Brothers and Sisters,
Today we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As Marianists, we also commemorate the anniversary of the first gathering of those who would join Blessed William Joseph Chaminade in fulfilling Mary's mission.
In 2014, MLC-NA (formerly MLNNA) implemented a Strategic Plan. A goal of the plan was for MLC-NA to articulate a common understanding of what it means to be a Lay Marianist. A committee of Lay Marianists from across the country, with input from over 30 other individuals (lay and religious), listened to laity and reflected on documents issued by the International Organization of Marianist Lay Communities.
This Guide is the result and serves as a foundation of common characteristics and expectations for Lay Marianists, who, collectively, make up the Marianist Lay Community of North America.
Accompanying this Guide are
We encourage you and your communities to pray and reflect on the content of these documents as we grow in understanding our Marianist identity. The Guide includes some new processes; we appreciate your cooperation as we begin to standardize our operations as part of a global faith community.
In anticipation of things to come, we are excited to announce that we are working closely with the Marianist Center for Lay Formation to define, create, and offer initial and on-going formation for those who are interested in becoming - and who are - Lay Marianists. These processes will help us all to know, commit to, and live the Marianist charism as Lay Marianists.
We are grateful, and extend out thanks to the many people who contributed to the production of this Guide.
Members of the MLC-NA leadership team are available to discuss your thoughts and answer your questions. To contact us, please write to
info@mlnna.org .
We wish for continued blessings upon you and your community this holiday season.
In Mary's name,
The MLC-NA Leadership Team
