Marist Young Adult Newsletter

Marist Young Adult Program

April 2013

Dear Marist Young Adults, Chair

As April drifts away and we inch ever closer to summer, let's get ready! I don't mean by losing a few pounds or trying on that new swimsuit, although I might work on that too! Let's get ready for the amazing opportunities that this summer will provide. I've heard that many have impressive internships awaiting them; others have plans to visit all kinds of destinations around the world! Still more of us will spend time this summer in some type of service, either on a trip or a local project. Summer can also provide an opportunity for us to reflect on the year and examine the priorities we have for the future. We can look back and see how God has been present in our lives and gaze forward to see where God might be calling us. Let's get ready for these opportunities!

I know that there may be a few hurtles to jump before we get there, especially final exams and projects for those in college. But as May approaches and you get ready for summer, look for chances to re-connect with your Marist family. We will be organizing opportunities to get together at barbecues and service projects, as well as times to pray and times to just enjoy some familiar faces.

Our Marist Young Adults will certainly be up to some good things this summer and I know that God has amazing things in store for you! Whatever you're planning, know that you are in our prayers for a successful end of the school year and a summer filled with wonderful opportunities.

Peace,

Matt Fallon

Chair, Marist Young Adult Advisory Committee

ONLINE

RESOURCE

Don't let the growth you experienced during Lent evaporate among the busyness of these days. The winter edition of the Boston College Magazine contains a link that might help you to keep your faith energized. The page, entitled "Vox Populi", shares a list of "faith websites worth visiting". Each suggested website or blog is accompanied by a brief description. Websites include bustedhalo.com and the author's own jesuitpost.org. Group blogs include Women in Theology (womenintheology.org), Daily Theology (dailytheology.wordpress.com), and Vox Nova (vox-nova.com), all of which share varying opinions. To view the link from the Boston College Magazine, click on the icon above or below this article.

Thanks to Br. John Dunning for sharing this resource.

BULLETIN BOARD

Opportunities for service are available in Esopus throughout the year. To volunteer or to explore opportunies, contact Br. Owen Ormsby at boofms@gmail.com.

Still haven't downloaded the YAP App. yet? Receive daily prayers and announcements while staying connected to the Marist Young Adult Program. Click below for more information.

Interested in learning more about the lifestyle of the Marist Brothers? Click on the icon below.

Upcoming Events

May 17-18 - Service Opportunity - Mount Sr. Retreat - Esopus, NY

May 24-27 - Marist Youth Leadership Conference

June 6-8 - MYAAC Summer Meeting

June 8 - Habitat Build Day - Lawrence, MA

Please visit Marist Young Adults on facebook for event details and local service opportunities.

Look for information about local events to welcome new members on the member page on facebook.

HERE AND THERE - REGIONAL EVENTS - ONLINE EVENTS - AND MORE

Marist Young Adults in Miami participated
in a Good Friday Day of Reflecton coordinated by Casey Garcia...The Marist Young Adult Program offered a Hiking Retreat in conjunction with Marist College...Mary Napolitano is now the face of welcome on the MYA website...New MYAAC members Taize April 2013

Opal Vadhan and Luis Ramos are now featured in the About YAP section of the website...Marist Young Adults joined Marist Youth in the New York/New Jersey area for dinner and Taize Prayer at Mount St. Michael Academy.

Check out the photo gallery and the blog secton at www.MaristYoungAdult.com to see new posts and to get the YAP app. Take a look at the Resources section for suggestions that can help you to grow spiritually.

MEET MYAAC MEMBER

LUIS RAMOS

Home Town: Bronx, NY

High School: Mt. St. Michael Academy

College: Iona College

Interests: NY sports, current events, playing basketball, music, all things Marist in the world.

Accomplishments: MSM scholarship recipient and church website builder. Can shoot free throws with his eyes closed. (Sometimes they go in!)

How did you get involved with Marist?

I had gone on Marist retreats in my sophomore year at MSM, but involvement with the Marist family really began during my junior year. The catalyst was a campus ministry meeting. Afterwards, I joined service projects, and continued to attend retreats.

Why are you still involved with the Marist community?

Staying involved in Marist community is extremely important to me. During my high school years, faith was made practical to me through the ideals and values presented by the Marist community. They made the "religious" stuff more real to me even though I had a faith life. The Marist charism is a part of my character now.

How do you live out your Marist identity today?

I try to be a presence of some sort in people's lives through prayer, a message, a short hangout, a call, or whatever it may be. I try to live in a way that shows people that faith isn't some lofty, holier-than-thou deal. Faith is a real connection with God and with those whom you encounter daily. Staying involved in the work that is Marist helps me greatly.

Do you have a Marist story to share?

The ideal of being present was how I got involved in the first place. My junior Spanish teacher told me "Hey, you did pretty well on the last test. Good work! So, are you staying involved in school?" I was NOT involved at all. "Well you're coming to the next campus ministry meeting." Since it was decided for me, I did. It worked out! God truly does set up great opportunities through every day events.

The Marist Young Adult Program invites interested young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 to further explore their Christian faith. Through spiritual, social and service activities, both online and in person, young adults can experience an alive and vibrant faith rooted in the Marist tradition. Facebook Group: Marist Young Adult