Update on the Marianist PULSE program
As you may remember, the Provincial Council paused the PULSE program for the 2020-2021 school year in April of 2020. The time allowed the Provincial Council to form a Review Committee (Click here for the members) to look at all aspects of our recruiting, policies, procedures and best practices from other similar Catholic groups. The Review Committee submitted its findings in October 2020 to the Province Council.
The Review Committee was positive in its report. In the spirit of making this program even better, there were recommendations for both the Provincial Council and the director. One of the recommendations was the concern that it is difficult for the Provincial Office to support the PULSE program due to distance and the unique issues and concerns of young adults beginning their professional lives. To this end, we have asked the University of Dayton to oversee the program for the Province. The Province is thankful that President Eric Spina accepted this request. Fr. James Fitz, vice president for Mission and Rector, was pleased to serve as Ms. Maureen O'Rourke's supervisor at the university and, as appropriate, will facilitate the university's support. It is important to stress that the PULSE program remains a Marianist Province program and that the Province will continue to support and pay expenses for the program. Ms. O'Rourke will continue to be the director of the PULSE program. This change in the program's reporting will not change the PULSE goals and assistance to agencies and people in need.
Please pray for Maureen and all those involved in the program, as we have already been actively recruiting for the 2021-2022 program year. Please join us in encouraging young adults interested in a year of service and formation in the Marianist Charism to apply at marianist.com/PULSE
Thank you to U.D. for their generous support in this endeavor.
