As we in the United States enter into this Thanksgiving weekend, I wanted to express to you my gratitude for all you do, and take a moment to share with you two important announcements from the Marianist Lay Network of North America (MLNNA).
First, I am delighted, to share that the MLNNA will convene next summer for its triennial gathering. Unlike past gatherings, this will be a delegate assembly. Each community will be invited to send 2 delegates to this working meeting, which will focus on important questions of, among others, the identity and purpose of the Marianist laity in North America as well as the beginnings of a strategic plan for the future. Those not currently in communities, will be invited to apply for a limited number of reserved individual delegate seats.
This delegate assembly is tentatively planned for 18-21 July 2013 near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More details will follow in the months to come. For now, please mark your community calendars as your participation will be essential to the future of the MLNNA. If you have any questions about or suggestions for this upcoming gathering, please don't hesitate to contact me at rreyes@stmarytx.edu.
Second, please watch your mailboxes for the MLNNA's Fall Appeal letter. More than ever before, your voice of support is critical at this juncture in our history and your financial contributions are greatly needed. I encourage you to review the materials being sent to you and to prayerfully consider what you can do to support the work of the MLNNA. We are counting on your response by 31 December 2012, even if you cannot contribute financially. If you do not receive this mailing by Wednesday, 28 November, please contact me at rreyes@stmarytx.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!
On behalf of the entire leadership of the MLNNA, thank you for your gracious witness to our shared Marianist life. We pray that this be a time of abundant blessing for you and your communities Rudy Reyes, Jr.
My Dear Friends in Christ,