Dear Brothers,

Provincial Chapter

 

The Provincial Chapter is just around the corner. I’d ask Communities to pray for the blessings of the Spirit upon our Provincial Chapter.

This Coming Week

• February 26-27: Board Meeting, Colegio San José

• February 28: Provincial Chapter begins

Dear Brothers,

28th Session of the Provincial Chapter

Next week, Thursday evening, the 28th Session of the Provincial Chapter will convene at the Marianist Retreat and Conference Center. I would encourage any communities/areas that have not as yet met to discuss the two starter questions and the various reports with the members of the Chapter from your region, to please do so. Your reflections enrich the Chapter deliberations. Also, please take notes of your discussions and submit them to me. They will be posted to the Province portal with the other Chapter materials. As always, please include as a part of your community and personal prayer that the Spirit will guide our work. Thank you. 

Reminder

All Communities are required to complete the educational component that is a part of our commitment to the prevention of sexual abuse of minors. Directors received a signature sheet at the October meeting which must be returned. The due date for the return of these forms is April 30, 2019. While this is still a little over two months away, to date, I have only received the confirmation of the completion sheet from nine of our 31 communities. Please be sure to schedule time for this now if you’ve not done so already. More than ever, it is very important that we act with prudence and fully demonstrate our observance of the commitments that we have made. Thanks very much for your attention to this serious obligation. 

Dear Brothers,

Province Retreat Sign Up

I sent an email last week inviting you to register for one of our seven Province retreats, if you haven't already done so, you should register now for your retreat.

Spiritual Reading



February is designated Black History Month and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recently approved a document on racism "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love — A Pastoral Letter Against Racism," I thought I would make it convenient for you to glance over the letter and use it for your own personal reflection during this month. 

Finally, I'd like to leave you with a quote for your own reflection. The following is an excerpt from Jesus Approaches by Elizabeth M. Kelly.

“Silence speaks to the character of God, the essence and nature of God, in a way that words, songs, and writing do not. It creates room for awe, which the Church teaches us is really the only appropriate response to a real encounter with God. But this silence is not simply an hour spent here or there in adoration—though that’s a good thing to do: it is more of a posture to be drawn into all of life.”

Visiting Mount Saint John

I am here on our beautiful grounds in this winter season visiting the Novitiate, attending a variety of meetings and, today, witnessing the wonderful work in the gallery of our artists Bros. Joe Barrish, John Lemker, Louis Fournier, Don Smith and Fr. Mike Nartker. Going next door to see the creative work of Bro. Gary Marcinowski. 

Bro. Louis Fournier at the Marianist Art Gallery, Mount Saint John

Dear Brothers,

What’s happening

February 24-Dayton:

• Meet with Savio Franco, Leadership Development 

• Meet with Bro. Tom Redmond, NACMS

February 25-Dayton:

• Marianist Foundation Meeting, University of Dayton

February 26-Akron, Ohio:

• Visit St. Vincent-St. Mary High School

February 28-St Louis:

• Province Chapter begins

A Story of Hope and Joy

Submitted by Tim Cullen , president of St. Anthony School in Maui.

Last week, our LIFE team passed out personal note cards, a box of candy and a prayer card to EVERY K thru 12 staff member at St. Anthony School. What a great way to start our day and feel connected in the family spirit!

Dear Brothers,

From our Colleagues at CMSM

National Emergency?

President Trump recently declared a national emergency because Congress did not approve sufficient funds for his border wall. Here is an article with Catholic perspectives from the border.

RELIGIOUS PROFILE: Read about an Inter-Congregational initiative called "Project Encounter" at the border in El Paso. It includes the Marist Brothers, Jesuits, Sisters of San Francisco of the Holy Family and others.

Linking Lectionary to Justice and Peace

Below you will find homily resources 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 priest. 

Sunday Feb. 24 by Dawn Nothwehr, OSF, PhD

Sunday March 3 by Don Timmerman, Catholic Worker

Sunday March 10 by Dianne Bergant CSA

Please pray for our brothers who are celebrating their birthdays

February 21: Fred Halwe, Geunwoo John Shim [(KO) pre-novice], Irwin Wachtel

February 25: Edward Violett

February 26: John Collins, Thomas Jalbert

February 27: Donald Geiger, Vincent Wayer

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.

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