Regular Notes Schedule

Beginning with this issue of Notes from the Provincial Council, we will resume our weekly publication schedule.

As you may remember, Bro. Bernie Ploeger and I have used the Solemnity of the Assumption each year, during our mandate, to share a special message via a video with you from the Provincial Council. Because of the special situations this summer, we will be sharing that message with you on September 8, the Nativity of Mary.

The Provincial Council has been in dialogue with our Superior General, Fr. André Fétis, and the General Council concerning the visit scheduled for September, October and December 2020. The General Council has decided to postpone the September and October visit dates. The General Council will decide about the December 2020 dates later. Once new dates have been set, we will advise the members of the Province. Obviously, even these plans will have to remain tentative until our world health situation improves.

Bro. Juan Manuel Azamar has successfully passed all exams and completed his Licientura in Ciencias Religiosas. This is the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies. Congratulations!

With the recommendation of the Indian District Council and the approval of the Provincial Council, Fr. Jinu Muthukattil (completing his term as District Assistant, Religious Life) has been approved by Fr. André Fétis to be the Novice Master for the District of India. The appointment was official with the beginning of the new personnel year. Bro. Dilip Tirkey will continue as the Assistant Novice Master. The Province gives thanks for the service of Fr. Chinnaiah Polishetty, former Novice Master, to the District of India.

The Indian Novitiate team has begun the new year with the following novices:

First-year Novices

Second-year Novices

Please click here to read the newsletter created by Fr. Jinu to mark the beginning of the new Novitiate year.

As we begin another ministerial year, let us join together in prayer. I would ask that all communities in the Province offer the following intentions during the communion Mass/Prayer:

Please click here for helpful resources on surviving in this time of COVID.

The personnel for the Community Year 2020-2021 has gone to the printer. Due to the need to finalize assignments, you will see that there are still some “TBDs” in places. I would like to explain those related to the various positions that require a consultation or election.

Consultations/Ballots will be sent to the communities as appropriate the week of August 24 indicating, as necessary, those eligible and the date by which materials need to be returned.

Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.

As stated in the special Notes from the Provincial Council (dated August 10, 2020), the Provincial Council decided that the Directors’ Meeting would be moved to a virtual format from 1:00–4:00 pm (CST) on Friday, October 2, 2020. Please note that this is Central Time.

Chicago Schuller has been a Marianist Contact for several years, working with Bro. Mark Motz. Chicago recently graduated from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a minor in Political Science. Chicago has been asked to move to one of our formation communities in Dayton, Stonemill-Kiefaber, where he will continue his discernment journey. Welcome Chicago!

Let us continue to pray for our Brothers who are on retreat these days at Siena Woods Community and Governor’s Island. Let’s also remember Bro. Justin Quiroz as he renews his temporary vows on August 15 at Governor's Island. 

Let us continue to pray for Bro. Brandon Paluch and Bro. Michael Chiuri as they continue to prepare for their upcoming ordination.

In 1996, the Society of Mary adopted the Characteristics of Marianist Education (CME) to articulate the common elements of the Marianist educational tradition. For nearly 25 years, these Characteristics have stimulated thought and action to embody and express the Marianist Charism in educational settings.

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the CMEs, we have published an updated pamphlet on the CMEs whose narrative reflects the mission of Marianist education in our world today. Your director should have received copies for each member of the community this week. I encourage each community to spend some time in the months ahead discussing the CME’s. I believe these updated pamphlets can serve as a reminder of the value of a Catholic, Marianist education and help us appreciate the important role they serve in educating and evangelizing youth.

August 16: Richard Thompson

August 17: Paul Fitzpatrick, Robert Hanss, Lawrence Schoettelkotte

August 19: David McGuigan

August 13: Blessed Jakob Gapp, priest and martyr

August 15: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 17: Provincial Council Conference Call