Dear Brothers:

Around the Province       

The members of the General Administration arrived in San Antonio on Monday to begin the last stage of their visit to the Province. After San Antonio, they will visit the communities in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Cape May before returning to St. Louis for a final meeting with the Provincial Council. We welcome them, once again, to the Province.

We were all saddened by the news of the stroke that Bro. Steve Glodek suffered about 10 days ago. After a stay in the hospital, he is now in a rehabilitation center near the Philadelphia community, receiving intensive speech therapy. We will share information as it becomes available. There is every hope that Steve will make a full recovery. Your prayers for him, and for all brothers who are sick, are greatly appreciated.

One final reminder: If you have not already completed the consultation for Provincial leadership, please do so before the Dec. 12 deadline. Your attention to this is much appreciated.

Congratulations to the Province communities that have begun the Year of Consecrated Life with energy and intention. This special year, along with our Retreat Assembly planned for next June, will be a moment of grace for us. Let us pray for one another during this season of waiting and anticipation.

Fraternally,

Dear Brothers:

Advent    

Advent is here, and Christmas is less than a month away. We may feel there is much to be done. Actually, our concern is not that Christmas is near. Our focus should be that Jesus is near!  

Advent challenges us to see our lives not as a disjointed set of experiences and circumstances, but as a pilgrimage to God - a journey in which every moment, every step, is a new revelation of God's presence in our midst. The Advent season calls us to be watchful.  

We will hear those watchful words of encouragement from the striking words of the Old Testament prophets and from the gospel words of Jesus. These words will encourage us to see our lives as an Advent of anticipation, an Advent of joy, and an Advent of possibilities for realizing God's goodness in our lives. We can then bring that goodness into the Advent of those who need our love.

Marianist Ordo for the Year of Grace +2015

Read your own copy of the Marianist Ordo for the Year of Grace +2015. A printed copy has been mailed to each community of the Province. Please post the new Ordo in your community's sacristy.  

Year of Consecrated Life

We have just begun the Year of Consecrated Life proclaimed by Pope Francis. In our last edition of "Notes," I mentioned Bro. Tom Wendorf's great suggestions for observing this important time.   

This week I offer you a beautiful Advent Prayer Service for the Year of Consecrated Life, which includes faith sharing questions. Read the memo and prayer service from the Province Committee for the Year of Consecrated Life. Our thanks to Bro. Frank O'Donnell and committee!

Also, please read a lovely letter about this special year from the MLNNA.  

Fr. Emile Neubert, SM

Bro. John Samaha writes that the Franciscans of the Immaculate, who are great promoters of Fr. Neubert's writings, have published a new attractive and affordable edition of "My Ideal, Jesus, Son of Mary." Order this Marianist classic. Thanks Bro. John! 

Changes

Paul Donohue has accepted a dispensation from Pope Francis from his Marianist perpetual vows and the clerical state. Let us remember Paul in our prayer.

Jubilee celebrations

Read the dates and places of jubilee celebrations in 2015. These dates will be placed on the PORTAL.

Beautiful Tributes

Fr. Paul Fitzpatrick preached a beautiful homily at Fr. Dan Doyle's funeral in Hollywood, and Fr. Steve Tutus did the same at Bro. Pat McMahon's funeral in Cupertino. Thank you Fr. Paul and Fr. Steve! Read Fr. Paul's homily and Fr. Steve's homily.