Volume 21, Number 2 | February 28, 2022

The Marianist Province of the United States stands with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in echoing the Holy Father’s call for prayer and fasting to end the war in Ukraine.

Pope Francis called upon those with political responsibility to “examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not war, who is the Father of all, not just some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies.” Let us all unite in prayers that peace prevails.

Paul Masek, director of programs, Nathan Martin, executive director, and Jennifer Duncan, director of hospitality, at a recent commissioning service held at MRCC.

A new leadership team at the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center (MRCC) in Eureka, Missouri, is excited about writing a new chapter in the history of this retreat facility.

The team, modeled on the Marianist three offices, is comprised of Nathan Martin, newly appointed executive director, Jennifer Duncan, director of hospitality, and Paul Masek, director of programs.

Nathan spent the last 12 years working in fundraising for two nonprofits: the National Council for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He is especially excited about working with the MRCC team. “Our leadership model means that all three of us have an equal voice, which creates an environment of open communications.”

Maureen Hoock, Board Chair, sings the praises of these talented leaders: “Nathan, Jen, and Paul come to MRCC with joy, excitement, and passion for their jobs, the retreat center ministry and for the Marianist Charism. The Board of Directors also is excited about the ministry of MRCC and our future in retreat ministry in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.”

Marianist Call to Action

The Marianist Family Council of North America has endorsed the formation of the Marianist Family Encounter Project (MFEP) to facilitate a multi-year journey of responding to Pope Francis’ calls to action in his encyclicals, Fratelli Tutti (2020) and Laudato Si’ (2015).

The Marianist Family will respond to Pope Francis’ proposals in the Global Compact on Education by embracing the goals of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. This focus will invite us, personally and in our communities and ministries, to bring about meaningful and life-giving encounters at the intersection of the cry of the poor, the cry of the earth and the gift of our Marianist Charism.

“This opportunity emerged from a synergy of initiatives that reflects the approach and prophetic vision of our Marianist Founders two hundred years ago. The Encounter Project urges us from our communal strengths to forge prayerful solutions to emergent concerns in service of our church and our world,” said Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, MFEP coordinating team co-chair.

 Read more.

By Bro. David Betz

Our Marianist Saints: Bearers of God’s Love

February is a time when we spend a great amount of time recognizing the importance of love in our lives, especially the love among people. Traditions include giving cards, flowers  and candy to the ones we love and special dinners where the couples get engaged. It may also include acts of kindness to show appreciation for loved ones.

Read more.

Marianist Ministries in Action

Kelli Kinnear has known the Marianists for as long as she can remember. Her dad and uncles — all grads of Chaminade High School before it became Chaminade Julienne Catholic High (CJ) — and her mom, who once worked at University of Dayton, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the charism.

Kelli attended UD before taking her first job as a religion teacher at CJ. “That was 30 years ago!” she said. With her oldest son graduating from UD last spring, her middle son a junior at the school and her youngest a senior at CJ, the Marianist legacy continues in her family.

Today, Kelli is CJ’s director of ministry and service, a position she cherishes because “I love working with high school students and inspiring them to grow in their faith and commitment to serve others,” she said.

Her work is made easier by the sincere spirit of the CJ community. “I am inspired by the deep faith and passion for justice that I see in my coworkers,” said Kelli.

That commitment not only challenges her to grow, it inspires students, too. “I love my job —which is not just a job, but a vocation and a ministry. It gives me great joy. I can’t imagine working anywhere else!”

Pray With Us

Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.

Good to Know

The popular and free Marian Library exhibit “Journeys of Faith: Shrines, Souvenirs and Catholic Tourism” is extended until Mar. 24 and also is now available as a virtual exhibit.

About the exhibit: Catholic shrines and festivals attract millions of visitors each year, ranging from pilgrims on spiritual journeys to casual tourists. This exhibit features items from the Marian Library and the U.S. Catholic Special Collection. It explores the motivations for Catholic travel and delves into what visitors do at these sites and the souvenirs they collect — from handcrafted devotional objects to quirky mementos.

The Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May, NJ, is now accepting applications for week-long family retreats to enhance your spiritual life.

The peer group activities, community prayer services and beach activities provide the perfect spirit-filled family vacation. Check out available dates for the 2022 calendar, then fill out an application online.

Visit Cape May Marianists to learn more about the Center and its ministry.

The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) is seeking an Assistant Director, who reports to and works collaboratively with the MSJC Director. MSJC’s focus is to unite and multiply the efforts of Marianists to act for social justice. The Assistant Director will advance MSJC’s mission by providing leadership, facilitation and support to the volunteers in MSJC in ways that assure effective education and action for social justice within and beyond the Marianist Family.

Learn more.

TECABOCA is seeking a Program Coordinator for the Summer Camp in Mountain Home, Texas. This year-round, fully benefited position is responsible for Summer Youth Camp Program delivery, including but not limited to program planning, marketing, implementation and evaluation of summer camp for families, boys and girls.

Learn more.

Such a short time
Poorly lived
All I did
And didn’t do
For you
You are many
But wait!
It’s not too late
To see you as
You are
For you are
Here for me
And not to use
But to be one
With

 

Poem by: A Marianist

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Newsletters

District Update #54 from the Marianist District of India
Justice Jottings  Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
Magnificat  World Council of the Marianist Family
MLC-NA e-News  Marianist Lay Community of North America
NACMS Newsletter  North American Center for Marianist Studies
Via Latina 22  General Administration of the Society of Mary

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