b'If you can get a potential parent or a student on atour, you have more than a 50-50 chance that they aregoing to say, Oh, I want to be a part of this, he said.Education always has been a key element of theMarianist mission. The Marianist Province of theUnited States sponsors 18 secondary schools andthree universities in the U.S. This is a K through 16-plus value chain, Bro. Tomsaid. This Marianist thing is bigger, broader, deeperthan just peoples individual experience in an individ-ual institution. Thats an important part of it. Thatswhy we brought both the communicators for univer-sities and schools together. All share a common coremessage.Bro. Tom referenced characteristics of Marianisteducation: educate for formation in faith; provide anintegral, quality education; educate in family spirit;educate for service, justice, peace, and the integrityof creation; and educate for adaptation and change.That is our compass in terms of where we areand where we are going, he said.Deacon Pat shared that the group had takeaways BERNADETTE GRONERby the end of the forum. Director of CommunicationsThey were able to establish some sharing groups Marianist Province of the U.S.for different resources, whether its for articles, photog-raphy, social media, videography, or personal connec- The Marianist Educational Bridge Project forumtions, Deacon Pat said. On their own, they planned allowed us to explore ways we can intentionallyto start periodic virtual gatherings amongst themselves incorporate the Marianist Charism into our to continue the conversation beyond the three days communication efforts. We discovered how we worked together. each school has a unique identity while alsoWhy is it important that this is part of their com- being unequivocally Marianist. It was a valuableopportunity to come together and strategize munications process? how to better communicate what it means to be Sometimes, in communications in an educational Marianist and how to convey that sense of home,setting, you feel you are on an island by yourself or in family, and inclusion that students say they feel.a silo, Deacon Pat explained. In schools, the majorityof attention is paid to the product of education andteaching the kids. You have these other professionals They said they are going to bring Marianist messaging(the communicators) in the building who are very more to the forefront in whatever they do.much a part of the community, but it is good to have He added, Bring Marianist folks together, and itthem connect with people who understand their job, works. Its just true. Ive been a Marianist for 63 years.how they go about things, and share. We all have the Ive seen this happen.We really do believe thissame issues, but in different cities. Marianist experience is something that is good for theHe added, We can work smarter, rather than world. Its just that not everyone in the world knowsharder, to utilize resources. about Marianists yet. We want to let them know. At the end of the forum, Bro. Tom said, theyreally did have some takeaways and commitments. Linda Behrens is a writer from St. Louis.FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Office of Sponsorship, please download the Marianist Province mobile app.marianist.com/donate11'