 GIFTS & TASKS
"DONS et DEVOIRS"
Helping each other live the Gospel at home & around the world
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International. Organization of Marianist Lay Communities (IO-MLC)
Region of North America, Asia, Australia, and Ireland
NOVEMBER 2010
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Greetings!,
I've returned from the two annual international meetings we have each year in Rome - The International Leadership Team of MLCs and the World Council of the Marianist Family. Here's the skinny on what we did.
We prayed - We spent the first day on a pilgrimage to Assisi.
We worked - My ears got sore from the constant use of the earphones for translating.
 We played - mostly by eating and lots of walking. It was the Marianist version of the "Eat, Pray, Love" book. Lest you worry, the love part was our love for all of you and our God which motivates us to meet for days.
So here's what you should know about our efforts on your behalf. We worked on the priorities of: Formation - We continue to seek ways to deepen the spirituality of lay Marianists and to educate the communities in the Marianist charism.
Social Justice - We continue to seek ways to inform lay Marianists about social justice causes and how to take action for the poor and oppressed.The challenge is to do both of these priorities with little money. Our strategy is to use the internet for most of our outreach. It was our conclusion that many formation and social justice resources already exist. What we need is to be better at connecting people with the many fine resources that exist through places like the MLFI, NACMS, MSJC, and their equivalent organizations throughout the Marianist world. Read the IO-MLC report or, for those who prefer photos of Rome and people, click here. Calendars: The beautifully illustrated 2011 calendars commemorating the 250th Anniversary of Chaminade's birth are ready. Each MLC will get one plus anyone who makes a donation to MLNNA.
United across the miles & kilometers
Susan Vogt
Regional Rep: N. America, Asia, Australia, & Ireland
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FOCUS ON THE PHILIPPINES
 | Noemi Ardon-Manila MLC
Johneleen Lardera-Davao MLC
and Philippine Responsible
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Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat at ang
pagbati ay mula po sa amin dito sa Pilipinas Good day to all. Greetings from the Philippines.
The Marianist Lay Philippines have two communities; Manila and Davao City. MLC-Manila has 30 members since Sr. Fumiko Yamada, a Marianist sister from Japan, formed the group in 2001. Most are working mothers plus a consecrated Lay Marianist. One Saturday a month they have a meeting which includes Marianist formation. Their mission was serving their neighbours like the abandoned elderly, taking care of members who are sick; praying the rosary, and teaching religious education for the children. MLC-Davao was created six years ago by Fr. Pablo Rambaud, SM and has recently had a transition of membership. We now meet twice a month and have a quarterly retreat. Since last April we have also started a feeding program once a month. We are only few but we aim for quality of faith development and doing the mission together. Both communities are looking for ways to help each other across the miles since we are two hours away by plane. It was a great experienced for Marianist lay here last October 16, 2010, because the four Marianist Lay members of Davao community, together with Fr. Pablo, SM went to Manila for the Marianist World Day of Prayer. Even though Davao had already celebrated it on October 10, we still wanted to commemorate with our MLC-Manila. We prayed together and shared about the gospel. It was a good chance for both communities to hear from each other about the activities, mission, plans, and a future project that by faith and prayer we can do together.
 | | Combined Manila & Davao MLC Communities |
On behalf of the Marianist Lay Philippines we are grateful to the SM here most especially to Fr. Pablo Rambaud, for his kindness & support, to Sr. Fumiko Yamada, FMI who once a year visits all of us here, and also to the Marianist family around the world. As we continue in our journey together as we "Do whatever He tells you", may our Lord Jesus Christ and Mother Mary bless our entire endeavor, Johneleen
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AROUND THE REGION
Winter Warm-up Green Tips brought to you by the Mt. St. John Green TeamShorter days and crimson leaves are trumpeting the change of seasons in the northern hemisphere. Here are some tips to help save energy as we turn off the air conditioners and think about turning up the thermostats. - Filters: Change or clean filters from air conditioners, heater, dryer vents, stove hood, and room fans monthly, or as needed.
- Roof: Check roof, vents, skylights, chimneys for leaks. Repair as needed.
- Windows and doors: Get out that caulking gun and reseal windows and doorframes as needed.
- Faucets: Check faucets in bathrooms and the kitchen and replace washers as needed. Make sure there is no water in your outside hose and remove from outdoor faucets to prevent freezing.
- Hot water heater: Drain water and remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
For more tips on preparing your home for the change of seasons go to Planet Green. Check out the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change to be part of the solution.
An Advent Surprise You've heard of random acts of kindness, but what about Random Acts of Culture. As we fret and complain about the state of our world and our church, perhaps it will lighten your soul to watch this video of a planned spontaneous event at Macy's in Philadelphia. Strange and beautiful things can happen when people work together. Watch the bystanders. Is there anything amazingly audacious that your community could do to bring joy to your city this Advent?
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AROUND THE WORLD
Feasts: December 8 - Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
 In celebrating this feast, we single out Mary among all women for her pivotal role in our story. It is the patronal feast of the Sodality as well as the foundation day of the Bordeaux Sodality and the Marianist Family. We remember all Marianists in prayer this day, especially at the Eucharist. See Fr. Bill Meyer's reflections and other December feasts. Friday Magnificat - Saint-Marie d'Antony School
At the Institution Sainte-Marie d'Antony (Paris, France), education for peace and justice is an important factor. For example, 90 youths aged 12 to 20 years are members of an Association called "Youth for Peace." 
Let Us Pray:Virtual Prayer - a creative way to connect and pray with those who are not physically in your presence. Our Lady of the Round Table virtual community has recently started a prayer blog flowing from their daily lectio divina on the internet. Each day they offer us a prayerful fruit of their sharing at Prayers from the Round Table. You might want to also check out the exciting worldwide connections made with Fr. Joseph Healey about Small Christian Communities.
 For Christiane Barbaux (General Directress of the Alliance Mariale) and her family upon the death of her brother Jacky. For a de-escalation of the tensions between North and South Korea so that all may live next to each other in peace.
- For those who have little to be thankful for, that they may recognize the blessings hiding under their noses.
Via Latina - Online
The following articles are found in the November #196 issue of Via Latina 22, the newsletter for the General Administration of the Society of Mary. - World Day of Prayer in Haiti
- Korea celebrates 50 Years of Marianist Presence
- General Council Visits Japan
- Mount St. John's in Dayton Celebrates 100 Years
- 10-Year Celebration Held at St. Henri, Quebec
- Marianists and Marists Participate in Joint Renewal Program
- Ministry With Young People at Via Latina
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