December 2, 2021
From Fr. Oscar Vasquez
Fr. Oscar new
Dear Brothers,


Message from the World Council of the Marianist Family

On November 26, a message from the World Council of the Marianist Family (WCMF) was sent to all province members. If you did not receive the document, click here to read it. Click here to read the WCMF objectives 2022-2025.

Reminders in Prayer

Please remember to pray for the intentions of the benefactors of the Marianist Mission and our many ministries. These days we continue to experience the violence, hatred and racism that separates our country. Let us unite ourselves in prayer for an end to these divisions. Have you signed the “civilize it” petition sponsored by the U.S. Bishops Conference?

Faustino Movement

As you may know, there is a movement among Marianists around the world to promote support for the beatification of Faustino. Bro. André Vernhes has been working diligently to strengthen this movement. He has done research on some of the groups that have formed around Faustino. Bro. André sent a newsletter to read in French and English.

Wellness Hints

Please click here for helpful information on wellness articles and links.

This Coming Week

  • December 2-3: Chaminade University Board & return to St. Louis
  • December 6-9: Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory visitation and preside at December 8 Mass
From Bro. Jesse O'Neill
Dear Brothers,


Submitted by Deacon Pat Wheadon, Office of Sponsorship

Head to Heart 2021

Head to Heart: A Marianist Charism Workshop offered by the Office of Sponsorship was held November 8–10 at the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center.

This year, we had 28 participants from 13 schools and the Marianist Retreat & Conference center. Click here for the list.

This workshop teaches ways to live the Marianist Charism in everyday experiences. It provides practical applications to deepen the expression of the Marianist Charism within a province-sponsored ministry. The workshop is designed for collaborators working in Marianist-sponsored schools and retreat centers.

Though challenges from the pandemic still exist, there was a hunger and openness to learning on the part of the participants.

This is a developmental opportunity to grow in understanding of the Marianist Charism with the intention of incorporating what participants learned into their personal and professional life and to assist them in the animation of the Marianist Charism in their ministry. The objectives are to:
  • Learn to live the Marianist Charism in everyday experiences
  • Deepen personal growth and discernment in their call to Marianist ministry
  • Learn practical applications to deepen the expression of the Marianist Charism within your work
  • Identify resources for support and set goals to further your growth after the workshop

The topics presented include:
  • Mission and Ministry
  • Understanding Charism
  • Community
  • Spirituality 
  • Understanding and incorporating all of these through a Marianist lens

The team included:
  • Erica Duarte – Marianist LIFE Coordinator
  • Bro. Mark Motz – National Vocation Director
  • Christine Spinner – Director of Campus Ministry, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
  • Deacon Patrick Wheadon – Office of Sponsorship
  • And supported by Deanna Snyder, Dan Donnelly and Larry Keller from the Office of Sponsorship.
From Bro. Joseph Markel
Bro. Joe Markel
Dear Brothers,


SCAM ALERT!

We have received the following alert from the Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration will never threaten, scare or pressure you to take immediate action.

If you receive a call, text, or email that…
  • Threatens to suspend your Social Security number, even if they have part or all of your Social Security number
  • Warns of arrest or legal action
  • Demands or requests immediate payment
  • Requires payment by gift card, prepaid debit card, internet currency, or by mailing cash
  • Pressures you for personal information
  • Requests secrecy
  • Threatens to seize your bank account
  • Promises to increase your Social Security benefit
  • Tries to gain your trust by providing fake “documentation”, false “evidence” or the name of a real government official

…IT IS A SCAM!

Do not give scammers money or personal information – Ignore Them!

Protect yourself and others from Social Security-related scams:
  • Try to stay calm. Do not provide anyone with money or personal information when you feel pressured, threatened or scared.
  • Hang up or ignore it. If you receive a suspicious call, text or email, hang up or do not respond. Government employees will not threaten you, demand immediate payment, or try to gain your trust by sending you pictures or documents.
  • If you have any questions about being contacted by the Social Security Administration, please contact the Office of Temporalities.
Office of Vocation Ministry - Bro. Mark Motz
Dear Brothers,


Vocation Refresher

“Ninety-nine percent of major superiors rate communal prayer and celebrating holidays/feast days together as important for healthy, community life.” (National Religious Vocation Conference, NRVC)

Take time this Advent to invite those curious about religious life and those currently in formation to gatherings, communal prayer and other activities to help them feel at home this holiday season.
Birthdays
Please pray for our Brothers who are celebrating their birthdays

December 3: W. Franz Schorp
December 4: Daniel Klco
December 7: Louis Fournier
December 8: Kenneth Thompson
On the Calendar
December 5: Second Sunday of Advent
December 8: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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.