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Assembly Recap
As the assembly began, 130 participants shared stories of invitation and how they came to the Marianist Family. More than 50 had never attended an assembly, and many weren't aware of MLNNA's role as the collective body that makes up the lay branch of the Marianist Family in the United States.
A lesson for laity is that we must more intentionally invite others by both word and example. This notion of Invitation led to the keynote speaker, Greg Pierce, sharing how we must meet people where they are at, speak their language, and walk the walk, not just talk the talk. This seemed to resonate with our Marianist notion of being a spectacle of saints whose enthusiasm is contagious! Pierce encouraged us to hurl ourselves into the world as we declare "thanks be to God" when told to go in peace at the end of Mass.
Participants learned about different manifestations of the Marianist charism as young and old shared how being Marianist impacts them.
All learned about MLNNA's strategic plan which will guide the lay branch for the next several years. Included is a new leadership model built on the three offices. Elections for lay leadership is this fall. Along with discussing the strategic plan, which includes much about invitation, formation, identity, and mission, is how the lay branch can sustain itself. Many didn't realize MLNNA has dues and accepts donations. There will be more to come on that at a later date but all agreed that as laity, we must step up to the plate with our own resources as we deepen our collaboration with our vowed religious. 
We enjoyed thinking outside the box to let the spirit work through us to capture what our  eye sees in the moment. Thank you to Bro. Brian Zampier for that lesson (and for bringing a little bit of winter to hot, steamy San Antonio)!
Participants also enjoyed diverse prayer experiences, daily Mass, Mass with the St. Mary's University community, the San Antonio nightlife, and socials with a twist of local flair.
MLNNA is grateful to all who were able to attend. We are also grateful to those who made contributions to help defray the costs. We are especially grateful to all who held the Assembly in prayer as we convened not only for our own interests but for the good of the Marianist Family.
A special thank you is owed to St. Mary's University who not only hosted the Assembly but provided generous support as well.
 | | St. Mary's University President, Tom Mengler |
Assembly presentations will soon be available online. Bro. Jack Ventura's homily from Sunday's Mass and Pictures are available by following the links.
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