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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.
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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, 
Fill the Jars. That was the theme of the SM Retreat Assembly 3 weeks ago. The officers of the MLNNA were guests of the SM and it was a blessing to be among the 220+ brothers and other guests in attendance. We were privileged to pray and reflect with them, to witness the renewal of temporary vows by 7 young men, the renewal of vows of the SM, and the installation of the new Provincial Council. All weekend, the brothers and priests engaged us and wanted to know what we were doing and what could they do to help.
Empty the Jars - What good is wine if it remains in the bottle or jar? It has to be poured out for others. We reflected several times on the scene at the Wedding in Cana. The three presenters spoke about the theme through different lenses - Pope Francis' Pastoral Theology, the theme of birthing Christ to the world in the Gospel of John, and the legacy and future of Religious Congregations. What good is wine if it remains in the bottle or jar? Our mission is to go forth, to bring Christ and Joy to the world.
Who's Wine is it Anyway? I was struck with a profound sense of responsibility for the Marianist Future. Br. Sean Sammon, FMS, spoke about the future of Religious Congregations and noted the number of religious has been declining since they peaked in the 60's while the average age has been increasing (into the 60's). At Cana, Mary saw and understood the urgency of the situation and responded by calling Jesus and the waiters together. We are in a similar situation with our Marianist Charism. We have a responsibility and, like the waiters, take action to "fill the jars."
There were six large stone jars. It took a team of waiters to move jars, fill, pour, and serve the wine. Our task is not an easy one either, Lay Marianists have careers, families, and other obligations. The waiters acted not just to save the wedding couple, but also their livelihood, the catering business. Our call to act is also about what we want to build community and share the Marianist Charism in our lives.
"It's not my time." "Yes, it is." (That's what I would have said.) If you haven't already, read Fr. David Fleming's Essay "Toward a Marianist Future." He has many wonderful insights into the current state of the Family of Mary and what it can be in the future. We all know that the MLNNA has to become more self-determining and self-sustaining. It is our time. We, the Lay Marianists, must organize and work together and respond now more than ever.
Fill the Jars! It's time to turn the spigot wider and get things moving!
Peace, Blessings, and Joy,
Mike
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MLNNA Update
The MLNNA team met with local Lay Marianists while we were in St. Louis. The discussion was an opportunity to listen and understand how the MLNNA can be relevant to our Members. If you have ideas, please contact Mike Wasno.
The Leadership Team is in the very beginning stages of planning for the 2017 Lay Marianists Assembly. We would love your suggestions. And we are looking for volunteers to help. Please contact Terri Maze at education@mlnna.org or news@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.
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Farm Day
A group of about 30 people representing all 3 branches of the Marianist Family came together to do service at Mission of Mary Farm. Projects included preparing garden beds, planting and watering, and preparing grounds for new plots. Following service, the community gathered for prayer, reflection, and potluck lunch. The prayer included a blessing over the grounds and work of Mission of Mary Farm. This was the 3rd annual Farm Day.
   
Marianist Schools Gather at UD for Professional Development
MLNNA head of temporalities, Mallory Green, along with other teachers and staff from the Marianist high schools sponsored by the Province of the United States, gathered their MIT (Mission Integration) teams for conversation and network. They were joined by Bro. Bill Campbell and Fr. Oscar Vazquez, along with others from the Office of Sponsorship.
If you have news to share about your MLC, please send it to News@mlnna.org.
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Supporting Marianist Religious Vocations
Please continue to pray for vocations to all three branches of the Family of Mary. We are grateful to have many young people who are discerning their call to the SM and FMI. At the SM Retreat Assembly, seven men renewed their temporary vows, last month Br. Allen made his first vows, and there are two men in the novitiate. In addition, Gabby Bibeau and Caitlin Cipolla-Mcculloch will begin their Novitiate this Fall with the FMI. Please continue to pray for these young adults and for those who are in the aspirant contact programs.
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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.
For the Marianist LIFE summer retreat programs taking place in California, Ohio and Texas. May the spirit of Chaminade and the Marianist founders be with our teens and their moderators during this special time in their spiritual development.
In praise, thanksgiving and for healing and comfort to all our brothers and sisters...
For healing...
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Bertina Swoboda
Mary Theresa (Terrie) Watson
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For those who have gone on before us...
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Sr. Betty Brucker
Mary Maureen Cahill
William Dundon
Robert Flynn
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Joanne Neff
Jim Rider
Thomas Windle
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Submit your prayer request here: Prayer Intention |
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:
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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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Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation
Our Marianist Charism reminds us that we are continuously being formed by Mary to be Christ to the world. The Virtual Learning Center provides opportunities for us to deepen our understanding of our Marianist Life and our Catholic Faith (and much more).
The VLC will be offering the following Marianist Study programs developed by NACMS. You may want to register as an individual to meet and learn along with others in the Marianist Family. Or, if your community would like to take a course as a group, contact Patti Gehred at NACMS to learn about reserving a course for your group. For details about these courses and more, go here.
Cycle 6: September 6 - October 10, 2015
Marianist Studies: Charism
Marianist Studies: Founders
Cycle 7: October 25 - November 28, 2015
Marianist Studies: Prayer
Marianist Studies: Social Justice
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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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