Welcome to American Marist
The founder of the Marist Brothers, Saint Marcellin Champagnat, often said, "A Brother is a man for whom the world is not large enough." Who would think that almost two centuries later the Brothers and their colleagues minister in over 78 countries throughout the world? Here in the US, there are so many wonderful things to report about the good work our Brothers and lay colleagues accomplish each and every day. In our schools and retreat centers, at summer camps and overseas missions, we strive to live out Jesus' Gospel in the way of Mary.
In this issue of the newsletter, you'll read about some of these wonderful people. People like Brother Philip McGee, a new Scottish Brother, beginning his Novitiate at Esopus, who is working with Brother Rob Clark, our novice master. This issue also includes up-to-the minute news bytes about the Brothers, including our new Facebook page (Live Marist) and the recent release of our new video, "Live Marist," which made its premiere during National Vocation Awareness Week.
I am happy to announce that the Provincial Council has appointed Brother Dan O'Riordan as the Province's second vocation director. He will begin this ministry on July 1st. Currently the Director of Development at Roselle Catholic High School, Dan has served over the past 16 years as a teacher, coach, school vocation coordinator, and campus minister at a number of Marist schools. His love of our Marist brotherhood and his enthusiasm to serve in this role provide us with an opportunity to capitalize on his varied gifts and ideas. Dan will be co-directing our vocation ministry efforts with Brother Michael Sheerin. I encourage you to collaborate with them individually and communally in new and creative efforts to promote vocations.
We have another important date in 2011. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the presence of the Marist Brothers in the United States. The pioneering history of the Marist Brothers in the US includes a number of giants. Marist history knows their names well: Cesidius, Zephyriny, Ptolemeus, Heribert, Felix-Eugene. Their hard work, spirit of risk-taking and pragmatism, and often tested simple but profound faith were the means that brought the Gospel to many young people in small parish schools, first in the predominately French-Canadian areas of New England, and eventually as far south as New York City. On October 9th, we will be marking that historic event with a celebration at St. Jean Baptiste Church in Manhattan – so save the date!
American Marist, as well as our new Facebook pageand video, are part of a communications effort to share the good news about the work of the Marist Brothers. God is calling us to spread his love throughout the world. Take a few minutes to forward this e-newsletter to a friend. Or "like us" on Facebook and then tell your friends. If each of us does one of those simple acts, think of how many more people we will reach with this wonderful news!
Be assured of my good wishes and prayers for each of you.
Sincerely,
Brother Ben Consigli, F.M.S.
U.S. Provincial