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Quicklinks
E-News (this document) and Saying Yes Archive
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For Your Calendar
You are encouraged to remember these events in prayer.
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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WHAT WILL YOUR COMMUNITY BE DOING FOR CHAMINADE DAY?
January 22 is the feast of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade.
Molly Heineman, a Marianist Volunteer in Malawi writes:
I am volunteering under the Marianist Volunteer Program in Karonga, Malawi. I am working at a Marianist Technical Institute here called MIRACLE and for the most part am loving my work.
My five housemates (including Andy Taube and Matt Meyers) are working at Chaminade Secondary School for Boys that is on the same campus. I am on a committee to plan a joint Chaminade Day celebration for the two schools and we'd like to share with the students how other Marianist communities around the world are celebrating this day.
So if possible, could anyone tell me (in one or two sentences) how some of the lay Marianist communities are marking the day?
Please contact Molly at mhoganh@gmail.com if you can help her.
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FROM DAYTON NEWS
The 45th Annual Christmas on Campus event took place on The University of Dayton Campus on Thursday, December 11, 2008.
Christmas at UD - you might notice Santa's resemblance to our MLNNA President and Mrs. Claus who happens to look much like Joan.
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Environmental Tips
Marianist Environmental Education Center
GIVE IT AWAY
Before you throw something away, think about if someone else might need it. Either donate to a charitable organization or post it on a web site designed to connect people and things, such as Freecycle.org.
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QUOTE
I have long since come to believe that people never mean half of what they say, and that it is best to disregard their talk and judge only their actions.
- Dorothy Day,
The Long Loneliness
Dorothy also wrote in The Long Loneliness (Harper Collins): "We have all known the long loneliness, and we have learned that the only solution is love and that loves comes with community."
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INVITATION
Bro. Jack Ventura invites all members of the Marianist Family from the St. Louis area to Eucharist and dinner to celebrate the 208th anniversary of the Foundation Day of Marianist Sodalities at 4 p.m. on
Sat., Jan. 31, 2009, at
St. Mary's High School.
Bring a favorite wine or dessert to share.
For information or to RSVP,
by Jan. 23
contact Donna Tucker
dtucker@sm-usa.org or 314.533.1207
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Marianist Heritage Celebrations at University of Dayton!!
Jan 22 - Thursday
Chaminade Celebration
Noon & 5:00 p.m. - Chaminade Day Masses. Immaculate Conception Chapel.
6:30 p.m. - Founders' Potluck Dinner. McGinnis Center. All are welcome!
Jan 29 - Thursday
Marianist Award Lecture
3:00 p.m. - 2009 Recipient: Rev. David Hollenbach, S.J. Sponsored by the Forum on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition Today. Kennedy Union Ballroom.
Feb 2 - Monday
Marianist Lecture
7:30 p.m. - Bro. Raymond Fitz, S.M. presents "The Marianist Movement and the
Challenges of Justice and Reconciliation." Sears Recital Hall. Reception to follow.
At Chaminade University Hawaii
Wed, January 21, 2009
Founders' Day Mass
11 am, Mystical Rose Oratory
Friday, January 23
Marianist Lingo Bingo
Noon, Loo Center
Saturday, January 24
Mass celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Marianists arriving in Hawaii
Mamiya Theatre
information on website.
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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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President's Message
There was much to mourn last month with the loss of Joe Cavanaugh, long time member of the State Community, and Sue Wesselkamper, President of Chaminade University. This month their deaths allowed us to see the great strength of our Marianist Family.
Last Saturday in Dayton (for Joe) and in Honolulu (for Sue) there were memorial services for these dedicated Lay Marianists. Gathering to celebrate their lives were not just members of Joe's and Sue's respective lay communities, but almost every nearby member of the Society of Mary, the Daughters of Mary Immaculate and members of many other Lay Communities. At each location they gathered - sisters, brothers, priests and laity - as a family telling stories, crying and celebrating two people who filled their lives with Marianist Spirit.
You may not have had the good fortune of knowing these two great examples of Marianist life. But if you had been at Sue's or Joe's memorial, you would have seen, heard and felt the amazing grace that we all share, and you would have known that you were with family.
peace and love,
aj
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See Sister Nicole Trahan's blog reflecting on Joe Cavanaugh's memorial service here.
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PRAYERS
Please pray for the repose of the soul of
Sue Wesselkamper, President of Chaminade University of Honolulu and a true Lay Marianist.
Sue returned to God after an extended bout with cancer on January 3rd.
Read about Sue's tremendous service to Chaminade University here.
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Two New Lay Communities Commit at the University of Dayton!
The Beacons and the Leaven Communities made there commitment to live as Lay Marianists in the Immaculate Conception Chapel of the University of Dayton on December 6th with these words:
"Called by the Spirit to be members of the Beacons and Leaven Communities, we commit to saying yes with the conviction and openness of Mary. Like Mary, we say yes to bringing Christ into the world by responding to our Gospel call to promote peace and justice by building community.
Beacons: As part of the global Marianist family we commit to live intentionally as Beacons spreading Christ's light. We will reflect Mary's choice to bring Christ into the world as we are sent to serve others.
Leaven: As the Leaven community we will give rise to growth in the Marianist Family through the love of Christ given to us through Mary. We work together to expand in faith, compassion, and service enlightened by the Charism.
As members of the global Marianist Family, we will strive to be men and women living intentionally, strong in faith, firm in hope and constant in love. We are grateful for this gift and willingly accept the task of living the Marianist charism."
Congratulations Beacons and Leaven!!!!
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Young Adults - We Need Your Ideas and Participation!
By Lisa McCracken
As part of their yearly planning weekend the Adele Social Justice Project core team met with Dayton area young adults at the Marianist sisters house to share experiences with social justice and discuss the needs of young adults at this point in their lives. Many attendees spoke of the need to find or build faith and justice filled communities. The ASJP core team committed itself to making that a priority in the coming year and invites others inspired by this goal to join them. If you are interested in...
Have other suggestions? Let us know what you need and come help make it happen!
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Celebrate Adele days this January! 
Keep Celebrating through the new year! The Adele Social Justice Project invite you to celebrate "Adele Days", January 10th was the anniversary of her death.
And just keep Adele's joyful welcoming spirit alive throughout the day!
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Celebrate Adele
When the Branches Community gathered over the holidays for their annual retreat they did a reflection on Adele de Batz de Tranquelion. Adele is easy to study inasmuch as she was a prolific letter writer and has left many memorable quotes to ponder. Here is a sampling of quotes considered by the Branches
- "Oh, let us give him love for love, if we cannot give him life for life. The world should no longer have any value for us. Let us love God above all, and all things in God and with reference to God. May this adorable Spouse of our souls satisfy all our desires and all our affections."
- "O my God, my heart is too small to love you, but it will see to it that you are loved by so many hearts that their love will compensate for the weakness of mine."
- "I suggest that we remain united in spirit with our holy Mother and imitate her recollection and that attention that was hers while conversing with the divine Child she bore in her chaste womb."
January 10 was the anniversary of Adele's death 180 years ago in 1828. Celebrate by pondering these quotes or join members of the Adele Social Justice Project with their suggested ways of celebration noted above.
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Prayer for the New Year
Respond: "God, surprise us again."
When we miss the beauty and the joy of earth's goodness...
When the goodness of others gets lost in the rush...
When the hope in our heart fades away...
When loneliness pursues us...
When it seems the darkness will never give way to the light...
When the troubles of others seem more than we can carry...
Respond: "Walk closely with us, God."
As we strive to live our lives well...
As we journey into the unknown territory of a new year...
As we learn to accept our weaknesses and our strengths...
As we give ourselves to the poor and the powerless...
As we try to live in the heart of the scriptures...
As we accept your constant love for us...
Adapted from May I Have this Dance?
by Joyce Rupp (Ave Maria Press 1992)
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Meet Carol Weiss
 "I'm Carol Weiss, I live in Flushing NY, in the house I was born in and love being a New Yorker. I am an accountant by day and a puppeteer by night. I have 3 daughters, a son who passed away and 6 grandchildren. I was married to Milton, the most wonderful Jewish man for 35 years until he passed away. Sometimes I feel more Jewish than Christian. Marrying into a Jewish family was one of the most enriching experiences of my life & gave me a much greater appreciation of Jesus and especially Mary.
I have gone to clown college, puppet school, am a certified Spiritual Director and spent a month at the Monestary in Pecos, NM at their school for Spiritual Directors.
I first met the Mariainsts over 35 years ago when I attended a family retreat at Cape May. I am a lay Marianist Affiliate and continue to be involved with the Family Retreat Programs at Cape May & NC and currently serve as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Marianist Family Ministry in Topsail, NC. I don't have a lot of initials after my name, but what I do have is my commitment to the Marianist family and their mission and am open to wherever that takes me.
I am privileged to serve MLNNA not only as Treasurer but in any way that God calls me."
Editors comment: Carol has volunteered to
take on the responsibilities of Treasurer for the MLNNA organization
replacing Tony Garacia who will continue with the group but now have
time to focus in his last year as the President of the International
Marianist Lay Organization and the preparation for the International
Lay Meeting August 2-8, 2009. THANK-YOU Carol.
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WANT AD - East Coast Regional Representative
The
Marianist Lay Network of North America (MLNNA) needs an East Coast Regional Representative to replace Carol Weiss who has accepted the new role of Treasurer for the organization.
The job description: this person would be
the liasion between MLNNA leadership team and the local communities.
We currently have communities in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Washington DC and Topsail NC.
Area reps are appointed for 2 year
terms and may then choose assistants in his/her area. The position
requires about 6 to 8 hours work each month. Working with
representatives from other areas and the Community Development director
(Kay Stone) from the leadership team, the East Coast area rep. is the conduit for
information flowing both to and from MLNNA to the various Lay
Communities and individual Lay Marianists in the area.
If you are interested or just want to know more about the position please contact Kay Stone, at kastn_1999@yahoo.com
to discuss. She is also open to accept nominations as long as you are reasonably sure the person would be interested.
We want to identify any interested people by Saturday
February 14th. Thank-you for considering this opportunity to be
involved and serve our organization.
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Small Christian Community Connection (formerly Buena Vista)
connecting small Christian communities (SCCs), small church
communities (SCCs), basic church communities,faith sharing small groups, home churches, etc.
Resources (link to) :
Creating Small Christian Communities; Minimum Structure, Maximum Life, by Barbara A. Darling and Jack Ventura, S.M., draws from the wisdom of many small community people. It brings practical wisdom to the work of creating and maintaining community. An extensive appendix includes a small group agreement plus a list of materials and international resource organizations.
Getting a Grip on Your Group; A Guide to Discerning Priorities in Your Small Christian Community, by Barbara A. Darling leads group participants through a process that can lead to covenant. It incorporates a readily adaptable covenant outline, help with shared decision making and other helpful resources.
Both of these books are available through Good Ground Press
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THANK YOU! to those who so generously contributed to our annual fund drive.
John Becker Jr. & Christine Cornello 12 Anonymous Donors
Betty D. Breen Paula & Mike Ziemski
Robert & Charlette Buescher Frances Wolfe-Bertling
Marge Cavanaugh Kay Stone
David Coleman C.L. & M.S. Vehorn
Jim & Susan Vogt John Eise
George & Margaret Lisjak Don & Pat Frericks
Michael Gillespie Anne M. Petratis
John & Mary Beaudoin Holden Gregory Pfeifer
Pati Krasensky Richard & Cecelia Rynazewski
Marianist Novitiate Community Christine A. Sitko
Desales Crossing Marianist Community Jacqueline Griswold
A. J. & Joan McGuinness Wagner Quebec MLC
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Support MLNNA
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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Energy Stewardship: From Pew to Planet
Saturday, January 31, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Marianist Family Room, Marianist Center, Mount St.John
Dayton OH
Join a dynamic faith-based community engaged in environmental initiatives to learn about energy ethics, confront the realities of our energy crisis, understand climate change impacts, explore congregational energy audits, discover resources for energy education and action. Registration fee: $40 for first member of congregation; $30 for second member; $25 for third and fourth members. Fee includes lunch and resources. Space is limited; register by January 16. Download flyer here.
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Marianist Volunteers
Yewo Chomene (Thank You Very Much)
 by Sarah Wdowiak, Karonga volunteer
When I decided to move to Karonga, Malawi, Africa during the summer of 2007, I had no idea what I was getting into. Who knew that I would find a home and an experience that would leave such a lasting impression on my heart?
For the past fifteen months, I have worked at Chaminade Secondary School in rural Malawi. I have had a variety of jobs here at Chaminade: from development officer to school accountant to teacher. I have also been a driver, a counselor to those who need someone to listen as well as a student to a completely new language, culture and country. While I have had a number of "jobs," I don't see any of these activities as actual work. Or, it's a kind of work that I absolutely love doing. I feel so totally and completely at home here in Malawi. So much so, in fact, that three months into my experience at Chaminade, I realized that one year would not be enough - two would be much more sufficient.
Thus, I decided to extend my time in Malawi and become a member of the first Marianist Volunteer Program community in Karonga. It was a difficult decision that meant spending another year away from home, but knowing that I could have another year in "The Warm Heart of Africa" was something I definitely wanted. I was so sure of my decision to stay and join MVP because of the incredible experience I have had thus far.
My "jobs" and responsibilities have allowed me to really experience this place in a way I never knew possible. As a development officer I learned a lot about Income Generating Activities (IGAs), which at Chaminade included learning a lot about the different kinds of chickens, goats and pigs--something a girl from Pittsburgh, PA knew nothing about before moving out into the bush. As an accountant, I have been able to find scholarships that assist our students who are unable to afford the $70 it costs to attend school for an entire 11 week term.
As a teacher, I am learning that my students here work harder and are more dedicated than any student I have ever met. These students know and understand that this is their shot at a real education, a way out of the village and they are not about to throw it away. As a driver, I have seen a boy suffering from cerebral malaria carried into the back of our school vehicle screaming as we quickly drive him to the nearest hospital because the pain is too much.
I have driven to collect water at a waterhole due to the fact that our running water has been off for more than four weeks. "Water is life," (a common phrase in Malawi) and we need water to cook, clean and just stay hydrated during the months where the temperature is, on average, 110 degrees. As a counselor, I have sat outside classrooms and listened to a student tell me that when his second parent finally died, he felt truly lost, and if not for his aunt or uncle he would not be here today. As a student, I am learning a new vernacular word or cultural tradition every day! It's truly the most exciting time I have ever experienced in my life!
This is the first part of an article by Sarah Wdowiak, written for the MVP November Newsletter. You can read the rest of Sarah's article here.
To learn more about the Marianist Volunteer Program or to download an application, visit www.marianist.com/mvp.
Applications to volunteer internationally with MVP beginning in 2009 are due January 19, 2009!
Submit yours now!
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You can help MLNNA generate $$ everytime you search the web. Click the link. Set Marianist Lay Network of North America as your charity. And everytime you search (powered by Yahoo - competitor for Google) our organization will receive 1 cent.
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. If you make airline reservations through Expedia these also qualify.
Spread the word about GoodSearch, it doesn't cost you anymore to help us earn a little money. GoodShop.com
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JOIN THE MLNNA LEADERSHIP TEAM 
In June we will hold an election for the positions of Director of Development of Communities and Executive Secretary. The positions are described as follows:
Executive Secretary:
* Officer of the Corporation
* Maintain important documents.
* Record and maintain minutes of meetings.
* Maintain the roster of membership.
Development of Communities:
* Serve on the Marianist Family Council of North America as an official MLNNA representative
* May represent MLNNA in place of the president
* Oversee and coordinate Area Development Representatives
If you are interested in either of these positions please contact aj@marianistfamily.org.
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 Mary: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Our vowed brothers and sisters conduct retreats every Summer to experience the love of God through the "flow of grace." This year they have generously offered to include interested Lay Marianists. The retreat theme is "Mary: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow."
It will be offered at 5 different locations on five different weeks with different presenters at each location. It will be geared to the vowed members of our Family and will cost $500. Each retreat will begin Sunday evening and conclude the following Saturday at noon.
If you are interested contact Donna Tucker at dtucker@sm-usa.org or 314.533.1207.
Here is the schedule with locations:
* Tecaboca at Ingram, Texas May 31 to June 6.
* Bergamo Center at Dayton, Ohio June 21 to June 27.
* Saint Anthony retreat Center at Honolulu, Hawaii July 12 to July 18.
* Marianist Retreat Center at Eureka, Missouri July 19 to July 25.
* Oblate Renewal Center at San Antonio, Texas July 26 to August 1.
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 Community Social Justice Resource
"How Do Marianists Do Social Justice?" is an easy to read five page article from MSJC that can help Marianist Family members go more deeply into our Marianist call to justice and peace.
Lay Marianist Kevin Fitzpatrick has created a discussion/reflection process (click here) that communities can use for a one evening gathering on the article.
Copies of the article can be ordered from the North America Center for Marianist Studies (NACMS) - 937-429-2521 or nacms@notes.udayton.edu - or visit their website at www.nacms.org.
MSJC has also developed a one-day retreat program based on the article. If your community or Marianist group would be interested in exploring such a retreat day, contact Jim Vogt, for more information.
jimvogt2@yahoo.com.
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Openings for Advent Family Retreat
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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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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Editor's Note
Submit an article for the next newsletter by February 8. Share your community or personnal experiences 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
At the turn of the year,
we look back and forward. It would be easy to focus on the troubles
and spend the transition hoping that they go away and don't come again.
But being trouble-less is not necessarily my best mode. I
think I am more God-aware, more God-attuned when I have to watch my
step. Calling God into my weakness seems to be one of the things I do
best.
I call God to be my Light rather than fumble with my own solutions.
Let's cross trustingly and faith-filled into the New Year to find God over and over as 2009 takes shape within and around us.
Thanks for reading to the end.
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Here's a waste of time for yourenjoyment :>
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