We have just concluded the 22nd session of the Provincial Chapter. I will write a more extensive report on the work of the Chapter in the near future. Considerable time was taken with the sponsorship program and issues around zonal restructuring and Province development. The exchanges among the Chapter members were lively, helpful and insightful. 

Bro. Leo

I am especially grateful for the efforts of Bro. Max Magnan and the superiors of the dependent units. The Chapter gave a special commendation to Bro. Leo Slay and the Marycliff community for hosting our Saturday evening meal and social. Gratitude also is extended to Sr. Paulette and the staff of MRCC.

The Chapter found the responses from the area pre-Chapter meetings helpful. Most areas have planned for post-Chapter meetings. This structure has become a helpful tool in promoting Province engagement with the work of the Provincial Chapter. I thank the area coordinators for their assistance in organizing these gatherings and forwarding the reports in a timely fashion.

Fr. Larry

At the conclusion of the Chapter, we thanked Fr. Larry Doersching. This Chapter session marked Larry's 50th time serving as recording secretary for a Provincial Chapter meeting. We look forward to his diamond anniversary!

BRO. JEAN

Bro. Jean Dossous from Haiti has arrived in the United States. We were asked to accept this young religious into the Province after the closing of the Marianist Foundation in Haiti, following the tragedy there several months ago. I am bringing him to Dayton where he will join the Trinity Avenue community and begin an intensive English program. Fr. Fran�ois Rossier will accompany him during his first months. We welcome Bro. Jean to the Province and look forward to his engagement with the Province members.

GEORGE KEMMETT

With sadness, I share the news that George Kemmett has requested dispensation from his perpetual vows. We have been in communication over the past six months, and George has been working with a counselor in reaching this important decision. George will travel to the United States in mid-March, then return to the Philippines where he has applied for a teaching position. We regret losing a young and effective religious. But we offer George our gratitude for sharing our life and mission for the past 14 years and promise him our prayers as his life takes a different turn. George's petition for dispensation has been forwarded to the General Administration for its approval and for processing at the Vatican.

DAYTON VISITATION

From March 13 - 18, the Provincial Council will visit the Dayton communities, the third and final "area visitation" for the year. On March 18, the Council will meet with Dayton brothers to share plans for development in this area of the Province. On March 19, a video will be made available to all members of the Province, sharing the content of the Dayton meeting. Your prayers for these visitations are greatly appreciated.

As we near the mid-point of Lent, let us keep one another in prayer.