b'A In eighth grade, I heard a visiting missionary say, two- When I first learned about the PHOTO: LARRY GATZt critical moments in his life, Marianist Brother Don Neff hasheard what he calls a special announcement. Marianist vow of stabilitythirds of the world has never heard the name of Christ, and reflected, a vow of faithfulness to the SMs and to someone better do something about that, says Brother Don. Hedecided to be that someone. MaryI realized that Brother Don was For 70 years, this 90-year-old Marianist has assisted Mary in her a perfect example of what that vow mission of bringing the Good News of Christ to the world. means, of aligning ones self and I thought I would follow in my fathers footsteps in the insurance ones life with Marys mission. business, he says. But after I heard and reflected on what the missionary said about taking the name of Christ to the world, I guessJenee Margo Gonzales, philanthropy coordinator you could say I decided to sell eternal life insurance, instead. for the Office of Mission AdvancementWhere I am neededGrowing up in Dayton, Ohio, Sunday Mass, Marian devotionsFlorida as development director of the newly merged Chaminade-including the family rosarywere part of Brother Dons life, as Madonna College Preparatory.well as his parents example of showing respect and support forothers. He attended Chaminade High School, a Marianist school, as An advocate for the oppresseddid his four brothers. As a Catholic Youth group member, he organ- While in Ohio, Brother Don encountered victims of human traffick-ized weekly dances and enjoyed these social gatherings,which made ing and bullying. As a member of the Dayton Exchange Club, amy decision and commitment to a life of celibacy difficult, he says. service organization, he designed a program that earned nationalBut as a 10th-grader, he heard another special announcement.recognition for addressing both injustices.I was impressed by the friendliness of the Marianists, especially For more than 30 years, Brother Don dedicated his summers toMarianist Brother Bill Klueber. When the principal announced that the Churchs Missionary Cooperative Program, giving parish talksBrother Bill had died unexpectedly, he asked: Whos going to take to raise awareness and funding for Marianist missions in India andhis place? Mentally, I responded, I will.Then I thought, where did Eastern Africa.that come from? His question was soon answered. After visiting Today, he lives in a Marianist community in Hollywood, Florida,a friend at the Marianist formation center at Mount Saint John in where he contacts donors of the Marianist Mission to thank them forDayton, I felt: this is where I belong. their prayers and support. He also raises awareness and support forIn 1950, Brother Don joined the Marianists so that I could help the homeless through Showering Love, a project that providesyouth realize their purpose in life, he says. He earned a finance shower facilities, medical attention and counseling for people degree in business administration and education degrees in teach- experiencing homelessness.ing and counseling, in addition to a masters degree in education Brother Dons gift for storytelling captivates donors, says Jeneeadministration. I wanted to be prepared for whatever challenges Margo Gonzales, philanthropy coordinator for the Office of Missioncame my way, he says. Advancement. But what impresses her most is the way he modelsFor several years, he taught and served as an administrator at the most distinctive element of Marianist vowed life.high schools in Ohio and Puerto Rico before assuming the role as When I first learned about the Marianist vow of stabilityvocation director for the former Cincinnati Province. a vow of faithfulness to the SMs and to MaryI realized thatIn 1968, Brother Don was offered the opportunity to serve in Dayton, Brother Don was a perfect example of what that vow means, ofAfrica or Australia. His mantra by then was: Ill go where needed. aligning ones self and ones life with Marys mission, she says.That meant a short-term appointment in Australia that stretched to Brother Don is grateful to be a part of Marys special family, nearly two decades of extraordinary serviceincluding the founding especially the opportunity to have planted the Marianist charism in of one secondary school and key to the early development of two others. Australia and now advocate for missions in India and Eastern Africa.Buildings at two of the schools are named in Brother Dons honor.This is what it means to bring Marys mission of Christ to the worldIn 1986, he began serving as an administrator at Marianist high and help others find their purpose, he says.schools in Puerto Rico, Ohio and Florida before going back to MountSaint John to serve as property director. Then in 1990, he returned to Kevin Conway is a freelance writer from Bloomington, Indiana.Please help the Marianists care for their senior priests and brothers. To donate,use the enclosed envelope or go to marianist.com/donate. Or contact Brother Alex Tuss, SM, at 937.222.4641, ext. 3003, or [email protected]/donate 9'