Dear Brothers:

District of India

I am in India through this Saturday, Jan. 3, attending the District Assembly, installing new leadership on Jan. 1, and presiding at the perpetual vow celebration on Jan. 2. This is an important event for the brothers in India as they plan for their future, address challenges, and celebrate the growth of the Society of Mary in India. I am deeply grateful for your prayers for our Indian brothers. Fr. John Thompson was to have accompanied me on this visit, but his visa was not issued in time. I'm grateful to John for his willingness to go.

Having completed his three-year term as assistant district superior, Fr. Jack McGrath will return permanently to the Province in March, staying at the Chambers Street community in Dayton before becoming a permanent member of the novitiate community. Jack will continue to teach in the UD program in Bangalore and will assist with classes at the novitiate. We welcome him back and thank him for his generous service to the District of India.

Fr. Kip Stander and Fr. Jack McGrath in India in 2013

Fr. Kip Stander also will return permanently to the Province, arriving in mid-January after the District Assembly. Kip will stay in San Antonio initially and then attend a sabbatical program at the Mercy Center in Colorado Springs during February and March. His future assignment is pending. We welcome Kip back to the Province and thank him, as well, for his generosity and service to the District of India.

Personnel

Fr. Mike Nartker and Bro. Bill Schlosser have completed their sabbatical programs: Mike at the Ministry to Ministers program at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio; Bill at the MTM in San Antonio and the Manziana Third Age program in Italy. In January, both will become members of the Governor's Island community in Ohio.

It is with sadness that I announce that Bro. Brian Halderman has requested a period of exclaustration. This request was approved by Fr. Manuel Cort�s for a period of 18 months. Brian will continue in his position at the University of Texas in San Antonio. I have assured Brian that we will pray for him and support him with fraternal care and concern.

Please continue to pray for Bro. Steve Glodek as he progresses with therapy following his stroke just before Thanksgiving. Signs are good that a full recovery is possible. Let's also pray for all brothers who are ill.  

Consultation - Assistant Provincial 

You should have received an email yesterday regarding the consultation for assistant provincial. I ask all Province members to return the consultation to Rome by Jan. 20. Many thanks for your attention to this important consultation. If you did not receive the email, contact Diane Guerra. 

Office of JPIC

Beginning July 1, the Province JPIC office will move from the West Pine Provincial office to the Marianist Center in Philadelphia. The relocation will provide for greater efficiency for Brian Reavey's time at the Marianist International (Marianist NGO) at the United Nations in New York and will be more economical in travel time and expenses. Thanks to the Marianist Center for this accommodation. Brian will continue serving the Province in his present capacity, devoting about 25 percent of his time to Marianist International, which is generously supported by the General Administration in Rome.

World Council of the Marianist Family

The World Council of the Marianist Family met in Rome Nov. 12 - 14. Read the meeting report. Read a report of the group's objectives for 2014-2017. The Council is chaired by Sr. Franca Zonta of the Marianist Sisters; the leadership will move to Fr. Manuel Cort�s in the coming year.

Happy New Year

On behalf of the Provincial Council, I wish all Province members a blessed and happy New Year. Please pray for our three Indian brothers who will profess perpetual vows on Jan. 2: Bro. Balaswamy, Bro. George Hans and Bro. Peter Paul K.

Fraternally,