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
FEBRUARY - 2016
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Greetings!
2 Down, 4 To Go - weeks of Lent that is.
Although you may be well into your Lenten commitments, some of us are procrastinators. It's never too late to start or to add an effort that might deepen your spiritual life.
I'd like to share some ideas that might not fit the traditional notions of "giving something up for Lent." Perhaps it will inspire you to try something new.
For example, for a day, a week or till Easter, try:
- Give up plastic; specifically single use plastic
- Eat on $4.50 per person per day - the average amount that someone on Food Stamps (SNAP) gets
- Create no garbage (or see how low you can go). Recycle, compost, and only buy stuff with recyclable packaging.
- Give up the C's: Complaining or Criticizing
- Buy nothing (other than food, shelter, transportation, and prior bills.
- Clean out a drawer a day.
- Give a coat, warm winter clothing, a blanket, etc. to a place that distributes it to those in need or a homeless shelter.
- Be generous with any panhandler you pass in a car or see on the street. More.
- Drink only water (of course not bottled water) Give up drinking coffee, tea, pop, alcohol, etc.
- Give up your time #1: Spend time with a child: tutor, coach, hike.
- Give up your time#2: Spend time with someone a lot older than you: visit a nursing home, patiently listen to their stories and wisdom
- Give up being busy: Double the time you currently spend in prayer or alone time.
- Let go of a book. More.
- Do a random act of kindness: ideally without anyone catching you.
Fondly,
Susan Vogt
Regional Representative for
N. America, Asia, Australia, Ireland
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FEATURED COUNTRY - JAPAN
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| | Atsuyuki Yanagawa Natl. Rep. - Japan |
During this past year, the Japanese Marianist family (MLC, SM, FMI, AM) have met twice as a whole group. In fiscal year 2015, we had an exchange with South Korea in October. In November, we conducted a Memorial Mass, a lecture, and social gatherings of MLC.
This year, several of us started to give rosary making classes to the general public and to the sixth graders of Koka-gakuen（the FMI elementary school).
On Jan. 17th, we had our annual "Gathering of the Marianist Family." We also celebrated the start of the FMI which was founded 200 years ago. Members of the religious invited many people to the celebration.
On this day, one person made their dedication to Mary and five votaries of Mary were recognized for more than 20 years of dedication. After the Mass, a Sister talked about the history of the FMI. Later that day, we had a banquet in order to deepen the friendship of all the people. Many people from three years old to the elderly got together. (Click video at right.)
In fiscal 2015, MLC Japan had two newcomers. One of them will receive baptism this coming Easter. Admission of a newcomer like this is a bright sign for the future.
In fiscal year 2016, we hope that further new members will come and MLC Japan will be even more active.
May Our Mother Maria, Please Lead Us.
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North America - Save these dates
CHANGEMAKERS:
Creating New Responses for New Times
2016: July 22-24 at St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX
2016: October 28-30 at Bergamo Retreat Center, Dayton, OH
- Do you want to make a difference in the world?
- Are you passionate about justice, peace, and care for creation?
Then join us at one or both events for a broad engagement process sponsored by:
Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
Marianist Province-Justice, Peace, & Integrity of Creation Office.
More information is coming soon. Contact Jim Vogt if you can't wait. LAY MARIANIST CONTINENTAL ASSEMBLY 2017: July 13-16 at University of Dayton, Dayton, OH The Marianist Lay Network of North America (MLNNA) is planning our triennial Assembly plus a pre-conference day on July 12 with service activities, tours of UD, family field trips, and an early bird speaker.
This gathering will be family friendly so bring the kids and grandkids. We want your input! Tell us what you would like included during the Assembly - types of presentations, topics, prayer experiences, social activities, etc. Click Here to email us. |
LET US PRAY 
- That whatever we are doing to enter into this Lenten season, it will be good enough.
- That we all may take to heart Pope Francis' Year of Mercy and seek out those we need to forgive. May we also find the ability to forgive ourselves.
- For the political process around the world and especially in the USA during this long election season. May we listen carefully to all sides and be respectful of those who disagree with us.
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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LAY MARIANIST
and a MARIANIST LAY COMMUNITY
Last month I introduced the first draft of a helpful identity document for Lay Marianists. I asked for feedback. The primary piece of feedback received so far centered around the omission of what in N. America is considered the 5th element of the Marianist Charism, i.e. Inclusivity (aka Discipleship of Equals). Although MLCs in many countries outside of North America don't specifically mention this element I will propose that we add it to the "Community" section. Please continue to email your comments to me. The English version below includes a possible text adaptation in red. ENGLISH FRAN�AIS ESPA�OL
 FRIDAY MAGNIFICAT - FEBRUARY
The Marianist Sisters of Korea participate in various demonstrations for justice and peace in their country.
For example, in response to the tragic April 2014 sinking of the Korean ferry, Sewol, carrying 450 passengers, the sisters joined other religious congregations in demonstrations and prayer in support of the victims' families. Read more:
VIA LATINA - ONLINE 
The following articles are in the December #248 issue of Via Latina 22, the newsletter for the General Administration of the Society of Mary.
-Perpetual Vows in India
-Diaconate Ordinations in Rome
-Jubilee Year of Mercy: two "Marianist" Holy Doors opened
-Preparing for the Bicentennial of our Foundation
-JPIC website
-"40 Days" Campaign 2016
-CD of Marianist Resources
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