Since last September, we have included a "Profiles in Marianist Leadership" feature as the closing section in Notes. In this way, we've sought to give exposure and recognition to the nearly 60 Province members who serve our mission as community directors, Chapter and Council members and ministry leaders. I hope you have found these brief biographical notes helpful and informative.  

As we anticipate a consultation for Province leadership within the next six months, perhaps some of what you read might assist in discernment of our future leaders.

We thank the brothers who prepared their biographies. More importantly, we offer our deep gratitude to them for their generous service.

	Bro. Tom

We have celebrated the lives of four Marianists in recent days: Fr. David Paul, Fr. Joseph Tarrillion, Fr. François Rossier and Bro. Thomas Tessmer. 

As we honor their lives and vocations, let us renew our hope in Christ, the Resurrection and the Life. And may our Lenten observance help us grow in faith and mercy.

There are an abundance of resources to help us observe Lent and strengthen our spirituality. Here are two that are worthy of consideration:

St. Luke's Institute - Spring online workshop offerings include topics such as "Counseling vs Spiritual Direction: Making the Right Call"; "Eat Well, Feel Better: Understanding Nutrition and Mental Health"; and "Healthy Anger: Skills for Communication and Confrontation." Learn more.

Tim Fallon - Known to many of us as a facilitator at Province gatherings, Tim is writing a series of reflections based on Gospel stories for Lent and Easter. Learn more.

The 2016 Provincial Chapter called for a discussion with the newest members of the Province, defined as those who professed vows since the start of the new Province in 2002.

We held that conversation, called "Envisioning the Future," on Feb. 3 - 4 with those members and representatives from the Chapter and the Provincial Council. (See a list of participants.)

Tim Fallon, a consultant who has worked with the Province for many years, facilitated the discussion. I encourage you to read Tim's report of the meeting highlights. The report was presented to this year's Provincial Chapter at its meeting earlier this month.

Thanks to Bro. Rich Thompson, who completed his term on the JPIC Advisory Committee last month. Rich will stay involved with JPIC efforts by serving as Province representative for the Socially Responsible Investment Coalition in San Antonio.

Bro. Rich

Bro. Justin

We welcome Bro. Justin Quiroz to the Advisory Committee; he will begin a three-year term in early 2018.

During Lent, the JPIC Advisory Committee reminds Province members about CMSM's Cherish All of Creation resolution, which we signed in 2015.

Here are three resolution principles with recommended actions:

1. We resolve to put our words into actions by creating dialogues, teaching, preaching and practicing -- in visible and concrete ways -- how our actions can reduce our negative impact on the environment.

Recommended action: Use our own Marianist Environmental Education Center for the workshops and programs they offer on environmental justice, simplicity, climate action and more.

2. We resolve to regularly recite and share the Catholic Climate Covenant's St. Francis Pledge "To Protect and Heal God's Creation."

Recommended action: At your next community meeting or ministry gathering, recite and share the St. Francis Pledge.

3. We resolve to change our lifestyle, including our consumption habits, from ways that perpetuate climate change and toward the sound virtues of ecological citizenship for a significantly lighter footprint. Recommended examples include community gardens, eating less or no meat, more videoconference meetings.

Recommended action: Before booking a flight to attend a distant meeting, consider videoconferencing instead. Skype, Google Hangout and FaceTime are some user-friendly options.

Notes from the Provincial Council has been featuring Marianists who hold leadership roles in the Province. We encourage you to learn more about these men, be grateful for all they do for us, and hold them in your prayers.



First profession: 1969
Leadership role: Director, Ligustrum Community, San Antonio
Biography





First profession: 1982
Leadership role: Member, Provincial Chapter
Biography





First profession: 1960
Leadership role: Temporary coordinator, Siena Woods Community, Dayton
Biography