Marist Young Adult Program
February 2009
Latest News
YA EVANGELIZATION COMMUNITY
BOOK CHAT
"RETREAT WITHIN A RETREAT"
   
    FEATURED    
WEB SITE

danny car

"American Catholic" provides numerous online helps for the busy Catholic. Those accessing the web site are invited to read and respond to articles reflecting upon the scriptures. Scripture articles are also followed by questions that can be used for personal reflection. "Minute Meditations" are available to encourage "a quiet spot in your busy day," and visitors can listen to or read about the "Saint of the Day." Biographies of other saints are also available as are e-cards, information to enrich your understanding of the Catholic faith and a section where you can share prayer intentions. Visitors to the web site can also register for a free Catholic e-newsletter.  Special Lenten features include access to "Lent, A Call to Conversion" and an audio series entitled "Lenten Lessons in Mercy."
"American Catholic" is one of the many spirituality web sites listed as  a prayer resource at www.MaristYoungAdult.com.
 

 
NEWS FROM THE YA EVANGELIZATION COMMUNITY
 IN ESOPUS  
                           Roland Presenting

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The snowy, cold weather continues in Esopus, but the Young Adult Evangelization Community has been keeping busy  by working retreats, and creating databases and promotional materials to advertise the Marist Brothers Retreat House and the programs offered by the YAEC.  Retreat highlights have included the February "Marist Youth Encounter Christ" program and a Sophomore/Junior retreat for Marist HS in Bayonne, NJ.
 
Johnny MHS
 
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Graduated from college in December?  Looking for a meaningful experience?  Want to have the volunteer opportunity of a lifetime? Click on the icon above or visit
www.MaristYoungAdult.com for more information.  
danny car
 
ONLINE SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
 
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system.  Approximately 400,000 Americans suffer from MS.  Throughout the month of March, Marist Young Adults throughout the country will be participating in WalkMS events.  If you are not able to participate but would like to make a donation to the MS Crusaders, a walk team led by Jackie Fortich, clear on the icon above. 
 Amen

MIAMI REGIONAL EVENTS

   
On February 15th, Marist Young Adults in Miami gathered for a poker tournament to raise money for the Marist Brothers Mission Ad Gentes Project.  A total of $220 was raised to support the cause.
Poker Tourny
 
Marist Young Adults  in South Florida also participated in an Autism on February 22nd. 
 
If you are interested in learning more about activities in South Florida, please contact Jackie Fortich at chicabombom07@aol.com.
 
 
faces
 
www.maristbr.com
 
Dear Young Adults,           matt jan 09
 
It is hard to be believe that it is almost the end of February and the beginning of Lent is upon us.  As you read the February issue of the Marist Young Adult newsletter you will find  a number of activities that can help you to grow during the upcoming Lenten season. 
 
Additional information about upcoming events can be found on the web site, www.MaristYoungAdult.com .  If you have an idea for an event or project please contact me at fallon85@gmail.com.
 
As Always,
 
Matt Fallon
Marist Young Adult Advisory Committee,
Chair
UPCOMING EVENTS
Save the Date - "Pack Esopus" - National Marist Young Adult gathering - May 25-28, 2009
 
Alternative "Alternative Spring Break" - Spend your spring break in service to the Marist Brothers Retreat House in Esopus while living with  the Young Adult Evangelization Community
 
Ash Wednesday - "Giving Up, Giving Back" - a chat to get off to a good start for Lent - February 25, 2009 - 9:00 pm ET
 
WalkMS - Miami - March 1
 
March to Good Health - March 1-31 - Sign Up on facebook to receive a daily nutrition tip to celebrate "National Nutrition Month" and to live healthier this Lent
 
Movie Chat - "Gran Torino" Wednesday - March 11, 2009 - 9:00 PM ET
 
"Classic Rock Concert" Fundraiser for Esopus Camps at St. Joseph Regional HS - Montvale, NJ - Friday, March 13th , 7:30 PM - Cost $10.  For more information on obtaining tickets visit www.saintjosephregional.org  and go to the Bulletin Board.
Virtual WalkMS - Esopus, NY - Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 10 AM-12 PM
 
Book Chat - "A New Earth:  Awakening to Your Life's Purpose"  - Wednesday - March 18, 2009 - 9:00 PM ET
 
Lenten Online "Retreat on the Run" - March 29-April 1
 
Coming Soon - a newly revised Marist Brothers web site.  Look for a facebook message inviting you to visit www.maristbr.com.

Coming in March - Beyond Macaroni and Cheese -  A cookbook to celebrate National Nutrition Month.

Look for details and sign up information for all events at the Marist Young Adult group page on facebook. 
 
All discussions take place  in the chat room at
www.MaristYoungAdult.com.  
 

 

THE FIVE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN HEAVEN  BOOK CHAT

The Five PeopleOn January 28th, Marist Young Adults throughout the country participated in an online chat about Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Participants shared their images of heaven, chatted about the significant lessons learned from the book and speculated on the five people that they might meet in heaven.                         

YA "RETREAT WITHIN A RETREAT" 

 danny car
Young Adult leaders at the February Encounter in Esopus, NY participated in a "Retreat within a  Retreat."  Through music videos and scripture passages, participants reflected on their "encounters" with Jesus and processed their experience as small group leaders.
 
 
 
 
MEET
YA ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER - MARIA JULIA GUTIERREZ
                               
 
JuliaFreshman- Princeton University
 
Graduate of
St. Joseph Academy -Brownsville, TX 

 
How did you get involved with Marist?
I started going to the Marist Youth meetings at my high school during my freshman year but I didn't really get involved in Marist Youth until my sophomore year. That summer I got chosen to go to Esopus to the Marist Youth Leadership Conference and I have been a Marist Youth Leader since then.


Why are you still involved with Marist?
Being part of the Marist community has shaped my faith and who I am today. In high school I really enjoyed being able to organize service events and to be able to help other students grow in their relationship with God during retreats.  As a result of these experiences, my faith grew as well. It is great to know that you are part of a community that shares your beliefs and values such as solidarity, community service, and spirituality. 


How do you live out your Marist identity now?
I am part of the Marist Young Adult group. Although we are all physically separated, I live out my Marist identity by continuing to live by the morals and values that make up what Marists are:  prayer, service, communion with God, and being helpful in small ways. 
 
Do you have a Marist story to share?
I don't have a particular Marist story, but I do have a lot of Marist moments, moments where either at a retreat, liturgy, Marist Youth meeting, etc. I was able to see God working through those around me. Those moments will stay with me forever. 
 
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 Making Jesus Known 
and Loved
 
www.MaristYoungAdult.com