Commitment ceremony for Marist Laity

Forty-two people from the United States journeyed together through a six-month formation process, culminating in the prayer and commitment ceremony held on the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat.

42 lay women and men, from nine states of the United States, and 22 Marist Brothers an many other guests come together, via Zoom, to celebrate the commitment. About 30 people gathered in Esopus, while other groups gathered in Lawrence, Miami, Chicago, Queens, and Brownsville. Others joined in on the prayer via Zoom from Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York. The Marist Family was excited to have so many of the brothers’ communities zoom in as well. A sure sign of moving forward together, in communion!

The prayer was led by members of the Lay Council: Maureen Hagan, Matt Fallon, Br. Owen Ormsby, Br. Ken Hogan, Lindsay Irwin, Earline Tweedie, Ellen Salmi VanCleef, Richard Karsten, and Provincial, Br. Dan O’Riordan.

Br. Dan asked the marists:

“Is it your intent to sincerely prioritize your relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and service? Is it your intent to enter into the future together with your Marist Brothers reading the signs of the times and responding to the needs of our world as the face of a Marial Church? Is it your intent to live a life worthy of your calling from God to walk in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat?”

The lay people answer:

“May we be faithful to our mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved. God, and the people gathered, recognized the mystery at work among them”

Most of the gatherings continued afterward with a celebratory meal.

The new Marists of Champagnat are excited to move forward, to see what’s next as they explore ways, old and new, to better live out our mission of making Jesus known and loved. The Council is looking forward to the next cohort, which will be happening from January – June 2022.