b'A Messagefrom the ProvincialDear Friends of the Marianists, they each went to different ends of the pew, soeach could place a gift in the basket. I was touched As I write this letter, Im in St. Louis where we have because these parents are helping their childrenjust experienced some of the coldest days of the winter understand that giving is a responsibility and aseason. Writing this letter excites me because this is privilege.our SPRING issue, which reminds me At one of our schools, an eighth-grader who wasand all of usthat the warmth of Spring not Catholic approached the campus minister tois coming our way. say that he wanted to be baptized and to receiveI write today to present this edition of the Holy Eucharist. I was asked to speak with himALIVE magazine and to thank you for your and his parents. It was clear that this was somethinggenerosity to assist the Marianists carrying that they had been discussing and that the studentout our mission of bringing Jesus into our wanted to be a part of the Catholic family. His bigworld. Like Mary, we are called to do what- dream was to receive the Eucharist. He is now inever Jesus asks of us. the process of being received into the Church. MayAt Mass this morning, we celebrated the we all have that same enthusiasm for receivingFeast of St. Paul, honoring a person who Jesus in Word and Sacrament.went from being a persecutor to a person I am excited by the opportunity to observe andwho dedicated his life and energy to preach- speak to these examples. For me, they are examplesing the Word of God to all people. He was a of the Blessing of our faith and the importance ofman on a mission. Like St. Paul, the Marianists our mission. Our mission is so important because wetoday strive to be a community dedicated to are on the ground to meet people during times ofthe service of our Blessed Mother and the grace and challenge. We are called to walk with thedirection of her Son, Jesus. people of God and assist them in their pilgrimage ofFather Oscar Vasquez, SM In recent weeks, I have been reminded that this call holiness. Like St. Paul, may we have the grace toto serve the Church is an awesome task and a blessing!preach and live the Word of God in our lives daily!I want to share two lessons that I learned recently: Thank you again for your generosity to theA couple of weeks ago, I celebrated Sunday Mass Marianist Mission.at the Marianist parish in St. Louis, Our Lady of the Pillar. During the time of the collection,United in Prayer,I observed a family with three little onesan infant and two girls about 7 and 5. The two oldergirls were tugging on dads coat asking for a gift Rev. Oscar Vasquez, SMto place in the collection. With a donation in hand, Provincial2 Call 1.800.348.4732'