Being a couple weeks before Christmas, I was torn about wishing you Advent greetings or Christmas greetings. In my world view, it is important to honor Advent - the waiting, the anticipation, the hope that comes from remembering the historical birth of Christ while also celebrating the joy of Christ's presence in us and in our world.  

How appropriate that Pope Francis' new Evangelii Gaudium, or The Joy of the Gospel, was released just before the holiday season. It outlines the Pope's vision for a missionary Church, whose 'doors should always be open.' In it the Pope speaks on numerous themes, including evangelization, peace, homiletics, social justice, the family, respect for creation, faith and politics, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, and the role of women and of the laity in the Church.

Lay Marianist Isabella Moyer's reflection on joy, and Evangelii Gaudium, appears in the National Catholic Reporter. Her daily reflections on various sections of the document are on her blog. Be sure to read what she has to say! 

What brings you joy? How do you bring joy to others? To the world? We are abundantly blessed and have a tremendous gift to share. If only it was Christmas every day! But we can make that happen! Through our faith and our Marianist charism we can make a difference in the world. We can lead by example. We can be about charity and justice. We can be about inclusiveness, equality, opportunity, life, and the dignity of each and every person. We're not just individuals and we're not just family. We are a movement - locally, nationally, and internationally. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to bring the joy of Christ's presence into the world not just at Christmas but in our daily lives. 

To alter the famous quote,  we need to "be the joy we want to see in the world!"

The U.S. Air Force Band at the Smithsonian A Christmas medley begins with Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas! 

Editor   

Save the date: Marianist Women's Summit in Dayton, Ohio, October 17-19, 2014.  We are many, we are one. We are many women with one common thread that binds us together: at some point in our lives, a Marianint Sister, a lay woman or a female Mariansit educator or youth minister, touched our lives. Come, tell your story, share the gift that it is to BE a Marianist woman, religious or lay. We have a gift to share with the world. 

Graduate Assistantships at the University of Dayton -a Catholic and Marianist Institution - are available each year.  This two year program allows graduate students to gain campus ministry experience while pursuing a Master of Theology or Pastoral Ministry.  GA's engage in 20 hours/week. There are five Campus Ministry positions available to begin the 2014-15 academic year.  They are within Residence Life Ministry, Liturgy, and Program for Christian Leadership. Responsibilities include building community through spiritual and social programs, directing retreats, planning worship services, planning service outreach, coordinating faith formation, and providing pastoral support.  Tuition, stipend, and housing are provided.  Download an application at http://www.udayton.edu/ministry/about/ga_program/index.php or direct inquiries to Kelly Adamson, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH  45469-0408. 937-229-2574.  Applications are due February 1.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES are available at two Marianist retreat centers.    

The North American Center for Marianist Studies' (NACMS) next round of virtual learning courses starts in January. Register now!  

Looking for a good book? Can you be joyful living with less? Lay Marianist and author Susan Vogt's most recent book, Blessed by Less: Clearing Your Life of Clutter by Living Lightly is available in most bookstores and online.