On Monday, we concluded the 25th session of the Provincial Chapter.

Thanks to Bro. Joe Kamis and preparatory commission members for their good work, to Fr. Oscar Vasquez for his service as moderator, and to Fr. George Cerniglia for serving as Chapter secretary. Fr. Larry Doersching was the recording secretary for the 54th time!

Our discussions were substantive, the atmosphere fraternal, and the prayer very rich. Presentations from Bro. Augustus Surin, district superior of India, and Fr. Raymundo Dom�nguez Gonz�lez, sector coordinator of Mexico, were well presented and well received. I will send a report to the Province membership about the work of the Chapter in due time.

Province 2018 Assembly

As a heads-up: The Chapter recommends we ask Province members their opinions about the timing of the next Province Assembly. We've been informed by the General Administration that, because of the timing of the General Chapter, we may not install a new Provincial Council until after the conclusion of the General Chapter, which runs July 8-29, 2018.

After consulting with the co-chairs -- Bro. Jack Ventura and Fr. Tim Kenney -- we will distribute an online survey that offers several options. When you receive it, please respond quickly so we can determine dates and a venue for the assembly.

The Marianist Lay Network of North America continental assembly will be at the University of Dayton July 12-16, 2017. We encourage Province members to mark their calendars for these dates and consider attending. Read more. 

This Sunday, I leave for Rome and a meeting of the Extended General Council. The EGC brings together the presidents of the zonal conferences with the General Council to discuss governance, mission, community life, and the approval of the Solidarity Fund distribution. Of special concern are issues around zonal configuration in light of the upcoming General Chapter.

During Holy Week, Joe and I will have our spring conference calls with the Marianist Conference (Region of Canada and Province of Meribah) and the Marianist Family Council of North America. These entities keep us connected with the wider Marianist Family in North America.

Soon we will begin Holy Week and our celebration of the death and resurrection of Our Lord. May this continue to be a time of grace and blessing for us as a Province. Let us remember to pray especially for brothers in initial formation and brothers who are ill.

The Provincial Council has appointed Bro. Victor Forlani as director of Mount St. John for three years. He will coordinate the common activities of the Marianist ministries on the property and promote their educational and formational mission. We thank Victor for his willingness to serve the Province in this important ministry.

Bro. Victor

Fr. Kip

The Provincial Council has asked Fr. Kip Stander to be the Province representative for the African Faith and Justice Network. The province holds a board position with this organization.

March against bullying

Join us May 6 for the world's largest anti-bullying rally. The "Million T-Shirt March Against Bullying" creates awareness and raises funds to combat youth bullying. Our Province co-sponsors this national rally. Learn more.


Lenten resource

The Ignatian Solidarity Network is offering a daily Lenten reflection as part of its "Lift Every Voice" series. The series draws on Ignatian spirituality to encourage participants to journey toward racial justice through the light of the Gospel.

A number of Province members have been receiving the daily reflections and find them challenging and inspiring. Learn more.

Fraternally,