Marianist Lay Network of North America
Building a Community of Communities

Part of the Marianist Family    Marianist Lay Network of North America    FEBRUARY 2010

Quicklinks
MLNNA Website
The 2010 Continental Assembly Registration Form is available

E-News (this document) and Saying Yes Archive


Start Your Day with a Daily Gospel Meditation from
Father Bert Buby SM
Bible
   
 
 
Link to the blog for  his S
cripture Reflections. 
http://scripme
d.blogspot.com



International President of Lay Marianists Communities
  Isabella Moyers  blog



 GREEN TIPS recycle around globe
Green Tips from Mt. St. John Green Team

Reuse and repurpose items instead of throwing them away

Reusing sits above recycling in the hierarchy of the three Rs - reduce, reuse, and recycle - because it doesn't require any extra energy for reprocessing and because it cuts down on the need to buy new. The aim is to use items for as long as possible, for as many different uses as possible, or by as many people as possible, before they have to be recycled or disposed of.


Prayers for healing of
Sherry McKenney
Dick DiLorenzo
Steve Albanese
Jacqui Griswold

 

and
We pray for the family of 17 year old Everett Dunlap who passed away the end of January after a long battle with brain cancer.  The funeral services beautifully reflected the life of a joyous and compassionate young man.
ONLINE SHOPPINGgood search
Every time you shop online at your favorite stores you could be saving money and earning a donation for MLNNA.

Each time you search the web, about a penny is donated to us!
Here's a link to the new toolbar for more information
http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/

If you ENTER a business' website through the GOOD SHOP link - a percentage of each sale to our organization. There's no extra cost to you.More than 1,300 top stores including Avon, Amazon, Ebay, Best Buy, Gap, & Staples.

Check out this 9 minute YouTube video about Blessed William Joseph Chaminade


"YOU DONE GOOD"

Within 18 hours of the earthquake in Haiti MLNNA members began t
Wesley from Haitio respond to the plight of our sisters and brothers. More than $13,500 dollars from 120 donors showed the true value of a Marianist Network. Below is a letter from Isabella Moyer, President of the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities acknowledging your effort.

peace and love,

aj                                                                                  Wesley Etienne
Lay Marianist from Haiti
who survived the earthquake
================================

February 3, 2010
To AJ Wagner (President) and the Marianist Lay Network of North America

Dear AJ, and all our sisters and brothers of the MLNNA,
I am writing on behalf of the International Organization of MLC. Thank you so much for your generosity in opening your Network of Good account to accept online donations for our communities in Haiti after the devastating earthquakes of January 22, 2010. The generous financial outpouring reflected our Marianist spirit at its finest. The funds will greatly aid in the necessary re-building.

I am also writing to you on a personal level. I have been involved in the work of the MLNNA for many years. During those years, much of our work consisted of convincing our members of the value of a networking organization. And, the even harder work of encouraging members to support us financially. "What does the MLNNA actually do?" was a question that haunted us each time we solicited donations.

Meanwhile, many tireless souls continued to work diligently to build and update directories of our lay Marianists and Marianist Lay Communities in Canada and the USA. Our Communications Directors crafted and published regular e-newsletters to form and strengthen our family connections across the continent and around the world. When our newly founded MLC's in Haiti were struggling with organizational and leadership issues, the MLNNA stepped in to help. Because of Haiti's geographical proximity, and its intimate ties to our Marianist Family in Québec, we invited them to become members of the MLNNA.  
 
The recent tragedy in Haiti has shown the importance of forming and maintaining this network. As Marianists, we speak of building a "community of communities". The days following the earthquake, communications were flying back and forth across the globe as we desperately waited for news of our Marianist family. This could not have happened without a solid communication network in place. International connections worked with continental connections to share the latest news. The MLNNA online donation site was opened up within a matter of hours, thanks to AJ Wagner and Susan Vogt. Directions for online donations were translated into French and Spanish to allow for international donors. The links were quickly posted on web-sites and shared in email distribution lists.

The MLNNA is an important and much valued member of our International Organization of MLC. Please know of our deepest gratitude, and be assured of our prayers. May you move forward into the future embracing both your continental and international reality.....truly a community of communities!

United in prayerful hope, in mission with Mary,
Affectionately,

Isabella R. Moyer MLC
PRESIDENT
International Team
Marianist Lay Communities


CONGRATULATIONS
Wedding Congratulations to Lori Hanna and Alex McIlvaine on their wedding that took place on December 19, 2009 with the Summons Community well represented!

 
A Report on the Branches Community Retreat by Chris Neiport
 
Martin Luther King weekend we had a good little retreat and renewed our vows together for the first time in a real long time.  One of the highlights of the retreat was the idea that everyone has a part to play in the community.  As such, we are all asking one another to complete a little task on behalf of the community.  

The retreat began as we Gathered Saturday morning and had opening prayer together.  We then reflected on what our commitment as lay Marianists has meant in our lives these past years, and what we see that commitment leading us to in the coming year.  Then it was time for some scrumptious lunch and check-ins, followed by the renewal of our words of commitment.  We then drove over to Bergamo to be with other Marianists for the close of a vocation summit, which included mass with a mess of brothers, sisters, and laypeople.  We then split up in little groups to have dinner with and rub shoulders with others in this great family of ours.  When it was time to leave, we went back to the Wagners and discussed business, until it was time to drink beer and wine and eat tizzles.  Oh, and of course closing prayer brought the retreat to an official end.



JD
Founder's Day in Hawaii and
Two Community Commitment Ceremonies

Commitment_Ceremony_Maui_2010
Maui's ceremoney (left) was the first ever for the island.  The Honolulu ceremony (below) was equally well attended. 

These are just some of the people waiting to greet you to the July 2010 Continental Assembly.Commitment_Ceremony_Honolulu_2010

ARE YOU THINKING OF SUNSHINE?
by Jacqui Griswold

Save the Date Hawaii 2010  The Continental Assembly is a time for all the lay Marianists to come together, share ideas and return to your communities energized.  There is a vibrant group of lay Marianists in Hawaii working hard to prepare a warm welcome and provide a wonderful experience for us. I hope to meet many of you in person. 
  On-line registration is available now for the July 22-25th meeting in Honolulu.

Kay Stone provides this summary of what is being planned.

Our Assembly, has the Hawaiian language theme of 'Ke Aloha, Ka Pono, Ka `Ohana".  Location: the campus of Chaminade University in Honolulu. 
It will begin on Thursday, July 22 with registration, welcome and a dinner.  We know folks coming from out of Hawaii will be tired and a bit jet lagged so Thursday is simply a day to get settled, have dinner together and get a good night's sleep. 
Friday July 23 will have the theme "Ke Aloha",  Very briefly, aloha stands for love and getting to know and respect one another.  We have several speakers and workshops planned and will end the day with a celebration honoring the 40th ananiversary of the L.I.F.E. program (Living In Faith Experience--the Marianist sponsored high school retreat program). 
Saturday July 24 will have the theme "Ka Pono".  The word "pono" stands for justice and fairness.  The day will feature several speakers and workshop including some facilitated by MSJC (Marianist Social Justice Collaborative).  In the evening we will have a luau dinner with lots of entertainment. 
Sunday will have the theme "Ka `Ohana".  The word "ohana" means family or community.  We will have several activities and end our formal assembly with a noon mass.  The assembly registration fee is $250 per person and includes three night's housing, all meals and conference expenses.


  Seamless Garment Dialogue

March 5-7, 2010     Baltimore Maryland

John_Langan_Program for MSJC

The Marianist Social Justice Collaborative is planning a "Seamless Garment Dialogue" weekend to promote dialogue among Catholics concerned with social justice, including those involved in issues such as abortion and euthanasia as well as those involvedin issues such as war, poverty and the death penalty. The goal is to lessen divisions and foster better understanding and collaboration.

Featured resource person will be Fr. John Langan SJ, the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Professor of Social Thought at Georgetown U. and an expert on Christian ethics.

Flyer click here                                                          

Dear MLNNA friends,
Haiti flag
 Agnès Dumas Bounkoungou has invited us to join in a global prayer initiative for Haiti in remembrance of the earthquake of January 12th. The initiative comes from the Taizé Community in France to pray on the 12th of each month for the next 12 months.
A prayer service is available on the Taizé web-site.

 
We have posted details on both our Blog and at www.clm-mlc.org on the home page for each language. 
 
We remain united, in prayerful hope, with all our sisters and brothers in Haiti.
 
affectionately,
 
Isabella
SUPPORT
You can support MLNNA either through the on-line secure link to Network for Good or via mail.  Your contributions support projects to assist lay community development (MLFI), social justice (MSJC) and our administrative office support.


Help GrowDonations to the Marianist Lay Network of North America can be sent electronically through  Network for Good

If you prefer to donate using the US Mail, please send checks made payable to MLNNA.  Mailing address is:
 
Marianist Lay Network of North America
1341 N Delaware Ave, # 406
Philadelphia, PA 19125

THANK-YOU to those who contributed to MLNNA in January

Pueblo Marianist Affiliates       
Anonymous                                 Llewellyn Kalal   
Barbara  Belle                            Sharon Kohl 
Fr. Ted Cassidy, SM                  George & Margy Lisjak           
Margaret Cavanaugh                  Isabella Moyer         
Nancy Davies                              Jack & Mary Pulick 
Deborah Durand                          Brian Reavey  
Katie Fitzgerald                           Mary Pat Sjostrom    
Tony & Beth Garascia                Bob & Betty Stern        
Michael Gillespie                        Barbara Van Haute 
Pat & Dan Huser                         Lisa Vega

Summer SM and FMI Retreat

The Society of Mary and Daughter of Mary Immaculate have once again invited Lay Marianists to join them in their Summer Retreats with the understanding that the retreats are focused toward vowed religious life. This year's Annual Retreats for the Marianist Province of the United States will offer timely topics in spirituality:


God's Voice in Creation: A Catholic Ecological Spirituality

Retreat Guide:Sister Linda Gibler, OP
July 4 - 10, 2010
Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning
Dayton, Ohio
Please note: the deadline to register for this retreat is Feb. 15 (instead of March 15)

Religious Spirituality and Religious Life in Today's Church
Retreat Guide:Father Kenan Osborne, OFM
July 11 - 17, 2010
Vallombrosa Center
Menlo Park, Calif.

Spirituality of Aging with Grace
Retreat Guide: Brother Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX
July 18 - 24, 2010
Marianist Retreat & Conference Center
Eureka, Missouri

Spirituality and Reconciliation
Retreat Guide: Brother Donald Bisson, FMS
July 26 - Aug. 1, 2010
Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center
North Palm Beach, Fla.

Each retreat will cost $500. The retreats begin on Sunday at 5:00 P.M. and end the following Saturday at noon. Deadline for registration is March 15 except for the Bergamo Center retreat with a February 15th deadline. If you have any questions, please direct them to Donna Tucker at [email protected] or 314.533.1207.


Rest in Peace

Anawim_Fr.MarkFr. Mark Schmieder, a long time member of the Anawim Community of greater Cincinnati, died of cancer on Dec. 24, 2009. Although Mark was a diocesan priest he had the Marianist spirit, presided regularly at our Anawim liturgies, and sometimes concelebrated Chaminade Day liturgies at St. Francis de Sales parish. Mark had a heart for the poor and oppressed. He was a prison chaplain  for most of his professional ministry and was president of the US Catholic Chaplain's Association until his death. He founded the Catholic Worker House in Cincinnati, was a member of Voice of the Faithful, and SNAP. He helped start Anawim Housing which provided subsidized housing for low income families of Northern Kentucky. Mostly Mark will be missed as a faithful community member.


.


Ash Wednesday is February 17th
Check out a NEW BLOG by Susan Vogt




I'd like to let people know about the blog I've just started 
(www.SusanVogt.net/blog) on

"Letting Go Of Stuff - For Lent or Forever."


My plan is to choose one thing a day from our home to give away during the 40 days of Lent. I've already entered some preliminary reflections on this plan so I now have 13 posts on "Getting Ready." I think this might be an interesting Lenten action that many Marianists would want to do, especially as it can relate to the Nairobi document, "Marianist
Lay Communities in the Church and in the World." It calls us all to simplify our lives. I invite people not only to read and comment on my blog but also to join me in letting go of one thing a day. I already know that Ash Wednesday will deal with shoes.
Saying, "Yes!" 

Hope was all we had when the earthquake hit. It was Hope that kept us glued to the T.V. looking for a sign that the numbers of dead were mistaken. It was Hope that kept us reading the news wishing that more people would be found alive. It was Hope that caused us to respond with what financial support we could muster.


But Hope changed when it was announced that the mission in Haiti had changed from rescue to recovery. A few more people were found alive, but Hope faded.

Then Hope revived.

As we put on the Virtues of Jesus Marianists live out the preferential option for those in need. We provide food, shelter, clothing and comfort to those who have none. Thus, our immediate response was to provide prayer, money and hope.

 

But the reAJ Wagneral Hope, the transformative Hope, the Hope we focused on as rescue changed to recovery, and the Hope for those who have died is the Hope of eternal salvation. 

Thank you for providing Hope by your "Yes!" to the call for donations for earthquake relief. Your "Yes!" has provided Hope for the survivors in Haiti. But your "Yes!" is echoed as a "Yes!" to the Hope of eternal salvation for those who have died and for those of us yet to claim our eternal reward.


peace and love,

aj


 
Editor's Note
Thank-you to everyone for your prayers.   Here is my short story, it was New Year's Eve day when I was entertaining my sister's kids with a day of crafts and cookie making.  They wanted to watch a movie and jump on my mini-trampoline in the basement.  I thought I'd fold clothes while they watched the movie. I was carrying a laundry basket of clean clothes down the steps when I fell.  It was a true blessing that they were there because I was not able to move to get to a phone.  They brought me a phone and I called my sister to come get the kids and an ambulance to come get me. 
2010 Jacqui Recovery
I broke (shattered) both bones in my lower right leg just above the ankle. My recovery from 2 surgeries is progressing.  I now have a plate supporting each broken bone (screwed into the bones in my leg) - yes these are permanent and so I will always get special treatment at the airport.  I am still not able to put any weight on my leg for another 2 weeks but I have been able to move back to my own home from my parent's home.  As you see in the picture this Roll-A-Bout, alternative to crutches, allows me to be independent.  I can put food in microwave and carry some items in a little basket in front.
 I am able to do my job (1/2 time) from home with my leg up. 

In just a blink of an eye, life changes.  I've had time for quiet reflection on values and priorities during these many weeks.[Lessons: Be careful wearing slippers on stairs and use the handrails :>]
Peace, Jacqui

NEXT MONTH'S E-NEWS
What's happening with your community?  Send me a summary of what you are doing that might be educational or inspirational for another community.

Submit an article about the news from your community. 
Keep copy short and describe who, what, why, when and how.  Deadline for the next E-news is  March 6 
 If possible provide a digital picture (
JPEG format 100 - 900K) with your news story.  Send to Jacqui Griswold, MLNNA editor

Thanks for reading to the end.