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Quicklinks
E-News (this document) and Saying Yes Archive
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PRAYERS
We
mourn the passing of Joseph Cavanaugh, loving husband of Margaret Cavanaugh, who died unexpectedly December
7.
Joe was one of the founding members of the Marianist State community in 1968. He has been a faithful lay Marianist throughout the years and will be greatly missed by all his friends and family.
Family will receive friends on Saturday December 13th from 2-4 pm at
Murphy Funeral Home
4510 Wilson Blvd
Arlington,Virginia
A prayer service will be held at 3:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to
Marianist Mission
4435 E. Patterson Rd. Dayton, OH 45430
Additionally on Saturday January 10, 2009 in
Dayton Ohio Queen of Apostles Chapel at 4:00 pm a Eucharistic Liturgy Memorial Service will be held with a reception to follow.
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For Your Calendar
You are encouraged to remember these events in prayer.
January 10, 2009 Anniversary of the death of Venerable Ad�le de Batz de Trenquell�on
January 22, 2009 Anniversary of the death of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade
February 2, 2009
Anniversary of the foundation of the Marianist Family (foundation day of the Bordeaux Sodality)
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Start Your Day with a Daily Gospel Meditation from Father Bert Buby SM
Link to the blog for his Scripture Reflections.
http://scripmed.blogspot.com
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THANK-YOU
For the November donations to MLNNA mission from:
- Michael Gillespie
- John Eise
- Nazareth Community (Dayton OH)
JOYFUL NEWS
Do you want to share a big event in your life? New job, new baby, or recovery from an illness. You can submit any information for the E-news Click here
PRAYER REQUEST
Submit a request for community prayers to the E-news here.
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READ ALIVE MAGAZINE
Alive magazine is published three times a year, featuring stories about how Marianist brothers and priests make a difference in the world.
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Environmental Tips
Marianist Environmental Education Center
CHOOSE MATCHES OVER LIGHTERS
Most lighters are made out of plastic and filled with butane fuel, both petroleum products. Since most lighters are considered "disposable," over 1.5 billion end up in landfills each year. When choosing matches, pick cardboard over wood. Wood matches come from trees, whereas most cardboard matches are made from recycled paper.
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Here's a game of golf for those in their winter doldrums.
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President's Message
The Baltimore Catechism definition of a sacrament is "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace." Today's catechism says, "The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith."
When it comes to the sacrament of marriage the catechism adds, "How wonderful the bond between two believers, now one in hope, one in desire, one in discipline, one in the same service!"
Mike and Paula Zeimski cutting their 25th anniversary cake.
Mike and Paula Zeimski began to discern their vocation of marriage on a Teens Encounter Christ Retreat in Pittsburgh. (At least Mike began discerning, it may have taken Paula a bit longer to see the potential here.) They made their perpetual vows in 1983 with the words, "I do."
For twenty-five years Paula and Mike have followed the directives of our Church by giving birth to Micah, Maura and Jordan. They have pursued mission with a stint as leaders in Engaged Encounter and Marriage Encounter, and a commitment to the Marianists through Mary's House at Cape May, New Jersey. They also serve together, "one in service," as co-directors of financial development for MLNNA.
With their help we have developed a request that you will soon see in your mailbox - the MLNNA annual plea for financial help. This letter outlines our case for funds and lets you know how your money is spent.
Paula and Mike have also helped us get online for fundraising through Network for Good. If you go to this link you can donate safely without the need for checks or stamps. Your gift will be acknowledged and will be tax deductible from you income in the United States.
Thanks to Mike and Paula living out their marriage sacrament through mission and service we hope to be able to help our Marianist sisters and brothers in developing nations and hope to promote the causes of social justice through the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative. We also hope to continue improving our communication and support to you.
One more statement about marriage from the catechism: "Since God created him man and woman, their mutual love becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves man. It is good, very good, in the Creator's eyes. And this love which God blesses is intended to be fruitful and to be realized in the common work of watching over creation."
Thanks to Paula and Mike's we all share in this sacramental spirit.
peace and love,
aj
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Marianist Family Council of North America
 The Marianist Family Council of North America met on Saturday and Sunday,
November 8 and 9, 2008 at the Marianist Provincial Offices in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose of the Family Council is to encourage the implantation of the Marianist Family in North America and to facilitate the cooperation of all its members in implementing the mission of the Marianist Family in North American culture. At present, the Council
supports two major initiatives: the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) and the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative (MLFI).
The following people represent the various branches of the Marianist Family on the Council:
- MLNNA: Ms. Kay Stone and Mr. A.J.Wagner
- Marianist Sisters: Sr. Evangeline Escobar and Sr. Gretchen Trautman
- Society of Mary: Bro. Steve Glodek and Rev. James Fitz
The Marianist Lay Formation Initiative is now sponsored under the umbrella of the North American Center for Marianist Studies and is directed by Ms. Pati Krasensky. The goal for participants in the Initiative is to begin a new Marianist lay faith community or
reenergize an existing community. The current cohort has 12 participants. 14 others have completed training in earlier cohorts. Each participant is given a mentor. These mentors have also met to discuss their important role.
The annual report of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative highlighted the Collaborative's efforts on communication, action and dialogue opportunities, collaboration with Marianist institutions and ministries, and funding issues. During the discussion of the report, the Family Council was joined in a conference call by Fr. Ted Cassidy, chair of the Collaborative Steering Committee; Mr. Jim Vogt, Director of the Collaborative; and Sr. Leanne Jablonski and Ms. Brenda Fitzpatrick, members of the Collaborative Steering Committee. The Family Council commended the Collaborative for its many initiatives for the sake of social justice and discussed some key issues for its future.
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Donate to MLNNA on-line!!
We are working with Network for Good to collect financial contributions electronically. Check out our Donation Page.
Please remember that your contributions support this MLNNA E-news, the Saying Yes reflection, the Magnificat and Gifts and Tasks. Your contribution also supports the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, the International Organization of Marianist Lay Comunities and the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative.
We want to do more for you and for our mission to others, but our budget is very limited. Our only source of contributions is our members, so any gift is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or comments about our fundraising or our spending or if you have any suggestions, please let me know at aj@marianistfamily.org.
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No Longer Lost and Alone 
By Greg Calhoun
"It's not about you." Joan Wagner spoke this powerful phrase last December to the Embers community as they made their first vows in Immaculate Conception Chapel. This reminder was poignant on a day where we celebrated that these young people, all committed pillars of faith and service on UD's campus, were choosing to come together for a higher purpose. These newly christened Embers had such great hearts that poured out love, and were readying themselves to commit to a year of doing so together while hoping to do so for a lifetime. But Joan was right. The truth for them and for all those in the Marianist family gathered is that all we do is not for ourselves but for God.
I was preparing to enter formation in the New Year when I heard those words. My heart was pure joy as I watched these young men and women lose themselves for the sake of community with others and with God. This is the path I continue to follow as a Jesuit Volunteer in Cleveland, where I have embraced a new community. Although my Marianist experience is less intimate, it is a blessing to know that I have the prayers of the Summons and those of the global family guiding my steps. This comfort allows me to enter my present community with full intention of heart, mind, and soul. And it is through community that I trust my vocation in life will be revealed as I grow closer to Christ by Mary's intercession. My life is no longer about me, and I do not regret the summons into community for even a second.
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Prayer for Advent
The following prayer was sent by Jessica Gonzalez, a member of the Grand Walkers Community in Dayton, Ohio.
Praying Through Exhaustion
Oh Lord, I am so tired. It seems like the lists of to-do's get longer each day, the frenzy in my home each night gets wilder. It seems like the holidays have barely started and already I am behind.
Help me, dear Jesus. Let me feel your loving arms wrap me tightly in the warm embrace of your endless love. Teach me to make choices about my time, to remember what is important this season and to say "NO" whenever my Yes would take me away from your peace. Fill me with patience, love and a sense of humor. Remind me of your deep love for me and let the fire of that love be something I can share with everyone around me.
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Want Ads
 Principal for Central Catholic High School (enrollment 525: 71% minorities, 89% Roman Catholic), a boys' college preparatory high school operated by the Society of Mary (Marianists), a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church. Open July 1.
Candidate must be an active Roman Catholic. Advanced degree with 15 semester credits in administration/
supervision required; certified or certifiable as secondary principal in Texas; three years of classroom experience required and administrative experience preferred. Major function is to assist the President in fulfilling the Marianist educational mission of the school. Management responsibilities include instructional leadership, Spiritual Life, accreditation duties, faculty and curriculum development, student activities, budgeting and parents' relations. Will be expected to participate in appropriate local and national professional educational groups and organizations. Term of position: Three year renewable (unlimited). Salary and benefits competitive.
Screening begins January 5. Additional information available upon request. Send letter of application, resume, complete college transcripts and three letters of recommendation to:
Br. Peter A. Pontolillo, S.M., Ph.D., President, Central Catholic High School, 1403 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, Texas 78215.
A Marianist College Preparatory Institution Since 1852 1403 N. St. Mary's St. � San Antonio, Texas 78215-1785
Web site: www.cchs-satx.org
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MID-LIFE 2009 IN MISSOURI
Marianist LIFE invites all adult moderators to attend "Mid-LIFE 2009"
Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, 2009,
at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center in Eureka, Mo.
The event is a national gathering for retreat, networking, sharing best practices, building community, and professional development training. The group will tour areas of St. Louis, including a visit to the Province headquarters and a Marianist high school.
Find out more.
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Marianist Volunteers Want YOU!
Heather Mikus, a Marianist volunteer offers us an essay. Read more.
So does Andy Taube. Read more.
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 Gertrude Filkowski and Geraldine Olson are New Lay Affiliates!!
Shown with Fr. Al McMenamy are Lay Affiliates, front, Vivienne Grant, Gertrude Filkowski, Geraldine Olson and Marie Kraehenbuehl; back, Cherie Schwertel, Barbara Hammer, Dolorous Heffner, Theresa Haines and Darleen Lunde. Congratulations Gertrude and Geraldine.
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GOODSEARCH.COM
www.GoodSearch.com 
You can help us generate $$ everytime you search the web. Click the link above. Set Marianist Lay Network of North America as your charity. And everytime you search for something (powered by Yahoo - competitor for Google) our organization will receive 1 cent.
BEFORE YOU START SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS - think about the companion service - GoodShop which provides our MLNNA organization a portion of the sale price if you enter a store's website (such as Amazon, EBAY, Staples, Old Navy, Target, WalMart, the Gap and others) through the GoodShop portal.
Spread the word about GoodSearch, it doesn't cost you anymore to help us earn a little money.
GoodShop.com
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 THANK-YOU
Adele Social Justice Project Fundraiser a Success!
Jim Vogt sends thanks to all who contributed to the Adele Social Justice fundraiser. The success of the fundraiser means that the Project has qualified for a matching grant of $2,500!!
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Jim Vogt - jimvogt2@yahoo.com.
Jim Vogt, Director
859-291-6197 jimvogt2@yahoo.com; www.msjc.net |
Sign UP for on-line Courses
"While the heat radiating off your computer is keeping you warm this winter, why not sign up for a Marianist Studies online course?"
Find out more about courses on prayer, community and education from the Virtual Learning and Curriculum Innovation at NACMS.
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Last Minute Openings for Advent Family Retreat
Dec. 19-21, 2008
Due to some last minute cancellations Mary's House, the Marianist Retreat Center at Cape May, New Jersey has space for two smaller families or one larger family for an Advent Retreat. The retreat begins Friday the 19th and concludes on Sunday the 21st. If you are interested please call 609-884-3829.
Also at Cape May:
2009 College-Age Retreat - January 2-4
Come join young people your own age (18 - 22, 2009 HS Seniors are welcomed) and experience a weekend retreat designed just for you and for where you are at during this time in your life. Renew your spiritual life, deepen your relationship with God and enrich your friendships with your peers. Our time will be filled with prayer, special liturgies, peer group discussions and Eucharist. Cost is $110.
2009 Cleaning Weekend - January 9-11
Come join the fun for a weekend working with a community of dedicated volunteers keeping Mary's house clean...This weekend tends to fill quickly.
2009 Young Adult Retreat - Feb 27th - March 1
This weekend is for young adults (age 22 -35) who wish to examine their personal faith in relation to God, self, co-workers and others. There will be a time for Eucharist, prayer experiences, faith sharing and social interaction. Fr. John Thompson, SM will lead this retreat!
2009 Retreat for Young Married Couples - March 13-15
This retreat is intended for couples who are under 40ish +/- years old. Explore issues that challenge young couples in today's ever-demanding world and look at your faith lives and how you can keep God in your marriage. Time will include small group sharing, Eucharist, special liturgies and time for fun.
Call the wonderful folks at Mary's House if you are interested in any of the opportunities 609-884-3829.
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Editor's Note
This is your newsletter. I welcome your articles. Submit an article for the next newsletter by January 7th. Think about what you might share with your fellow Lay Marianists.
Send article and pictures to Jacqui Griswold, MLNNA editor
Keep copy short and describe who, what, why, when and how
If possible, select 1 or 2 of digital images in JPEG format (100 - 900K) and attach to the e-mail
Thanks for reading to the end.
A blessed and peaceful Advent season to all.
May Jesus' birth in our lives cause us to be reborn into a more fulfilling life.
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