It's graduation season. A time when we try to discard the word "graduation" in favor of the word "commencement" to remind ourselves that this is not an end but a beginning. Despite such terminology, tears will flow from the faces of those who cannot bear departing their friends, teachers and community.

As Marianists we understand this sadness. Our incarnational vision tells us that Christ is in others. After finding Christ in friends, teachers, professors and community who would want to leave? Departure creates within us a moment of angst when we forget that Christ also lies ahead in new friends, colleagues, and communities to be built.

As Marianists, we commence. We move forward to seek Christ anew in places and people where Christ has always been. Then we form community for support, understanding and mission and in doing so we create within ourselves a soul that magnifies the Lord.

Congratulations Grads Commencers!!
AJ Wagner

Concerned about the upcoming elections and how to encourage honest and open discussion about the important issues facing our country?  Then consider attending the "Convention for the Common Good" in Philadelphia on July11-13.  Click here for more info.  MSJC would like to see a number of Marianists involved in this important project, and we're offering scholarship support to encourage this. 

Contact Jim Vogt - Jimvogt2@yahoo.com for information about scholarships.

Other voting resources of interest to Marianist Lay Communities:

• Forming Consciences for Faithful Citzenship from the US Catholic Bishops, offers a number of election resources based on Catholic Social Teaching.

• Election 2008 offers materials from the Center of Concern to help you participate actvely in the current political campaigns as an informed and faithful Christian.

• Election 2008 Workshops are available from NETWORK, the Catholic Social Justice lobby.