b'Weiss was open to the suggestion but wonderedPHOTO BY ARUMI ORTIZwhat her Jewish husband, Milton, would think of theidea. Reluctant at first, Milton agreed to go. She thenworried about how hed be accepted there, but herconcerns vanished when their young family arrivedat the retreat center. God put families there that could not have beenmore perfect together, Weiss said. The Marianistsand families honored Milt for what he brought to theexperience, being a Jew, putting himself in the situation.Carol and Milton not only returned as retreat par-ticipants but later became retreat staff members andleaders. They even developed a program at theChristian Family Living Center, a former Marianistretreat center in North Carolina.Milton supported Carols decision to become acertified lay spiritual director. Then, after she com-PHOTO COURTESY OF CAROL WEISSpleted training in Christian clowning, puppetry, Her relationship with Marianist Sisters, mime, and liturgical dance ministry, he built including Sisters Gretchen Trautman, Graceportable stages for her puppet ministry. Her popular Walle, and Laura Leming, has grown overhandmade puppets, including those representing the the years, especially during her visits withMarianist founders, are still used at Marianist retreat the sisters in San Antonio. She also served centers. as a sponsor, attendee, and presenter at theThe familys Marianist connections also helped Marianist Womens Summit, Women of the Magnificat, Carol Weiss, right, counts them weather personal tragedies: Their son Richard, last October at St. Marys University in San Antonio.Sister Grace Walle, FMI,a father of three young children, was killed in a car Marianist Sister Grace Walle noted Weiss special among her dear friends withaccident. Not long after, Milton died of a sudden heart contributions to the event included personal retreat the Marianist Sisters.attack. The Marianist Charism, the openness andjournals carefully handmade for each attendee.Top photo: Carol Weiss hand-acceptance of the Marianists, and her work as aWere thanking God for her life and blessings she crafted personal retreat journalsMarianist volunteer helped her rise from grief.brings through her closeness to Mary as the mother for each attendee at the Marianist Womens SummitIts whats gotten me through and provided me who consoled her in tragedy and inspired the service last year in San Antonio.something to give away, she said. When my son shes given, Sister Grace stated. She lifts others uppassed away, I sat and prayed to Mary, as one mother through her compassion and all the contributionsto another, and she carried me during those weeks shes made through retreat work. and years of healing.Weiss, who has also led retreats for widows andThe Marianists devotion to Mary resonates deeply widowers, returned to Cape May Point this spring aswith her, along with their empathy and compassion, a presenter at The Gift of Days: Spirituality andthat brings Christ to the world through Mary. Aging retreat.Her heart for service led to her joining the Marianist How would she like to be remembered?Lay Network of North America as a member and leader. I would like people to remember that I cared forThe Marianists became integral to our family, Weiss them. That I was open to new experiences, whether itsaid, noting friendships with Bill Able, the retreat was retreats, puppetry, clowning, or making journals,center director, Marianist Fathers Richard Kuhn, Pat as ways of bringing Gods love to them. Tonry, Tom Cardone, John Thompson, and MarianistBrother Jack Ventura. Kevin Conway is a writer from Bloomington, Indiana.BECOME PART OF MARYS MISSION: If you would like to support the Marianists and their ministries,please visit marianist.com/donate or call 1.800.348.4732.marianist.com/donate7'