CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

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Alliance for Marianist Lay Formation team members, seated, Marge Cavanaugh, Pati Krasensky, Isabella Moyer and Carol Ramey; standing, Bro. Jack Ventura, Bro. Tom Giardino, Joan McGuinness Wagner and Brian Reavey. Photo courtesy of Carol Ramey

The Alliance for Marianist Lay Formation team met Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 in Dayton, Ohio. The group is composed of persons whose primary responsibility is Marianist Lay formation. This group provides a unique opportunity to engage in peer ministerial support.

Groups represented include MLNNA, the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities, Marianist LIFE, NACMS, the International Center for Marianist Formation and the Marianist Strategies Office at the University of Dayton. Items discussed at the meeting included the identity, structure and membership of the group and developing integrated processes for ongoing formation.

The Pontifical Council for the Laity is hosting an International Congress, "Woman and Man, the Humanum in its entirety" in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem. It will take place in Rome from February 7-9, 2008. Topics to be discussed include:

• Reflection on women since Mulieris Dignitatem: evaluation and prospects
• Jesus of Nazareth, Mary and women in the Gospel and in the early Church
• Christianity and the advancement of women
• Woman and man, created each for the other
• Problems and Contemporary cultural trends
• Women's responsibility and participation in building up the Church and the society
  

The International Organization of MLC received an invitation to send a delegate. The leadership team has asked me to represent the Marianist family at the congress. I am both excited and humbled at the prospect. Excited because it gives us, as Marianists, an opportunity to share our vision of inclusivity that values and empowers the gifts of all women and men. Yet, I'm also humbled by the challenge of representing the diverse experiences of our international and multi-cultural family.

I need your help! If you have any reflections, writings, or local/national experiences that you can share with me in preparation for the Congress, please email them to:

moyerfam@mts.net

And, of course, I hope that I can count on your prayerful support. May the Spirit that guided Mary to say 'yes' to the unexpected in her life, guide us all in the wisdom that we need.

Affectionately,

Isabella Moyer