Dear Brothers,
Province Direction Statement
On June 15, a gathering of the Marianist Family in the East Coast area concluded a series of 10 such meetings to discern the key elements of a Direction Statement for the Province. A total of more than 350 persons participated in these meetings across the Province. They were marked by high levels of engagement and creativity. In San Antonio, each group prepared a picture of the future they envisioned!
The Province Direction Statement Steering Committee will meet July 18–19 in St. Louis to review and synthesize the work of the regional gatherings, and, in light of this, plan the second round of discussions for the fall. Again, the goal is to present a recommended Direction Statement to the March 2020 session of the Provincial Chapter. Please join me in thanking all those whose work made these gatherings successful. In particular, I wish to thank our area coordinators and members of the Steering Committee who took the lead in organizing, hosting and facilitating our gatherings.
As I have worked with the Steering Committee and reviewed the notes of each gathering, I have frequently thought of the Apostles when Jesus asked them to give the crowd something to eat. It seemed an impossible request. They had little money, only a few loaves and a couple fish. Yet, when brought to Jesus, it was more than enough. I find that my prayers are for the faith to be confident that what we are able to offer is all that is necessary.
After the beginning of the new community year, I will report to you on a summary of the spring gatherings and the steering committee’s plan for our fall discussions.
Have a blessed summer and continue to remember our discernment in your prayers.
