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"DONS et DEVOIRS"
Helping each other live the Gospel at home & around the world

International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities (IO-MLC) 

Region of North America, Asia, Australia, and Ireland
MAY  - 2015

IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURED COUNTRY
Quebec Canada
AROUND THE REGION
Haiti
USA
Let us Pray
AROUND THE WORLD
Other Countries
Friday Magnificat
Via Latina
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How much do you have to know

to be a Lay Marianist?

Of course being a Lay Marianist is much more than head knowledge. It includes a faith of the heart, personal prayer, inclining your whole being toward God through the Marianist charism, and more. As you have read in previous Gifts & Tasks, your International Team has challenged itself to bring more clarity to our common identity. Sure, it can be summed up in the official documents on our websiteThe Identity of Marianist Lay Communities, and MLNNA documents, but living faith is always being renewed.

 

Part of identity involves some basic formational background that Lay Marianists have in common. The scope and style of this varies from country to country and community to community. Some go through formal programs of formation like:

Others learn about what it means to be Marianist more by osmosis. They are attracted to the life they see in a Marianist Lay Community (MLC) and pick up pieces of the charism there.

So what does one HAVE to know? Over the next year, I want to listen to what YOU think is essential and what can vary from place to place. For example, in the area of formation would you expect Marianist Laity to:

You'll be consulted on this and other identity issues over the next year but let's start the formation conversation now. Email me with your thoughts. Vogt, Susan w mug
         
Peace,

Susan Vogt

Regional Rep. for North America, Asia, Australia, Ireland

FEATURED COUNTRY - CANADA 

 

What's up in Quebec?  

Roberge, Josee
Josee Roberge
Natl. Rep. Fr. Canada

During the past year, the MLC's, along with the other branches of the Marianist Family, have participated in many gatherings for spiritual renewal including the Founders Day program when 16 new members made a first commitment as Lay Marianists and 11 others made a second step. Each of them is involved in a spiritual journey within a Marianist group. It is motivating to witness such commitments and brings new life and hope to all present.

 

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Marianist Center for Faith Education. It is a joint apostolic effort between the SM's and the MLC's. We will celebrate these 15 years during a Day of Thanksgiving on August 23. The Center supports itself only through donations and relies on dozens of volunteers for animation, administration, and maintenance.

 

On June 14th we will participate in the "Marianist Call to Advance Justice" workshop led by Jim and Susan Vogt.

 

Because of the French connection, Marcel Dion and myself continue to help Susan with the communications with our sisters and brothers in Haiti.

Jos�e Roberge

 
Founders Day in Quebec

AROUND THE REGION

 

HAITI - Day of Renewal
On May 1 the Lay Marianists of the St-Marc parishes in Artibonite county had a Day of Renewal. The purpose of the day was to strengthen ties among them and give people chance to give their opinion about the MLC's and propose things to make their meetings better - for example, more formation. Read a summary of the day in FRAN�AIS 
Some of the Day of Renewal participants

MLNNA (USA/CANADA) 
Mike Wasno
 Natl. Rep

Although the new MLNNA Leadership team has been meeting since last November by conference call, our first in person meeting/retreat will be held May 29-31 in Dayton, Ohio. In preparation for this meeting members all are taking a personality inventory (DISC) to identify our team strengths and challenges. In addition, we are reviewing the following background material which you are welcome to immerse yourself in also:

MLNNA is always looking for input from Lay Marianists in North America. Please email me at  [email protected]Next month I'll fill you in on the meeting.

Mike Wasno


LET US PRAY:
      • For safe and affordable public transportation in the USA and around the world
      • For countries that are experiencing political strife within their borders and with their neighbors
      • For people who experience strife within themselves and with their neighbors
      • For people of God (which is all of us) that we learn to recognize God's essence in all religions rather than using God as a weapon of division.
AROUND THE WORLD 
iomlc logo
NEWS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES:
              
Summary of European Meeting: ENGLISH   FRAN�AIS   ESPA�OL


FRIDAY MAGNIFICAT - MAY WCMF_logo

Ministry to People with Aphasia

Tokyo, Japan - Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain in which people are not able to speak, listen, read, and write. It is often caused by a stroke, or head injury. In Japan, a support group for aphasia patients meets periodically to help them learn to talk, draw, and care for themselves. Brother Nakamura, SM takes part in these meetings, along with a volunteer staff. 

Read more...   ENGLISH      FRAN�AIS     ESPA�OL 

 


 

VIA LATINA - ONLINE Via Latina

The following articles are in the May, #243 issue of Via Latina 22, the newsletter for the General Administration of the Society of Mary.

  -Reintegration of Haitian brothers into the Society of Mary

  -SM education statistics for 2015

  -Archbishop Emeritus Raymond Roussin, SM

 

  ENGLISH        FRAN�AIS         ESPA�OL      日本語 (#242)

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