January 3, 2019
From Fr. Oscar Vasquez
Dear Brothers,

Prayers Please

Just a reminder that Bro. Bernie Ploeger and I will be visiting India until January 15. With technology these days, we should still be accessible via email. In the case of an EMERGENCY or the need for IMMEDIATE response, please contact Fr. Tim Kenney at the Provincial Offices.  


Personnel Assignment

Beginning January 3,  Bro. Jean Dossous is assigned to the Kellenberg Marianist Community (Uniondale) with ministry at St. Martin de Porres Marianist School. 
From Fr. Tim Kenney
Dear Brothers,

Happy New Year

On behalf of the Office of Religious Life, we wish everyone in our Marianist Family the blessings of our great God as we anticipate many spiritual experiences together in 2019!
Spiritual Reading Proposal

A wise person once commented, “find a spiritual practice and do it as if your life depends on it.” All of us read many books that enhance our spiritual life. What are you reading for your own spiritual reflection as you begin 2019? If you would like to share the name of the book, the author, the publisher and one sentence about the book, I will put a list out each month of what the Brothers are reading. I find it helpful when people recommend to me a good spiritual book. Hopefully, this could be another way in which we can help one another in 2019. Please send me an email with the subject: Spiritual Reading Recommendation. 

Parish Ministry Survey

A reminder that before Christmas everyone received a link to a survey on Marianist parish ministry. If you have not had a chance, please complete the survey. We would like to hear from Province membership by January 15, 2019.

Sabbatical Request

A reminder that in an earlier "Provincial Council Notes" we asked anyone who is anticipating a request for a sabbatical in 2019 to complete this form and email it to me.
From Bro. Jesse O'Neill
Dear Brothers,

A New Year’s Story of Hope and Joy


Jamar Mosley is the director of our Marianist Urban Students Program (MUSP) at Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He recently shared this story with me below about one of his students. Thanks to Jamar for his work in making a difference in the lives of his students.

"I just had to take a moment to share my thoughts about Brandon Dixon. His work ethic and commitment to understanding the content is a breath of fresh air. He takes advantage of every opportunity presented to him and puts forth his best effort to make the most of them.  

I have even seen him grow in his learning from 1st quarter until now. In the past, he would let his frustration get the best of him when he was unable to grasp a concept quickly, so much so that it would block his ability to learn. But in such a short time frame, he has transformed his once negative attitude towards a challenge to embracing the challenge. He is a joy to work with and has become a leader in my classroom."
Brandon Dixon with MUSP director Jamar Mosley was named “Student of the Month.” Brandon currently has all As and one B.
Office of JPIC - Brian Reavey
Dear Brothers,

Monthly JPIC Resource 

Happy 2019, partners in ministry! As Fr. Tim Kenney mentioned in previous issues of "Notes", the Office of JPIC transitioned into the Office of Religious Life. With the goal of delving deeper into the spirituality of justice, peace and integrity of creation as a province, we present you with the first Monthly JPIC Resource for SM Communities. We hope this provides an opportunity for ongoing conversation, education, formation and prayer for you and your community. Each month will have a different theme, and this month's theme is Racial Justice. In addition to suggested reading materials and discussion questions, there is also a prayer service focused on racial healing. Feel free to utilize this JPIC Resource as is, or adapt it as necessary to best meet the needs of your group. Please let us know how we can further assist you and your JPIC efforts at any time.


Linking Justice & Peace in the Lectionary 

Below you will find a homily resource from CMSM members and other people of wisdom in our community for your reflection. If you are not preparing homilies, please consider sharing with your local presider.

Sunday, January 6th by Don Timmerman, Catholic Worker
Office of Vocation Ministry - Bro. Mark Motz
Dear Brothers,

Retreat

This weekend, January 4-6 will be our annual contact retreat. Please keep the 11 young men and women in your prayers as they participate in the retreat.  

Please see next week’s “Notes” for the update from the Vocation Office which will include more information about the contact retreat.
Birthdays
Please pray for our brothers who are celebrating their birthdays

January 6: Thomas Deasy, Ralph Neumann
January 7: John Bakle
January 9: Quentin Hakenewerth, Rudy Vela
January 10: Donald Smith
On the Calendar
January 10: Death of Blessed Adèle de Batz de Trenquelléon
This publication is for members of the Society of Mary. Please do not forward it. Also, please provide a printed copy for brothers who do not use email.