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CALENDAR
Provincial Chapter
St. Louis
March 5 - 9
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L.A. Religious Education Congress
March 12 - 15
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From Fr. Marty Solma
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Dear Brothers:
Provincial Chapter
Today we begin the Provincial Chapter. Thanks to the area coordinators who organized pre-Chapter meetings and to the many brothers who participated. The agenda for the Chapter is full. Bro. Augustus Surin will represent the District of India and Fr. Raymundo Dom�nguez Gonz�lez will represent the Sector of Mexico. Please keep the work of this Chapter in your prayers.
Bro. Augustus and Fr. Raymundo
Rachel Lozano
Last week, the Maryland Avenue community in St. Louis hosted Rachel Baumgartner Lozano and her mother, Karen, for Eucharist and dinner. Although we are deeply disappointed at the recent decision by the group of medical consultants at the Vatican, we are grateful for the "miracle" that Rachel experienced, even if this is not officially recognized as such. Let us continue to pray through the intercession of Blessed Chaminade for our special needs.
Provincial Council consultations
Bro. Joe Kamis and I are still processing the consultations for membership on the Provincial Council. We hope to complete this process in the near future and request ratification of Council members from the General Administration.
With prayers for all of you during this season of prayer, fasting and charity.
Fraternally,
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From Fr. Bill Meyer
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My Dear Brothers: . In this past Monday's Gospel we heard Jesus' Sermon on the Plain from Luke: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Writer Anne Lamott describes the quality of mercy as "like being on a seesaw when you're a little kid. The excitement is in having someone to play with, and in rising up in the air, but then you're at the mercy of those holding you up ... if they leap up, (you) crash down and get hurt."  To be merciful is to care about those caught "up in the air" of the seesaw of life, to realize the precariousness of their situation and difficulty of their circumstances, and to know we can be the means to bring them down gently and carefully. For those who are merciful, there is no fun in letting those on the other side of the seesaw come crashing to the earth and hurting themselves. Mercy finds no joy in seeing the struggling fall. The spirit of God's mercy that Jesus calls us to embrace puts aside self-righteous judgment and condemnation: "Well, what did you expect? You made this mess; you can clean it up! You had it coming!" The mercy of God compels us to reach out, lift up and forgive -- as God forgives and lifts us up, at one time or another. Lent is a great time to think about how God has been merciful to us. The message is clear. Don't be too quick to jump off the seesaw. My brothers, during this Lenten season, let us make a conscious effort not to criticize or condemn. Let's pray for one another that we don't get caught up in harsh judgments and severe reprimands, no matter how deserved. Seek to be the means of mercy: to help your brother or sister on the other side of the seesaw to land gently. Webinars worth watching
"SLIconnect" from St. Luke Institute announces two upcoming Webinars. If you can't make a presentation, the $25 registration fee includes unlimited access to the on-demand recording.
More information and registration.
"Spiritual Care: Cultivating a Listening Heart"
Thursday, March 19
1-2 p.m. (EST)
Rev. Paul Scaglione offers ways to cultivate the listening and self-reflection skills needed to accompany others on the spiritual journey.
"Understanding Addiction in a Ministry Setting"
Thursday, April 23
1-2 p.m. (EST)
Dr. Stephen Carrol explores research on the role of religious beliefs and spirituality on the development of and treatment of addictions.
With fraternal affection,
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From the Office of Development
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 Dear Brothers: Lay Marianist Jessica Gonz�lez has been named Hispanic marketing manager for the Marianist Mission, where she will help increase outreach to Hispanic audiences through the Mission's card and prayer ministry. Jessica served at the University of Dayton as an admission counselor, where she launched an international alumni program. She is a certified college admission consultant and  works with Hispanic families throughout the college admission and financial aid process. Welcome, Jessica! Allison Hewitt, executive director
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From the Office of JPIC
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Dear Brothers:
South Sudan
Since December 2013, the war in South Sudan has claimed the lives of 50,000 people, uprooted an estimated 1.9 million people, and placed more than 7 million at risk of hunger and disease. Just two weeks ago, 89 school boys were kidnapped in South Sudan by an armed group and have been sighted undergoing military training, despite the law banning this. UNICEF estimates that, over the past 14 months, 12,000 children were recruited as child soldiers.
We invite you to take action on these advocacy opportunities: *Ask President Barack Obama, Secretary John Kerry and National Security Advisor Susan Rice to "Push for a comprehensive arms embargo on South Sudan." *Join in solidarity with "United to End Genocide." Capital punishment Read an article from the editorial boards of four Catholic publications about ending capital punishment.
Marianist Social Justice Collaborative On behalf of Jim Vogt, director of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC), we invite all brothers to sign up to receive MSJC's monthly e-newsletter, "Justice Jottings." It's a valuable resource with many advocacy opportunities, inspirational reflections, and educational tools. Visit MSJC's recently updated website to read the latest issue of "Justice Jottings." There is a link to sign up for the newsletters, or email me and I will sign you up.
In justice and peace,
Brian Reavey, director
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From the General Administration
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Note: This publication is designed for brothers only, so I would ask you not to forward it. If you can't see the photos, click on the link at the top of this newsletter. Also, please print this out and share with brothers who do not use e-mail.
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