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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.
MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE
CONTRIBUTION NOW!
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LeeAnn Meyer
Illinois
Jessica Gonz�lez
Ohio
TBD
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New at the Marianist Mission
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Now available in Spanish, prayer and healing cards and resources to help your spiritual development of those you know that are part of the Hispanic community.
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Dear MLNNA Community,
"But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart." Luke
2:19
Over the last year I have been pondering many things. You see, life has changed a lot for me over the past year. My parents have had significant health challenges, my sister lost her husband suddenly and in our L'Arche community we lost 6 people in a period of fourteen months. A turning point, however, was a car accident that I helped out at where a family of seven were hit by a drunk driver. What was I to do? What would any mother do? I taught first aid on the spot to bystanders who helped the many children and I cared for the children like they were my own. That is what it is to have a "Mary" heart. To be and lead in the difficult moments of life and to do what I needed to do to care for those who were suffering. Without judgement, just love and care.
It has taken me many months to heal and to figure out how these experiences in the last year have transformed me and called me in new ways. I have figured out that as a Lay Marianist I am being called to be more intentional in my prayer life and to share Jesus with others on a daily basis. This is not always the most comfortable thing to do but what I have discovered is that it can be a way of being with people that is warm and welcoming.
In our personal vocation as Lay Marianists we are called to build community and follow Mary's example of answering God's call to follow Jesus. One of the most helpful prayer methods I have found with the Marianists is the System of Virtues. "The process leads you to a new awareness of yourself, of others, and of God. . . Although you must give your own best efforts to this undertaking, growth in the virtues of Jesus will always be a collaboration of your efforts, the action of the Holy Spirit, and the transforming presence of your Spiritual Mother Mary. At first you will be aware mostly of your own efforts, but as you grow you will become more aware of the grace of the Holy Spirit and of the presence of Mary shaping your life in the virtues of Jesus." (Growing in the Virtues of Jesus
, Quentin Hakenewerth, SM, pp.ix, x)
So here's a challenge. Take a few moments this week to reflect on how you can be more intentional in your prayer life. You might be surprised with what you find. We would love to hear from you.
Check us out on our FaceBook page or email me at partners@mlnna.org.
"Love doesn't mean doing extraordinary or heroic things. It means knowing how to do ordinary things with tenderness." - Jean Vanier
Marg Van Herk-Paradis
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MLNNA Update
The MLNNA Leadership Team met in-person for the first time at the Bergamo Center on May 29-31. The weekend was spent team-bonding through prayer and workshop sessions and developing team-oriented priorities for the next 6 months. On Saturday night, the team was joined
 by local members of the Marianist Family for Eucharist and a social where guests provided feed back on a number of questions. We are exploring ways to gather more feedback from other groups - stay tuned. Thank you for your continuing support - we receive many notes of encouragement from Lay Marianist around the country. And thank you for your prayers, too. If you are looking for information or have a question, please send it to Info@mlnna.org.
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Summer is Here - Do You Have Time to Volunteer?
If you would like to offer your talents and gifts to support the MLNNA, please contact us. We have short-term and long-term projects. If we don't have something to suit you now, we'll keep you on the list and let you know when new projects come up. Right now we are looking for the following:
Web Meetings: We are looking for 3-4 people to help with planning and developing the content of the events. We also need help with web-meeting technology. If you are interested, contact Terri Maze here.
MSJC Delegate: We are looking for a person who can spend 5-10 hours per month to be a liaison between the MLNNA Leadership team and the MSJC. If you are interested, contact Mallory Green here.
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Marianist MLC in Cleveland
The MLC engaged in a day retreat presented by Sr. Nicole Trahan FMI focusing on Mission. During the retreat Sr. Nicole provided the community with a rich instruction, time for personal reflection, conversation and community dialogue. The retreat centered on the belief that we are all missionaries and allowing ourselves to be formed by Mary and in our response we answer the instruction "Do whatever he tells you".
At the conclusion of the retreat, a long time St Aloysius parishioner and Lay Marianist Community member explained, "This day helps me with the transition." (The Marianist are leaving St. Aloysius parish this summer.)
The Lay Marianist Community, sixteen members robust, continues to engage and serve the Glenville Community in various ministries including service to the poor, education with a member teaching religion at VASJ, and a leader in the mission integration efforts with Faculty, Staff, and students.
If you have news to share about your MLC, please send it to News@mlnna.org.
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MSJC's - Marianist Call to Advance Justice
Time is Running Out - Schedule your MCAJ Workshop before Dec 2015!
Is your Marianist lay community or group interested in a stimulating, challenging formation opportunity that will plunge you more deeply into our call as Lay Marianists?
Are you open to hearing the call of the Holy Spirit anew and discerning together what that call might mean for your community or group? Would you appreciate having a different kind of gathering, led by a trained facilitator that includes time for prayer, education, reflection and discussion? If so, then consider scheduling a Marianist Call to Advance Justice workshop. It's an initiative of the Marianist Family that is aimed at helping each community to respond more fully to our call to justice. The workshop takes three hours and will help your community to: -
Affirm and reflect on what you are currently doing to respond to social injustice;
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Determine what you want to do in the future to develop your community's commitment to building a more just and peaceful world.
For more information, contact Jim Vogt (jimvogt2@yahoo.com).
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We Remember the Following In Our Prayers
With gratitude for all our Fathers - parents, step-parents, big brothers, mentors, coaches, and spiritual guides.
In joyous thanksgiving for Br. Allen Pacquing on the occasion of his first vows on May 23.
For the Holy Spirit's Grace and Wisdom to be with the new SM Provincial Council as they begin their terms on July 1.
In praise, thanksgiving and for healing and comfort to all our brothers and sisters...
For healing...
Jeannette Brophy
Vera Gittemeier
Wilhelmina (Billie) Kamis
| Sr. Anne Maureen Maher
Oscar Wendell
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For those who have gone on before us... |
Alex Durand
Eugene Becker
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Geraldine Doyle
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Submit your prayer request here: Prayer Intention |
New at NACMS
Mary Holy Possibility
A journal to encounter Mary, our gift from God.
NACMS is happy to announce our newest publication Mary, Holy Possibility. In this journal you will explore the kaleidoscope of events in Mary's life as believer, prophet, God-Bearer, disciple, and companion through Scripture and various Marianist voices. You will ponder as Mary does and journey with her as she guides you to a closer relationship with her son, Jesus Christ. Cost: $7.50
The book can be ordered on-line from NACMS here.
Marianist Matters
There is also a new e-program called Marianist Matters (MM). The first edition reviews Chaminade's Letter to the Retreat Masters of 1839. This e-program includes Lawrence J. Cada, SM's introduction and English translation of what many consider Blessed Chaminade's most important writing along with reflection questions for you and your community.You can find this $5.00 downloadable here.
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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.
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