marianist.com/donate • 17 After noticing these and other simi- larities three years ago, the Society of Mary began discussions with St. Vincent- St. Mary, known as STVM, to assess whether a sponsorship relationship would benefit both entities. Their conclusion? A resounding, “Yes!” Last June, STVM became the 19th Marianist-sponsored school in the U.S. Province. This college-preparatory school, with students in grades nine to 12, is the first to be added to the network. Why a sponsorship model? During the last two centuries, Marianist schools were run by the priests and brothers who lived and breathed the Marianist way of life, helping shape their schools to reflect this Marianist identity. “Today, our ministries are run mostly by lay administrators, board members, staff and volunteers,” says Marianist Brother Tom Giardino, provincial assistant for education. “We adopted a sponsor- ship model because we have partnered with laity for many years, providing them Marianist formation and a com- mon mission. It was a natural extension of what we already have been doing.” The beauty of the sponsorship framework is that it enables the Marianists to define the characteristics that make their institutions distinctly Marianist and provide participating organizations and their leaders with many added benefits — most important of which is a strong faith-formation program for faculty and staff. Sponsorship requires that each school fits well within the Marianist philosophy of Catholic education. Like any good partnership, it’s got to be a good match. The alignment: Culture, curriculum, community Entering into a sponsorship relationship with STVM was not an endeavor the Marianists took lightly. But according to Brother Tom, who was part of an assess- ment team, “We knew almost immediately that St.Vincent-St. Mary was a good fit for the Marianists based on its culture, curriculum and community.” Thomas Carone, STVM’s president, was not sur- prised. “When the team of Marianists visited the school, they commented on the fact that much of what we were doing already was in line with Marianist education,” he says. Dan Donnelly, director of the office of sponsor- ship, also noticed the alignment. “It was evident during the exploration and discernment process that not only the school’s mission, but the school’s cul- ture and identity were compatible with Marianist traditions and practices,” Dan says. The benefits of this partnership are many. Teach- ers have additional professional development re- sources, and students have new opportunities to explore their faith through retreats and Marianist outreach, like social justice initiatives. Being part of a larger educational network also offers a spiritual umbrella. “It gives our schools a philosophy and a framework that put into words what they do at school and why they do it,” Father Marty says. “It provides a spirituality that grounds their good work and the good education that has been going on at the school for many years.” Luke Lindsay, Nichelle Mosley, Katelyn Pohlman and Isaac Stecz, students from St.Vincent- St. Mary, who, along with their classmates, joined nearly 11,000 other students nation- wide as part of the Marianist educational network.