Marianist Lay Community

of North America



Being Church in the Modern World

February 2017

Featured Articles In This Issue
Community News
2017 Assembly Update
Cape May Retreats
Tecaboca Retreats
MLC-NA Census
Prayer Intentions
Marianist Feast Days
Annual Contribution
MLC-NA LAY ASSEMBLY



University of Dayton



July 13-16 2017




Scholarships and Payment Plans available! 
 

MLC-NA 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 need your support.



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AMAZON DONATION PROGRAM! 


Did you know that when you buy stuff at Amazon.com, Amazon will make a donation to MLC-NA?



How?  By using Smile.Amazon.Com.



Please consider using smile.amazon.com and selecting Marianist Lay Network as your charity.   There is no additional cost to you and it really is the same site as Amazon.


Mike Wasno
Maryland


Matt Dunn
Ohio
 

Head of Education

Jim Barrette



Head of Temporalities


LeeAnn Meyer

Illinois



Head of Spirituality

Mallory Green

Missouri





 Vacant


Vacant
 

Ken Barrett

Ohio


Mallory Green

Missouri

Maureen O'Rourke

Ohio

Is Your Contact Information Accurate?

 

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!

 

MLC Google Map

 



Set Your Lenten Objective 
I didn't make a New Year's Resolution this year. Instead I started thinking about Lent. Every year Lent seems to sneak up on me. We are celebrating Christmas and then all of a sudden it is Ash Wednesday. Therefore I never seem to spend the proper time considering what to "give up" or actively do during Lent, let alone the meaning and purpose of my Lenten practices. Perhaps you can understand or relate to the feeling. So this year, I started reflecting on Lent early! It also helps that our parish bulletin has featured segments of an article about the seven basic steps to fasting.



The very first step is to "set your objective" and decide why you are fasting. This really got me thinking--in the past, I fasted (and usually hated every minute of it... I really don't like fasting) because it was Lent and that's what Catholics are supposed to do. I've never gone deeper. But this year I've set my objective and decided to fast for families. This year, when I struggle with fasting, I will find strength and perseverance by focusing on family. Nothing motivates me more than my family. My husband and two small boys are the reason I get out of bed every morning (this is literal because I have a newborn baby). But beyond my personal family, I can pray that our society increases the value and importance it places on family life. I can fast for all of the families torn apart by war, poverty, gangs, drugs, violence, and immigration laws. I can fast for our Marianist family, especially as we prepare for the Marianist Assembly in July (which will be family-friendly, by the way!)



This year, Lent begins on March 1. I encourage you to spend some time during the next 2 � weeks thinking and praying not only about what your Lenten sacrifice will be but also about why you are doing it. Set your objective and return to it throughout the 40 days.
 
And if you or your family need prayers this Lent (or anytime) email your prayer requests to us. Many prayers for your Lenten journey!



-LeeAnn

Community News! 
Congratulations to the new Hearth Lay Marianist Community! They made their commitment on Saturday, December 10th at the University of Dayton. Members of the Hearth Community include
Elizabeth Abrams, Lauren Chipchak, Eric Gerberick, Tom Lang, Abby Lisjak, Miranda Melone, Joe Twiner, Jamie Vieson.

 




The Maranatha Marianist Lay Community met on December 31st to share Eucharist and renew an annual consecration in the Marianist Family. On Chaminade Day, January 22nd, the community gathered to reflect on quotes from Fr. Chaminade and concluded with the Bicentennial Prayer which
Sr. Laura Leming, FMI, wrote in honor of the Sisters' and Brothers' bicentennial of their foundations. The prayer can be found at the marianist.com.



From L to R: Fr. Pat Tonry, SM, Linda Zappacosta, Karen Brenner, Kurt Brenner, Dave Scheid, Jerry Malfara, and Marian Malfara.



Congratulations to our Head of
Temporalities LeeAnn Meyer, husband
Brandon, and big brother Vincent on the birth of Francis on 12/29/16.


2017 Continental Assembly  
(C) GE Mullan-Used with Permission
Registration is now open for the Marianist Lay Continental Assembly July 13 - 16 at the University of Dayton.
For information go to: 


FAMILIES! We will be using a Cape May program for young family members.  PLEASE register early so we can make sure we have the necessary volunteer staff to work with the children and teens.



Scholarship funds and payment plans are available. See details on the registration page.  Register now and pay monthly.

 
This Assembly will be an opportunity for ALL Marianists to join together and commit to the Marianist Movement - to be a model of Church in the Modern World and Bring Christ to the World.



The gathering will include nationally recognized speakers such as Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, and Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS, as well as Marianist Movement promoter Bro. Ray Fitz, SM, former president of the University of Dayton. 


This gathering is open to everyone who shares the Marianist Charism - Lay, SM, FMI, members of Marianist associations, retreat centers, and those who want to learn more about the Marianists.
 
Please direct questions to: [email protected]



We are looking for volunteers to help plan and to help during the assembly.  Consider volunteering as a community!  It's a great way to serve and you already know who's on your team.  Send an email to us by clicking here.  And thanks to those who have already contacted us!
Marianist Family Retreat Center

The MFRC in Cape May, NJ offers unique family retreats in the Marianist spirit.  Join eight to ten families to form a Christ-centered community for a week or weekend. Mass and other family liturgies are complemented by skits, presentations, family sharing, peer group discussions, and fun activities. All join in community tasks. Retreat themes focus on family enrichment and spiritual development through affirmation, communication, reconciliation, commitment, and spreading the "Good News." For more information and online application visit www.capemaymarianists.org Apply Now!

Tecaboca Retreat Center 
Tecaboca provides Marianist retreat programs in the foothills just north of San Antonio.  Boys camp registration is open. 



Day Camp for Boys and Girls, June 5-9; Boys Camp, a two week residential camp, June 11-23 and June 25-July 7; Remuda Horse Camp for Boys, June 11-23 and June 25-July 7.  Girls Camp is Coming in 2018! Click here for more information.

Census Update - On-Line Form Available!
Thank you to all who have visited our web form - we have over 100 updated records. 



If you haven't updated your information, please take a few moments to fill out this brief questionnaire (it's a Google form).  Each member of a family should register separately so we have individual emails for future elections, etc. 
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 Assembly Team and the success of the 2017  MLC-NA Assembly.  May this be a fruitful time for the Marianist Movement.



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

 
For the homeless that they may find food, shelter, and support during the winter months.




For people suffering from heart and blood vessel diseases that they may receive treatment and feel the healing touch of Jesus.



For those who have suffered domestic violence, especially teen dating violence, that they may receive the support they need to break the cycle of abuse and be consoled by the Holy Family. 
 
Submit your prayer request here: Prayer Requests
Marianist Feast Days

Mar 19 
 
 
Mar 25 
St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Patron of the Society of Mary



Feast of the Annunciation -Patronal Feast of the Marianist Family
Your Annual Contribution Makes A Difference

We recently mailed our Annual Contribution Appeal via the postal service and email. If you did not receive a copy, you can find it here.



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.



We ask each Lay Marianist to contribute the equivalent of 2 hours wages.  (One for MLC-NA and one for the International Organization.)



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).



Our annual report will be sent out in early February once we have closed our 2016 books.



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