Dear Friends,

On 20-21 July, nearly 20 leaders of the Marianist Lay Network of North America gathered in Dayton, Ohio, to focus on the great promise of MLNNA for the future.  Participants included current and former elected leaders, community and formation leaders, newcomers, and friends; they represented a wide range of lay expressions of our Marianist life (State Community, Affiliates, MLCs, Young Adults, et al.) and represented the full spectrum of age and geography.

A significant portion of time was devoted to laying the foundation for moving toward a 2014 assembly. So watch for more details!

With particular emphasis on our baptismal call, and in the context of the Marianist family, a recurring theme of how we, as laity, breathe life into the charism guided our discussions. Emerging from the weekend, participants took on various tasks to invite others to help plan the 2014 assembly, to begin developing a strategic plan, to intentionally be in contact with Marianist Lay Communities and individuals, and to more clearly articulate the connection between our fundraising and how the funds are spent.

We are grateful to those who participated. The broad representation, and the ideas that emerged, were a testament to the many ways we as laity live our Founders' vision and express the joys Marianist life. Building on the idea of breathing life into the charism, I encourage you to continue reading below to see expressions of how the writers live the charism in their own lives.

More to come! Stay tuned!

Yours in Christ,

Rudy Reyes Jr.

President

Marianist Sister: Choosing to Really Live

We wish sincerest congratulations to Sr. Nicole Trahan, FMI who professed final vows with the Daughters of Mary Immaculate on Saturday, August 3, 2013. Nicole is a friend and inspiration to many and her vows and ministry are a testament to her commitment to the Marianist charism. 

The Marianist Lay Network is preparing to send delegates to the next IO-MLC international meeting that will be January 26-February 2, 2014 in Lima, Peru.  While delegates will be paying toward their own expenses, we are seeking support to help defray their costs. They are, after all, traveling to represent lay Marianists from the United States!

We are especially seeking the donation of Frequent Flyer miles; travel will be a delegate's biggest expense.   

If you can donate Frequent-Flyer miles, contact Kay Stone with your name, contact email and phone, name of airline and number of miles. When delegates are confirmed and they are making reservations we will match them up with airlines and miles that are available.

Of course a donation to partially subsidize the expenses of a delegate in need is also welcome.

If you would like to donate money, you can do that

�         Online through Just Give (Select Peru under the Programs options) or

�         Send a check to MLNNA, 1341 N. Delaware Ave., Suite #301, Philadelphia, PA 19125.

Breakfast for Chaminade Julienne HS, Dayton, OH

Pictured: Members of Grand Walker Marianist Lay Community; Patti Gehred, Paul Gehred, Joseph Radelet, Joan McGuinness Wagner, AJ Wagner, Marilyn McCrate, Sharon Radelet, Tom McCrate (not pictured: John Lemker, SM; Eileen Cehyra, FMI) 

            Last fall, the Grand Walkers, a Marianist Lay Community, in collaboration with the Queen of Apostles Social Justice Committee, hosted a "Pancakes to Pantry" fundraiser for Chaminade Julienne High School. Together they raised $1,000.00 serving pancakes to members of the Queen of Apostles Community and local Marianist Family Communities.

One way I've recently breathed life into the Marianist charism is by helping to develop and sustain the Northeast Marianist Family Council which connects regional lay and religious Marianist communities for collaboration, formation, and mission, as well as, networks with the broader Marianist Family. Linda Zappacosta, Philadelphia, PA

Here is one way I am practicing the Marianist charism.  I try to be fully present to whomever or whatever is in front of me.  I no longer try to do two things at once or to formulate answers (responses) as the other person is talking.  I just listen....and then respond from the heart.  It is amazing how being fully present can change your relationship with another. It dramatically defuses tension and builds trust and rapport.  Marceta Reilly, Hoyt, KS

One way I have breathed life into the Marianist charism is to read and meditate on quotes from our Founders.  Their focus and passion on the Marianist charism in times much more challenging than ours is an inspiration to me to keep on living and sharing the Marianist charism.  Kay Stone, Honolulu, HI

In my daily prayer I listen and follow the words of Mary, "Do whatever he tells you." Following that meditation directs my day and actions of breathing life into our shared Marianist charism. Tony Fitzgerald, Cleveland, OH

After attending the vows of Sister Nicole, I came home and shared so much of the celebration with family and friends who could not be there, especially the inspiring talk of Sister Franca Zonta, and how the entire weekend renewed my own Marianist commitment. It also renewed my belief that the best way we can breathe life into the Marianist charism is not by words but by presence. Carol Weiss, Flushing, NY

During our annual retreat, we decided to develop our communication skills. After exploring several methods, we settled on learning more about Marshall Rosenberg's process of Nonviolent Communication. Our goal is to learn how to better communicate to power in a way that doesn't raise defensiveness but helps our message be heard and moves toward a resolution. I think this relates to many aspects of the Marianist charism but especially Community. It is giving our community a common language and goal for reforming the Church community. It's all about listening to each other so that we may more faithfully follow the teachings of Christ together.  Susan Vogt, Covington, KY