Marianist Lay Network of North America
Building a Community of Communities
MLNNA
MLNNA operates through the generosity of lay Marianists and Marianist Lay Communities that make up its membership.

Our programs, activities, newsletters, and our support of MSJC, MLFI, and the IO-MLC couldn't happen without your support.

To make a contribution, click the button below.

JustGive

MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE
CONTRIBUTION NOW!


Our 

Google Map

 

  

 

 

 




 vacant


 

Making Space

 

 

Dear Friends,

 

As Lent approaches next week, I hear one question on repeat: "What are you going to give up?"  I hear it from my students every year.  We debate the reasons why.  We challenge each other to let go of video games or SnapChat or chocolate.  And then we talk about how every year, we fail to make it all the way through our Lenten promises.  We are left deciding that maybe next year will be different. 

 

Well, it's next year, and I'm ready.  This time, I have a new plan. 

 

In this Year of Consecrated Life, much like you, I find myself reflecting on the impact that vowed religious men and women have made on my life.  I remember attending a vocation dinner and panel discussion when I was a student at the University of Dayton.  I heard very specific examples and life experiences regarding the Marianist vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability.  While a definite challenge full of its own unique obstacles, there was a simplicity and beauty about it.  Life was ordered and purposeful.

 

This lifestyle of vowed religious has been at the forefront of media lately through the example of Pope Francis.  We see our Holy Father giving up his luxurious home for a modest apartment.  We see him taking time to be present to the children and the sick and marginalized members of our Catholic family.  We see him opening the bathrooms and showers in the Vatican to the homeless.  We see him humbling himself in front of the Eucharist for quiet prayer during Adoration.  These simple acts have set a world-wide example for how to truly life out our Christian vocation.  If Pope Francis can do it, if all of the thousands of Consecrated religious around the world can do it... then so can we.   

 

So my plan for Lent this year is to take a note from the Year of Consecrated Life and the example of Pope Francis.  Maybe you'll join me?!  We can give up the need to have new things.  We can give up being "too busy" to slow down and truly be present to others.  We can give up some of our own creature comforts for those who need it more.  We can give up excess noise in order to have more prayer and peace.  We can take on the message and purpose of consecrated life.  We can be quiet, be generous, and live simply. We can make space in our lives to let Christ in so that we can live Mary's mission of bringing Christ to the world.

 

Lenten Blessings,

Mallory Green

Head of Temporalities

 

MLNNA Update

 

The MLNNA Leadership Team is pleased to announce Terri Maze, secretary, has been appointed Head of Education, effective immediately. Please join us in congratulating Terri on this new role.

 

The team has also been busy implementing several items in the strategic plan. The team has begun reaching out to Marianist ministries, such as vocations and MLFI to discuss how we can both collaborate and be supportive of each others' efforts. Conversations will take place with other ministries as well.

 

The team is looking at ways to improve MLNNA's communication to Marianist Lay Communities and all of our members. We are also discussing things to update at www.mlnna.org. 

 

The Office of Spirituality is currently developing the methodology for how we will approach the process for discerning MLNNA's expectations regarding lay identity and formation.

 

If you have news to share about your MLC, please send it to [email protected].

 

If you are looking for information or have a question, please send it to [email protected].

 

Lay Formation Opportunity

 

The MLFI recently held a closing retreat in Philadelphia, PA for participants in 2014-2015.

 

Joining the cohort were Carol Weiss, Marianist Lay Afflliate and Sr. Grace Walle, FMI

 

Participants explored how our Marianist Charism influences our faith, our communities and our response to living justly.

 

 

Pictured are Front row: Sarah Tucek, Diane Browne, Cassandra Doughty, Carol Weiss; Standing: Pati Krasensky, Kenny Miles, Jane Miles, Andrew Villareal, Fr. Pat Tonry, SM, Sr. Grace Walle, FMI


 

The next MLFI cohort will begin in Dayton, Ohio on April 10-12 2015. Interested? Call Pati Krasensky at 215.634.4116 or visit our web site: www.marianist.com/mlfi for more information.

 

This program is sponsored in part by your donations to MLNNA.

We Remember the Following In Our Prayers

Jerry Somerville, brother of Brother Jack Somerville, S.M. (Marianist Novitiate, Dayton, Ohio), who is hospitalized after suffering a stroke.

 

For those of our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and whose names are now written in the Book of Life:

 

Robert Halderman, father of Brother Brian Halderman, S.M. (San Antonio, Texas), who died on February 11, 2015.


 

Michael John Cochran, SM who has been called to an everlasting dwelling place with the saints, at the age of 69 with 50 years of religious profession. He died on February 7, 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya. 

 

Sister Ruth Ann Bange, SNDdeN, former teacher and Director of Community Service at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School, Dayton, Ohio, who died on February 8, 2015.  

 

Robert Luksa, Marianist Affiliate in Omaha, Neb., who died on January 26, 2015. 

Community Highlight 

 

 

 

The Micah-Theotokos Marianist Lay Community held a weekend retreat at Governor's Island on Indian Lake, just north of Dayton, Feb 6-8. The community prayed, played (and built snow people), and reflected on Pope Francis' exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel. If your community is interested in the hospitality of the Marianist community at Governor's Island, contact Bro. Roger Bau, SM at [email protected].

Ministry Opportunities 

  

The Society of Mary has openings within several ministries. Click HERE for more details.

New at NACMS

Fr. David Fleming, SM has just published a new book, A NEW FULCRUM: Marianist Horizons Today.  It is a collection of essays on different Marianist topics: spirituality, future of lay communities, directions for mission, leadership, education, integrating diversity.

The book can be ordered on-line from NACMS here. 
Anawim Lent09

Resources for Lent


 


 

Praying Lent (Creighten University)

Busted Halo

US Catholic Bishops

Lent Activities (Loyola Press)

Kids Activities (Pinterest)

 

Your Support Matters

 

With your support, we will be able to increase the programs we provide for our MLNNA members, as well as continue our support of the Marianist Lay Formation Initiative, the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative, the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities.  Additionally, your support covers general expenses such as this newsletter, our national database, our annual appeal, and our support staff in Philadelphia.

 

Follow the link if you'd like to make a one-time or recurring online contribution. You may also send a check to the address below (in the footer).

 

We are most grateful for your thoughts, suggestions, prayers, and financial support. Together we can breathe life into how we live and express the Marianist Charism.