What a coincidence for us that the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is celebrated on October 12 and that the foundation of the Society of Mary was October 2. Inspired by Mary at Saragossa, Fr. Chaminade set out to change the church and the world. For us, Mary continues to inspire.

Mary has always held a special place in my heart. From my early childhood I always considered Mary my mother. I found consolation in praying the Hail Mary as well as in my conversations with her. I talked to her like she was my mother, hoping she would take my prayers to Jesus, and to God, on my behalf. I somehow always connected with Mary at the foot of the cross - a faithful woman who lost her son so tragically. She knew pain and suffering and loss. Mary to me was a strong woman. As I've matured I have come to better understand and to value Mary's role bringing Christ into the world; Mary's humbleness in being called by God; Mary's boldness and bravery in saying "Yes;" Mary's role encouraging Jesus, his followers, and servants at the feast of Cana; Mary's role becoming John's mother - and our mother.

How do YOU relate to Mary!?! What moves you about her role of inspiring Fr. Chaminade to make it our mission to follow her example to bring Christ into the world!?! Share 

Peace,

Matt Dunn

Editor   

Help us discover how we breathe life into our Marianist Charism. 

Prayers Needed for the International Assembly

Our national delegates to the International Assembly of Marianist Lay Communities (MLC) gathering this February in Peru need your help!  Delegates from each region/country will be bringing prayers, poems, songs/chants and other forms of prayer that are indicative of their respective cultures to share with others.  Many of these prayers will be gathered into a collection for dispersal and use by MLCs across the globe.

If you or your MLC has a special prayer that you use, please consider sharing it with the national delegates so they can take it to Peru.  Perhaps your community wrote something together or has a special hymn or chant that you sing together.  Or perhaps you have incorporated poems, storytelling, or some other form of prayer into your community time.  We are open to all suggestions and are also willing to work with you if you feel it necessary to adapt for sharing.

Please contact Rob Brodrick at rjbrodrick@gmail.com if you are interested in sharing a prayer or if you would just like to follow up for more information. You can also download a submission form to send in. 

• Marianist World Day of Prayer will be happening all around the world in proximity to October 14th. Here's a flier for a celebration in Dayton  on October 13. The Northeast Marianist Family Council also has an event planned in Philadelphia  on October 12. 

• The Marianist Movement Team of Greater Cincinnati invites others to participate in the Generation Wake Up Leadership Weekend, October 11-13, training on issues of social justice. Click HERE for information and registration materials.

• The Farm to Fork Fundraiser for Mission of Mary Farm (Dayton) is October 22nd from 6:00 until 9:00 PM at St. Mary's Hall, which is located at 310 Allen Street, 45410. Please RSVP  to FarmDinnerRSVP@gmail.com whether or not you are able to attend, and if so, how many people will be in your party. Attendees will hear about the farm and its efforts and successes. The event includes dinner and is free. Donations will be accepted at the event. 

• A Marianist Intergenerational Retreat will take place the weekend of October 25-27. Participants will share and learn about one another's Marianist experiences across the generations. The keynote speaker is Sr. Laura Leming, FMI. Click HERE for more information and for the registration form.

• Looking for some fall inspiration? NACMS is offering virtual learning courses on social justice and prayer, starting this month! Sign up now!

• Upcoming Dates of Significance
  October 12 - Our Lady of the Pillar (Chaminade is inspired by Mary)
  November 6 - Marianist Martyrs of Madrid   

Marianist Martyrs: Witness, Conviction and Stability

If you'd like us to include your events or share them so people know about them, write to us at laymarianist@gmail.com. 

• Let us remember in our prayers all the students in our Marianist schools. In a particular way, we pray for those deepening their relationship with God on the many retreats that are offered by the schools. 

• We pray for a successful strategic planning process for the Marianist Lay Network, leading up to the Continental Assembly in 2014.

• We pray for the Marianist Family Council of North America as it prepares to meet in November.

• We pray for the growth of those in formation for Marianist religious life, as they gather in Philadelphia in November for a formation weekend.

• We pray for our delegates to the International Assembly in Peru, as they make their preparations and discuss their roles and responsibilities in representing Marianist laity in North America.  

If you know of a Marianist ministry, gathering, or activity that is coming up, let us know so we can share about it!