December 20, 2018
From Fr. Oscar Vasquez
Dear Brothers,


Another Marianist document release

This past week, we all received the report from the World Council of the Marianist Family. If you had a problem downloading the document, click here.  


Merry Christmas
 
A we prepare to celebrate Christmas, the provincial council and the West Pine staff wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.  


Marianist vocation ministry

Bro. Mark Motz had a wonderful article in the San Antonio Catholic newspaper entitled “They said yes…. now it’s my turn.” Since not all of us receive the San Antonio newspaper, you can read the article here. Please remember that we are all called to assist in vocation ministry. Question: What are you doing to support and encourage vocations? 


Personnel assignment

Beginning in June, 2019, Bro. John Laudenbach is assigned to the Salve Marianist Community (St. Louis) with ministry at the Marianist Provincial Office and the St. Louis communities in maintenance support.


Trip to India

As we have announced in the past, Bro. Bernie Ploeger and I will be visiting India from December 29 to January 15. We are both so looking forward to this visit and to get to know our brothers and ministries. 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.


Certification & diocesan recognition

Bro. Juan Pablo Espinoza (Juárez community) passed the testing requirement to receive a certificate as an administrator in the Mexican educational system. The certification allows him to be an administrator of a school at any level. Congratulations! Bro. Juan Pablo was also recognized for his leadership skills at the recent diocesan meeting for religious. He was selected by other religious in the Diocese of Juárez to be on the advisory/leadership council for religious. He will serve as the treasurer.  
From Bro. Bernie Ploeger
Dear Brothers,

Personnel assignment

Bro. Joseph Kamis has accepted assignment to the Marianist Residence Community on the campus of St. Mary’s University beginning in February, 2019. He will serve as an assistant to Bro. Mike O’Grady, director, in the care of our senior brothers. We are very grateful for Joe’s willingness to serve in this fraternal ministry.
From Fr. Tim Kenney
Dear Brothers,

Visitation to Saint Anthony Parish and Marianist Community (Maui)

I just returned from 5 days of meeting many people connected with our parish and school on the island of Maui. In the spirit of this third week of Advent, it was really a time of joy and witness. I celebrated Eucharist several times, ate some wonderful food, interacted with a variety of people, witnessed a delightful Advent-Christmas program put on by the children and participated in Simbang Gabi Novena. I met and spoke with: 
  • Members of the parish pastoral council
  • Faculty/staff of the school 
  • Marianist lay community and fellow collaborators
  • Members of the Marianist religious community where five of our brothers live 
  • Parish staff

The first Marianist Brothers arrived on Maui to run St. Anthony School in 1883! In 1976, the Marianists assumed pastorship of Saint Anthony’s. Family life, youth and faith formation are the top priorities of the parish at this time. Nine hundred and seventy-six families are registered in the parish.
Some of the members of the Marianist lay community in Maui gathered who with me for conversation.
Marianist Parish Ministry Survey

Recently, I invited the province membership to participate in a survey and share your thoughts on Marianist parish ministry. The results of this survey will be shared with the religious life advisory council, the provincial council and provincial chapter members. I invite you to enter into the conversation and share your ideas on this important ministry as we plan and dream for the future. Complete this survey by Jan 15, 2019.

We have discovered that there were some technical issues with the survey and apologize for any errors or confusion that you may have experienced. We believe we have corrected the technical errors. Also, another option has been added to question number 2 which allows those not in parish ministry at the time to complete the survey. If you have already completed the survey, rest assured, we have received your responses even if you did not receive a confirmation screen.

Advent Countdown

  • The world tells us this is a time of plenty and extravagance. Give us eyes as Marianists, O God, to see those who do not have the basic needful things of life.
  • The Scriptures tell us this is a time of waiting with joyful hope. Give us ears as Marianists, O God, to hear this message and to glory in its promise.
  • Mary tells us that you are a God of surprises and incredible miracles. Give us minds as Marianists, O God, open to believe in your power in our midst and in our community life.
  • John the Baptist tells us that it is time to make straight the pathways of the Lord, to do what is right and just for everyone. Give us the courage to act as Marianists with justice, compassion, and mercy, O God, in everything we do.
  • The season of Advent tells us the great good news of our salvation, the incredible gift of God becoming one of us in the humblest of circumstances. Give us hearts wide enough as Marianist religious, O God, to embrace this wonderful mystery, and to spread that love and conviction to the humblest among us. 
  • The Spirit tells us not to fear, to test everything, to trust in God’s goodness and God’s faith in us. Give us as Marianists the spirit to embrace this promise, and let it guide us in our service to others as we approach 2019!
From Bro. Jesse O'Neill
Dear Brothers,

Congratulations to Bro. Justin   

Bro. Justin Quiroz received a Master of Science in Education degree this past Saturday at the University of Dayton with a certificate in technology enhanced learning. Bro. Justin presently teaches at both Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School and Our Lady of the Rosary Elementary School in Dayton. Congratulations Justin!!


A story of Advent hope and joy

Submitted by Jessica Sherwen , program director at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, New Jersey

During Advent, families are challenged to balance the spiritual preparations with the physical ones. While it’s often difficult to find peace amidst the busy-ness, many families refocus by attending the Advent family retreat weekends at the Marianist Family Retreat Center.

One of the highlights of the retreat is the lighting of the Jesse Tree. This tree lighting is the culmination of a night filled with joy-filled reflection and fun. After dinner, we gather to begin preparing the ornaments. Not only do the families decorate traditional Jesse Tree ornaments, they also create an ornament that represents the people in their lives who helped nurture a spirit of joyful hope in their families. Using sequins, ribbon and glue, families honor people who are a living part of Jesus’ family tree.

Later that night, we gather in the chapel to decorate the Jesse tree. After we’ve hung the traditional ornaments, each family comes up and shares their family ornament. Grandparents, friends, and even Marianist brothers are named as people who have lit the way for Christ coming into this world. Finally, we turn off the chapel lights, turn on the Jesse Tree lights, and sing “Silent Night.”  

It is difficult to describe the joy that fills the room as we sit in silence and gaze in awe at a tree that represents the people in our lives that sustain our hope. As we prepare for Christ coming into our lives each and every day, may we continue to foster that same Advent spirit. 
Jesse Tree Cape May
Advent Retreat families gaze upon the Jesse Tree as they listen to Silent Night.
Office of Vocation Ministry - Bro. Mark Motz
Dear Brothers,

Vocation Minister Spotlight

Bro Dave Murphy epitomizes what I would like to highlight in this monthly Vocation Minister Spotlight. Bro. Dave keeps vocations on the forefront of his mind and uses his gifts to help foster a culture of vocations. One of Bro. Dave’s biggest gifts is his ability to ask questions and then truly enjoy the answer. Whether it is at a school, a vocation booth, on the bus or anywhere in between, Bro. Dave is able to start up conversation with anyone and ask them great questions. These questions are more than “How are you” with the stereotypical response “fine.” Bro. Dave’s questions provoke thought and a deliberate answer. I have seen Bro. Dave ask a young person if they have ever thought about religious life, and if they didn’t before they will after. For some of us, that question may put young people on the spot, but Bro. Dave has a way of making them feel comfortable, at ease and safe. I think Bro. Nich Perez, CSC, best captured this in his documentary-visual essay on Bro. Dave. Watch this short video about Bro. Dave that helps depict his many gifts.

Bro. Dave keeps vocations on the forefront of his mind and uses his gifts to help foster a culture of vocations. How can you help foster this culture of vocations? Do you know someone in your community or ministry that would be a good vocation minister to highlight?  Please let me know.  
Bro Dave Murphy
Prayers for retreat

Please keep the upcoming contact retreat in your prayers. Six young men and five young women will gather in the Los Angeles area for a retreat facilitated by Frs. Ken Templin and Jim Heft. This retreat will also include a panel that includes Bros. Dave Murphy, Tom Oles, Sr. Nicole Trahan and myself.
Birthdays
Please pray for our brothers who are celebrating their birthdays

December 22: Timothy Pieprzyca
December 24: Michael Kraszewski, Edward Unferdorfer
December 25: Joseph Kamis
December 27: Paul Hoffman
December 28: Theodore Ley, LeRoy Viera
December 30: Stanley Zubek
December 31: Charles Stander
On the Calendar
December 25: Merry Christmas
December 27: Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Editor's Note
This will be the final issue of "Notes" this year. We will continue on January 3, 2019.
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.