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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MAP of Marianist Lay Community locations
here is the link
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President of International Lay Marianist Communities
Here's the link to Isabella
Moyer's blog
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If you ENTER a business' website through the GOOD SHOP link - a percentage of each sale goes to our organization. There's no extra cost to you. More than 1,300 top stores participate.
Remember MLNNA when you do your on-line shopping!!
MLNNA has earned $135.95 during 2010 because of your efforts.
Each web search done can bring MLNNA a penny
http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/
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The Lay Marianist Daily Reflection
Our new Facebook page, Lay Marianist, has attracted some followers. Everyday there is a one or two sentence reflection posted on Lay Marianist but if you are not a Facebook fan, you can join our daily reflections by e-mailing aj@marianistfamily.org
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Quicklinks
E-News (this document) and Saying Yes Archive
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"u @ 50"
A palindrome reads the same backwards as forward. This video reads the exact opposite backwards as forward. Not only does it read the opposite, the meaning is the exact opposite..
This is only a 1 minute, 44 second video and it is brilliant. Make sure you read as well as listen...forward and backward.
This is a video that was submitted in a contest by a 20-year old. The contest was titled "u @ 50" by AARP. This video won second place. When they showed it, everyone in the room was awe-struck and broke into spontaneous applause. So simple and yet so brilliant.
Take a minute and
watch it.
Click here > Lost Generation
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THANK-YOU
to those who contributed to MLNNA in November
- Andrew & Jama Badinghaus
- Anonymous
- Mike Bennett
- Rosa Bobek
- John Burke
- Marge Cavanaugh
- LeeAnn Chomanics
- Matt Dunn
- Cathy Emmers
- Sam & Becky Firman
- Michael Gillespie
- Robert Holzwarth
- Virginia Hughes
- Llewellyn Kalal
- Carole King
- Pati Krasensky
- Kathleen McDaid
- Jodi Mott
- Isabella Moyer
- Lena Mullahy
- Bud & Jean Nickelman
- Jim Pera
- Brian Reavey
- Marceta Reilly
- Mary Pat Reuther
- Marnie Rockwell
- Richard & Cecelia Rynazewski
- Marilyn Schwieterman
- Jean Stabalito
- Susan & Jim Vogt
- Linda Zappacosta
Community Contributions
DeSales Crossings Marianist Community (OH)Holy Family of Mary Marianist Group (PA)
Marianist State Community (Various States)Nazareth Community (OH)
Pueblo Marinianist Affiliates (CO) 
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A Christmas Gift for You
Joan and I wish you a Holy Christmas filled with the joy of the  angels, the wonder of the shepherds, the awe of the magi, the curiosity of the animals and the gifts of the Magi.
This link will take you to our gift for you.
peace and love,
aj
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*** Meet the Candidates ***
We'd like to introduce you to the nominees for our future leadership team. Thanks to all for your acceptance of the nominations, your willingness to serve and your dedication to the Marianist Family.
We hope to offer a national conference call during Jan & Feb (prior to elections) for you to get to know the candidates better - if you have specific questions you'd like us to ask - please email Pati Krasensky or Marge Cavanaugh
In the meantime, we've asked the candidates to respond to three questions in a total of 250 words: see their responses below.- What is your current involvement in or connection to the Marianist Family?
- What experience in the Marianist Family has been the most meaningful to you?
- What experiences have you had that would be helpful in carrying out the responsibilities of this position?
Job Description for President:
- Officer of the Corporation
- Facilitate Leadership Team meetings & conference calls
- Set Agenda for all meetings & conference calls
- Represent MLNNA to other branches of the Marianist Family as requested
- Serve the Marianist Family Council of North America as official MLNNA representative
- Write a biannual report to be sent with brochure for fund raising
- Make state of the MLNNA report at each Continental Assembly
Job Description for Communications: - Responsible for information for E News
- Leadership Team meetings highlights
- Community news from area representatives
- Marianist Family Council of North America information and area Councils
- News as appropriate from other branches of the Family
- Promote MLNNA
- Maintain MLNNA web page
- Work with the Chair of the Continental Assembly to advertise Assembly
Candidate for President of MLNNA
 | | Tina Bauman: Baltimore, Maryland |
I am a Lay Marianist Associate, Affiliate, faith-sharing group member, and volunteer. I pray daily with the Marianists, the 3 o'clock prayer, as I am able, and am blessed to have a Marianist priest as my Spiritual Director. I believe strongly in Mary's message to "go and do whatever He tells you."
The experience most meaningful was also the most difficult: chairing the Board of Directors at the CFL Center, Topsail, NC. The pain, patience, frustration, endurance and growth I experienced, with a multitude of other people, taught me more about the meaning of living out, not only the Marianist charism, but also my own faith beliefs and how I walked the talk in my personal spiritual journey. It was a blessing endured by many.
(These experiences reflect the collaboration that is possible and productive when lay and religious join hands.) - 1985 - Attended the first, of many, Family Retreats with my family.
- Became a Marianist Associate.
- Host family at Cape May Retreat House. Since then our entire family has staffed in multiple capacities at multiple locations.
- Helped begin Mary's Land CFL, Inc. Board President for 2 terms.
- Designed/coordinated many Marianist gatherings, retreats, parish programs, including "Second Stage Family Retreat", in order to deepen the Marianist Charism within families.
- Board of Directors - Marianist Family Ministry, Inc. - CFL Retreat Center in Topsail, NC. Served as Co-Chair and then as Chair of the Board.
- Participant -Marianist Lay Formation Initiative. Began, with others, the "Hearts on Fire" faith sharing group which meets weekly.
- Became a Marianist Affiliate in 2009.
Candidate for President of MLNNA
 | | Marceta Reilly: Hoyt, Kansas |
I was introduced to the Marianist family when my brother, David Fleming, joined the Society of Mary. I was only 7, but from then on, the Marianist "family spirit" has been a vital part of my life!
Currently I am a member of Our Lady of the Round Table MLC, with members on four continents, who meet online five days a week to share spiritual conversations through lectio prayer. I also started Harvest Women MLC which meets monthly over the phone to discuss books with spiritual themes, often by Marianist writers, and we host an annual women's retreat. Finally, I am an assistant leader in the Central Region and have facilitated conference calls among MLC contacts to grow the connections and collaboration across our MLCs.
Most meaningful experience -In 2009 I did a mission to India. My brother arranged for two colleagues and me to work with the Ragpickers Education and Development Scheme (REDS) program there. We taught communication classes to SM students, MLC groups, & workers in the REDS projects in Ranchi and Bangalore. We visited the poorest of the poor in the slums and saw "up close and personal" the intensity and impact of the REDS program. It truly brings Christ to a harsh and sometimes violent world.
My background is education and I have a "teacher's heart." Currently I work as a leadership coach and consultant in leadership development. I am comfortable with "virtual" communication (phone and computer). I want to help MLNNA mentor MLC leaders as we build our "community of communities."
Candidate for President of MLNNA
 | | Rudy Reyes, Jr.: South Bend, Indiana |
Living and working at a Holy Cross institution, I'm often asked about my Marianist identity. My first encounter with the Marianist Family was as a student at St. Mary's University, where I enrolled sight-unseen. We didn't get along at first; the Marianists challenged me and I them. As time went on, the Marianist-thing took hold of me and I fell deeply in love. I served in various leadership roles on campus, eventually as campus liturgist.
Lay Marianist communities provided me with opportunities to grow in both mind (formation initiatives) and heart (retreats). A persistent invitation to serve as music minister for the Marianist LIFE program in 1999 led to my accepting an appointment as regional director of that same program a few years later (well, it was actually the Chinese food ... ask Bro. Jack Ventura). Apart from being the most rewarding experience of my Marianist ministry thus far, Marianist LIFE was also my most formative experience: Witnessing the power of gospel communities - their power to form, transform, and inspire - well, it has an effect on you. As Marianists, our living out of this vocation - to be a people of faith gathered in intentional community in the spirit of the Gospel and under the auspices of Mary - is our great gift to the Church.
I currently serve as a development officer at the University of Notre Dame. I often describe myself as a recovering executive (sales, customer experience, and mission integration), having served on the executive team of Better World Books. These days I limit my business activities to judging and mentoring in the annual business plan competition. I hold graduate degrees in sacramental and medieval theology from Notre Dame and maintain research interests in medieval and modern ecclesiology (our identity as a community called Church).
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Candidate for Communications of MLNNA
 | | Matt Dunn, Dayton OH |
My current involvement in the Marianist Family includes being a member of the Micah community, a choir member for special Marianist events and funerals, a member of the lgbt team of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, and most recently I've accepted responsibility for updating the MLNNA website.
Three meaningful Marianist experiences for me include embracing a spiritual life that celebrates an incarnational theology and our place in bringing Christ to the world; the Continental Assembly that was a testament to sharing our mission with others across the country and around the world; and my involvement with the MSJC, giving witness to God's love for people in the margins of the society and the church.
Experiences that have prepared me for this position include being the Pastoral Associate (responsible for stewardship and communications) in a local parish, the membership chair for another non-profit organization, web designer for a couple organizations, and local blogger. From mass mailings to electronic communication, from planning conferences/conventions to press conferences and special events I have played an active role in communicating with various constituencies by writing newsletters, website content, news releases and interacting with the media. Over the last 20 years I have served on several non-profit boards and have worked for several non-profit and faith-based organizations. All required fundraising and fulfilling their missions innovatively with limited resources.
Finally, my life has been profoundly shaped by the Marianist charism through the University of Dayton, my community, and my time in formation with the SM's.
Candidate for Communications of MLNNA
 | | Jeannie Pinpin, Waipahu Hawaii |
Committed Lay Marianist and MLC member, Marianist Lay Formation Initiative participant, assisted with family retreat programs, co-chair for the Continental Assembly 2010, active alum at Chaminade University of Honolulu.
Attending a Marianist University was one of the best things that happened to me, especially for my spiritual life and confidence in my values and talents. In meeting the Marianist family - Brothers, Sisters, Priests, Lay Marianists, faculty, staff and students who are inspired by the Marianists - I have been encouraged to enjoy my spirituality and celebrate the talents the Lord has given me. My passion for volunteering, dancing the hula, sharing the cultures of my ethnic background, or interest in graphic designing all have been encouraged. The Marianists embrace diversity, individual talents, and has this wonderful way of unifying all for a greater personal and spiritual experience.
Father Chaminade says to "go with the signs of times." The Marianist taught me to value the wisdom and teachings of yester-year because they are the foundation to what we know today. At the same time, we must ask the question "how do we communicate so that the people of today (no matter what age) can continue to relate to the messages and lessons given to us; to be effective; to inspire them?"
I am currently Communications Coordinator for the University of Hawaii Foundation and am continuously gaining a working knowledge of designing programs and communicating through social networking sites. I am active in writing stories, event planning, and graphic designing, as well as web page management.
The opportunity to volunteer in a leadership role in the area of communications will be something I would truly embrace whole-heartedly.
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 Challenge to YOU from Central Area
Fr. Al McMenamy and the MLC contacts from the Central States region have been meeting by teleconference calls to get to know each other and share the stories of our MLCs. We have learned that we are very diverse in our communities. Some of our MLCs are tightly connected with SM schools.
Others were formed when SM high schools existed in their area but those schools are long closed. Some were formed by family members of SMs without any other Marianist presence in their area. Fr. Al is the "SM presence" who brings sustenance to many of the MLCs, especially the isolated ones. He travels tirelessly among the communities, celebrating Mass, giving retreats, and mentoring our lay leaders. We all agree that the Marianist "family spirit" is very special and that we feel called to grow our communities. Yet we love our MLCs just the way they are. The communities nourish us spiritually and we feel great welcome and comfort within them. The thought of growing-inviting others to join our communities-takes us out of our comfort zone. Our excuses are many, but the need remains - to increase our family in the spirit of Blessed Chaminade by inviting others to share in Mary's mission of making Christ present in our world.
So during our most recent call, Ken Pfohl from Milwaukee issued the challenge: Let us each commit to "Come & See" action in our MLC. That means personally inviting other individuals to our upcoming MLC gatherings-not just to come once, but to also consider the possibility of joining & participating in our communities on a regular basis. And our regional leaders, Mary Ann & Bob Valentine pushed us even further.
We, in the Central States, are issuing a CHALLENGE to all MLCs across the Marianist Lay Network of North America. Commit with us to "Come & See" action. If we truly believe in the Marianist spirit, we must grow our communities beyond our wildest dreams!
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Calling All Marianists!
Have you always wanted to start a Marianist Lay Community but didn't know where to start?
Do you know anyone who may be interested in deepening their commitment to Marianist life through forming a Marianist Lay Community?
Are you currently in a community that could use a little boost? Need a way to re-energize your community?
We are currently in the planning stages for the next gathering of the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative the weekend of April 1-3 2011.
Call me at 215-634-4116, for more information,
Or visit our website at www.marianist.com/mlfi.
I'd love to talk with you!
Pati Krasensky-Director
pkrasensky@sm-usa.org
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Thank-you to those who have responded to our annual appeal for MLNNA SUPPORT
Your contributions support projects: * to assist lay community development (MLFI), * social justice through Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC) * our administrative office support which allowed us to print and distribute the new brochures on Characteristics of Lay Marianists. This infrastructure also allowed us to quickly collect and distribute funds to our brothers and sisters in Haiti following the earthquake.Please continue your inspirational, community and missionary work and give generously to support MLNNA. A gift of $10.00 a month or a one time gift suitable to your income will help us do more to support our Marianist ministry projects. Thank you. Merci. Gracias. Mahalo. You are truly an inspiration as you continue to bring Christ into the world. Link to JUST GIVE or
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
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Mark your Calendar - MARCH 25-27, 2011
Marianist Women's Su mmit
What is the Marianist Women's Summit?
Lay & Religious Women gathering to...
Honor Chaminade's collaboration with Adele
and Marie Therese.
Celebrate with us some key moments of Mary's
life, how her example inspired William Joseph Chaminade and how that inspiration created unique partnerships in the early history of our Marianist Family.
When: March 25-27, 2011
Where: San Antonio, TX
Contact: The Marianist Center (Philadelphia) at :
215- 634-4116 or mwyman@sm-usa.org
The summit is jointly sponsored by the Marianist Sisters and the
Marianist Center, Philadelphia
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Editor's Reflection
By Jacqui Griswold
I want to say thank-you to everyone who supports the Marianist Lay ministries with dollars but also all of you who everyday live the Marianist charisms and show Mary's way with your works. May you continue to lift up needs in prayer and live a life of gratitude for the many blessings received.
The Lay Formation Initiative highlighted in article above is one of the joint ministries the lay branch support in collaboration with the SM and FMI. See the fruit of your $$'s.
The Family Council just met last weekend, I'll include a report on the news from that gathering next month. 
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This is YOUR news. What's happening with your community? The purpose of this communication is to share happening that may inspire other lay Marianists.
Send me a summary of what you are doing. Keep your text short and describe who, what, why, when and how. Deadline for the next E-news is January 7. 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. |
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