Marianist Lay Community

of North America



Being Church in the Modern World

October 2016

Featured Articles In This Issue
MLC-NA Elections
2017 Assembly Update
MLC-NA Community News
Prayer Intentions
Marianist Bicentennial - Support the MSVF
Marianist Feast Days
MLC-NA Census
VLCFF - Marianist Studies
MLC-NA GENERAL ASSEMBLY



University of Dayton



July 13-16 2017 



BONUS: On July 13, there will be  additional speakers and activities before the official Assembly begins.



Save the Dates!



Registration Information Coming Soon
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Mike Wasno
Maryland


Matt Dunn
Ohio


Head of Education

Marg Van Herk-Paradis (Interim)



Head of Temporalities

Mallory Green

Missouri




 LeeAnn Meyer
Illinois


Vacant
 

Ken Barrett

Ohio


Mallory Green

Missouri

Maureen O'Rourke

Ohio

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Click on the "Update Profile/Email Address" link at the bottom of this email. You'll be sent an email with instructions on how to update your contact information for our MLC-NA database.

 

Thank You!

 

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The Journey of Becoming Marianist



In my work on Marianist projects (2014 Assembly and recent census), I've had the opportunity to contact people who have been lifelong teachers in Marianist schools, longtime facilitators of LIFE events, and attendees of Marianist Retreat Centers year after year. But when I asked if they identified themselves as a "lay Marianist," some said, "No."



That puzzled me...Each of them seemed so committed to their work and the Marianist charism, yet they did not consider themselves a "lay Marianist." And here I was, never an attendee of any official Marianist program until middle-age, and yet I had considered myself a "Marianist" most of my life because of my brother and my love of the charism I saw in his SM communities.   Hm-m...



What does it mean to be a "lay Marianist?" Neither extreme is probably accurate. The soon to be released Marianist Plan of Life is clear: A lay Marianist is one who KNOWS, COMMITS TO, and LIVES the Marianist charism. Each of the elements is important to being a lay Marianist. And we are all on a continuum of "becoming Marianist."



I guess I have come to understand that it is a continous journey and not a destination. That's why lay Marianist formation is emerging as the highest priority for our Leadership Team. I'm really excited about the upcoming release of the Marianist Plan of Life and the formation initiatives that will likely flow from it.



As laity we are being called to deepen and broaden the vision of Chaminade to bring Jesus to the world through alliance with Mary. We have the opportunity to "be church" for the modern world and to join with our vowed brothers and sisters in a more robust way. As Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda said in her keynote address at the San Antonio Changemakers, we are being called to live the Marianist charism in a vibrant way to create a "justice-seeking, earth-honoring, self-respecting neighbor love within the world." To me, that is a beautiful way to describe our charism in action!



Marceta Reilly

New Leadership Team

We are very pleased to welcome Lynette Bernot and Jim Barrette to the team. As was previously announced, Lynette is the new Head of Office for Spirituality and Jim is the Head of Office for Education. 



We are also pleased to welcome (back) Matt Dunn as the Chair-Elect, Marceta Reilly as our At-Large Member for Communities, and Fr. Ted Cassidy as our Spiritual Advisor.



We held our first team Video Teleconference earlier this week and plan to have a in-person meeting in early 2017.



We look forward to serving you and the Family of Mary.  
2017 Continental Assembly  
(C) GE Mullan-Used with Permission
Only 272 days until the Assembly Opening!



We have received a number of wonderful proposals for workshops and presentations for the Assembly.  Thank you to all who submitted a proposal. The team is working on responding to everyone who submitted a proposal.



ALL Members of the Family of Mary are invited: SM, FMI, AM, Lay, members of Marianist associations, retreat centers, anyone who is discerning joining any of the Marianist branches - you get the idea!



We're building a family-friendly program that will include Marianist-themed activities for children of all ages.  We hope everyone will consider participating in this fun and faith-filled weekend in Dayton on July 13 to 16, 2017.



We are looking for volunteers to help plan and to help during the assembly.  If you and/or your community would like to help, please email us by clicking here.



Let us know, when you are available and we will match you up with a project. 
MLC-NA Community News

The North East Marianist Family Council met at the Marianist Center in Philadelphia on September 24th. In honor of the foundation bicentennials of the Marianist Sisters and Brothers, Bro. Stephen Glodek provided an overview of the history of the SM's US Province and international expansion. They also viewed a DVD, "I Live for Her", on the Marianist Sisters worldwide mission which was very well received and followed by a lively discussion.



Pictured standing from left to right: Diane Browne, Joanne McCracken, Bro. Stephen Glodek, SM, Linda Zappacosta, Roxann Rowe, Paul Schirmer, and Karen Brenner. (Not shown: Br. Stan Zubek who VTC'ed in.)



What are you and your community doing?  Take a picture and send it to us so we can include it in an upcoming edition of the e-News.  Waiting for something special?  You're special, your community is special, your gathering is special!   Send us an email.
Prayer Intentions

Let us pray...
In gratitude for all Marianist Religious, that these bicentennial celebrations be filled with joy and a spirit of renewal.



For the new MLC-NA Leadership Team that they may lead us with wisdom to grow the Marianist Movement.



For the 2017 Continental Assembly Team as it continues to make preparations for the 2017 MLC-NA Assembly.

 

For Bros. Brandon Paluch and Michael Chiuri who professed their perpetual vows, and Fr. Sean Downing who was ordained on Oct. 8th - may Mary may grace them with abundant joy.



For an increase Marianist Vocations and for all those in formation.



For the sick, especially Lay Marianists Carol Strasser, Kathy Wagner, Cheryl Reade and Velma Perkin, that they may know God's healing and comforting presence in their lives.



For the people that were impacted by Hurricane Matthew, especially in Haiti, that God grace them with the help they need to recover.



Submit your prayer request here: Prayer Requests
Marianist Sisters 200th Anniversary

It's not too late to make a contribution to the Marianist Sisters Vocation Fund in honor of their 200th Anniversary. 
Click here to download the MSVF Brochure.
Marianist Feast Days

Nov 15





Nov 21 
Nuestra Senora de la Divina Providencia-Patroness of Puerto Rico



Presentation of Mary 
Census Update - Additional Help Needed
The census has begun and our volunteers are calling Lay Marianists registered in our membership list.  



Not sure if you are registered?   Send us an email with your information and we will check it against our membership list and let you know.



If you are able to make phone calls to other members, please contact Mallory Green at [email protected].



This is part of our effort to create a new system that will allow members to register and update their own information. 
 
Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation

The VLCFF courses on Marianist Studies are great ways to meet Lay and Religious Marianists from around the continent and the world.  During these 5-week courses you  interact with and learn from others about our Marianist History, Charism, and Spirituality.



The next cycle is Jan 15-Feb 18. 
Registration opens on Oct 19 and closes Jan 11; to register, go here.  Marianist Studies Courses include: Community and Mary, Holy Possibility.



Contact Patti Gehred at NACMS if you have any questions.
Your Contribution Makes A Difference

We receive contributions from all branches of the Marianist Family and people who are touched by the Marianist Charism. Our success depends on having the resources available to provide current and new programs that benefit our members.



If you'd like to make a one-time or recurring on-line contribution, click here. You may also send a check to the address below (in the footer).


If you can offer your time and talent to help, please click here.



Thank you for your generous support.  Together we will grow the Marianist Movement. 


Marianist Lay Community of North America (dba MLNNA) | 1341 N. Delaware Ave. #301 | Philadelphia | PA | 19125-4300