GIFTS & TASKS
"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
MARCH - 2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
What's good about Good Friday?
On the surface Good Friday is about two things.
- Remembering Jesus' suffering. This can hardly seem "good." It's sorrowful, even anguishing. But sorrow and suffering are part of life and the human condition. It comes to each of us at some point in our life. Perhaps the good part of it is that it shows us that Jesus understands our own suffering because He's been there. It reminds me of the Easter vigil phrase, "Oh, happy fault..." Another side of this is that Jesus' suffering was prompted by love for us. It's the love that is good to remember.
- Our own fasting. Eating less, spending more time praying, sacrificing for another... These actions don't seem pleasant or good in themselves either. But often, changing a daily habit can be a prompt to remember again the deeper purpose of Lent and sacrifice. We unite with those who do not go hungry by choice, who don't know the support of a religious community, who don't have enough of what I consider a necessity. My fasting is good, if it turns me outward to others and inward to let go of self-righteousness and judgement of others.
Yet, it is sometimes also good to let sorrow wash over us. It is part of being human. I offer you the following meditation on Jesus Dying on the Cross from Mary's Way of the Cross by Richard G. Furey, C.Ss.R.
What greater pain is there for a mother than to see her son die right before her eyes!
I, who had brought this savior into the world and watched him grow, stood helplessly beneath his cross as he lowered his head and died.
His earthly anguish was finished, but mine was greater than ever.
Yet, this had to be and I had to accept it, so I stood by and I mourned silently.
It's OK to feel deep sadness 
Fondly,
Susan Vogt
Regional Representative for
N. America, Asia, Australia, Ireland
|
|
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
CHANGEMAKERS PRAYER
Change me, Giver of Life, so I may become the change you seek.
Open my heart and quiet my fears that I may do your will.
Let me be a true witness to the magnificent things you have done for me.
May I manifest your light to family, community, church, and world.
We pray this in the boldness of Mary's yes and in our hope for a world that will accept your love.
More information is coming soon. Contact Jim Vogt if you can't wait.
LAY MARIANIST CONTINENTAL ASSEMBLY  2017: July 13-16 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. |
LET US PRAY 
- For the people killed in the recent terrorist attack in Belgium. Indeed, may we even be so bold as to pray for those who caused this tragedy. Merciful God, help us to understand what pain and confusion must enter the heart of those who turn to violence to solve the wrongs they perceive in the world.
- 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.
|
APRIL 4, 2016: THE ANNUNCIATION
Patronal Feast of the Marianist Family
For the last several years the International Marianist Family has encouraged Marianists - Lay, SM, FMI, and Alliance Mariale - to gather on the Annunciation as our patronal feast. This is a feast which is common to all of our commitments. Mary's "Yes" at the Annunciation inspires us all to say "Yes" to God's call.
This year, the women of the Alliance Mariale representing the Marianist Family of the Ivory Coast have prepared the following resource:
It includes prayers and testimonials from the Marianists of Ivory Coast. Reading it, and hopefully using parts of it in your own community celebrations, will help you understand the lives and style of prayer of Marianists in this West African country.
|
| |
Marianist Family of Ivory Coast
|
EASTER GREETINGS from CAMEROON
Cyrille Ebabe who is the leader of an emerging MLC in Cameroon, Africa sends Easter greetings to the Marianist Family. Read them in FRAN�AIS ENGLISH
 FRIDAY MAGNIFICAT - MARCH
With poverty increasing in France, many charities are emerging that provide assistance to those in need. One such project is called A Community Grocery. It was created in the suburbs of Paris by a group of volunteers including a member of the Alliance Mariale. This unique grocery allows the needy to have access to groceries at affordable prices (a tenth of their cost) through the financial participation of the city and the region. Read more:
VIA LATINA - ONLINE 
The following articles are in the March #249 issue of Via Latina 22, the newsletter for the General Administration of the Society of Mary.
-Perpetual Profession in Mexico
-Priestly ordination in India
-Provincial Superiore of Spain
-Latin American Meeting for Temporary Professed in Colombia
-Conclusion of the Year of Consacrated Life
-JPIC - Attention all communities
-Sharing new publications (including 2 books by Fr. David Fleming SM)
|
|
|
Past issues of Gifts and Tasks are archived online at GIFTS AND TASKS ARCHIVE
Gifts and Tasks is published on the 4th Friday of each month. We need local and national news, stories, reflections, and photos. Please send submissions and ideas for next month's issue to SusanVogt1@gmail.com by the previous Sunday.
Kindly forward this issue to contact persons within your country to help with its distribution. Click here to subscribe to Gifts & Tasks.
|
|
|
