, says Toni, who stepped downas coordinator on Aug. 1. In addition, we rely on 30to 40 moderatorsmost of whom are teachers and 15 to 20 staff members.For its 50th anniversary, the 2020 Marianist LIFEsummer program was going to be a national celebra- program following social distancing guidelines. Still, Opposite page: Snapshotstion at St. Marys University in San Antonio, during the majority of LIFE leaders relied on virtual commu- from LIFE South summer program, 2019; Above:which everyone from all the regions would gather as nications, which has its plusses and minuses, says Erica Duarte, Marianist one, says Erica. But when COVID-19 hit, moderators Erica. Even though technology makes us more con- LIFE national coordinatorfrom each region got together over Zoom to rethink nected than ever, in lots of ways, were also moretheir plans.isolated, she says. These issues force us to rememberIn a digital age in which teens, adults and even the our connection to one another and, hopefully, to becomeelderly frequently use videoconferencing platforms better listeners.such as Zoom, Google Hangouts and FaceTime, wewere still able to meet, form groups and share our An enduring formulastories meaningfully, says Erica.As the pandemic continues to test society at large,While videoconferencing was a godsend, a few Toni, culling from years of experience overseeing theLIFE coordinators managed to hold a small, in-person LIFE program, acknowledges that, at the end of themarianist.com/donate 15'