This month's focus for Gifts & Tasks is Ireland with 10 lay Marianists. Susan Buckley is the National Representative and "meets" with other lay Marianist around the world through the internet. Following is a note of recent events she sends to all of you.

"On December 3, my friend Jennifer and I, joined the Marianist Community at St Columba's for our annual Cookie Night. This is a 'family' tradition which spans nearly 20 years. For our cookies we use the recipe handed down by Ma Rech (Bro. Fred's mom). It's an evening of hard work and lots of fun. We cut out, bake, and decorate the cookies. We get to eat the cookies after Mass on Christmas Eve.

I was delighted to spend some time with two visitors to the community. The first visitor was Brian Reavey. Who was on a working trip to Ireland, visiting the LIFE group at St Laurence College (the only Marianist School in Ireland). I originally met Brian through my online Lay Marianist Community - Our Lady of the Round Table - many years ago. We were blessed with a glorious day of bright winter sunshine showing the countryside at it's best. We visited the Monastic site at Glendalough, a magical place.

The second visitor was Andrew Hill who was on a short visit to Ireland studying at the School of Ecumenics, Trinity College, Dublin. Andrew is a distance learner. He travels to Ireland a couple of times a year. It was a joy to catch up and to share our Marianist experiences.

For me, the Marianist World has become a smaller place as nearly every day I am in contact with 8 women from 4 continents through Our Lady of the Round Table cyber community. The daily e-mails are such a blessing in my life. I am thankful for being a member of the Marianist Family.Wishing you the joys of Christmas."