District of India planning moves forward
The Strategic Planning Committee for the District of India met with
Bros. Dennis Schmitz, Bernie Ploeger and me Dec. 29 - Jan. 5. The meetings were long, but the exchanges were positive and productive.
After gathering comments from the second District consultation in November, Bernie did a superb job in leading the process, resulting in a five-year plan for the growth and development of the District of India.
Echoing the title of
Fr. Manuel Cortés' recent circular, the plan is called "To Know, Love and Serve - A Five Year Plan for the Re-founding of Marianist Life and Mission in India." This document will be reviewed by the District Council and endorsed by the District Chapter before being unveiled at the District Assembly in June. It will be the mandate for the new District leadership that will assume service during the assembly. I will also share this work with the Provincial Chapter in March.
Thanks to Bernie for his generous service, to Dennis for his continued visiting of all communities of the District, and to the Nirmal Deep Community for its excellent hospitality.
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The planning committee, from left, Renny Marcose (secretary), Lucian Tigga, Dennis Schmitz, Sanjay Ekka, Joseph Barla, Joseph Raj, Sudhir Kujur (assistant district superior and Council liaison), Bernie Ploeger, Santosh Tudu, Chinnaiah Polishety, Marty Solma and Saju Chittadiyil.
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First jubilee of 2017
On the last evening of our meetings, the Marianists in and around Ranchi gathered at the novitiate to celebrate Bernie's, Dennis' and my golden jubilees.
Bro. Sukrit Tirkey, who's celebrating his silver jubilee this year, was also honored.
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Golden jubilarians Marty Solma, Dennis Schmitz and Bernie Ploeger
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We began with a celebration of the Eucharist, at the end of which each jubilarian reflected briefly upon his Marianist vocation. This was followed by a festive reception and dinner.
Being in India and assisting the District in plans for its future seemed like a fitting way to celebrate this happy milestone.
30,000 calls for Mary
In his Christmas card to me,
Bro. Joe Barrett said he had just completed 30,000 phone calls as part of our "ministry of gratitude" program.
As you may know, Joe calls those who have supported the Marianist Mission and our Join Her Mission campaign to thank them for their generosity. After 20,000 calls, Joe was experiencing pain pushing the phone buttons, so we were able to get him a voice-activated phone. When he reaches 40,000 calls, we're going to have a big celebration with him. Thanks, Joe, for your continued zeal and sense of mission.
Puerto Rico and other destinations
The Provincial Council meets in Puerto Rico this week and will participate in the Founder's Day celebrations of Colegio San José in the presence of the bicentennial icon. A number of us will then take part in the UD board retreat in Florida.
Following that, I will visit the two communities in southern California: the Lalanne Community at University Park and the Chaminade West Hills Community. Although typical January weather has been predicted for St. Louis, these visits to warmer climes are purely coincidental.
Thanks to the many communities and members of the Province who sent Christmas greetings to the Provincial Council. We appreciate your kindness and rely upon your prayerful support. You have ours as well.
