In faith, attitude, prayer, and action, a Marist strives to think, judge, feel and act in every way as Mary would. Each Marist lives this out in his own way as illuminated in the following stories from and about out Marists.
A Marist Remembered
The Rev. Robert R. Brett,
U.S. Navy Chaplain
During his time in Vietnam, Lt. Robert Raymond Brett always stood firm— firm in his faith, firm in his duty and firm in his devotion to his men. He would be there to provide whatever care his Marines needed, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual, regardless of what was going on around him. That was why he had joined the Navy: to be where the men in combat needed him most. READ MORE>
Richard Henry Smith, S.M.: Our First American Marist Vocation
The story of Fr. Richard Henry Smith, S.M., and the Marists intersects with the Church in 19th century America.
The American Church gained "equal rights and privileges with that of other Christians" not necessarily found in other countries at that time. Bishop Carroll (the first native Catholic Bishop) believed that the American Church was to be reflective of the new American spirit of nationalism, not the culture and influences of foreign states; that priests should be educated in America; and the promotion of the separation of church and state and religious pluralism, which many saw as a benefit of American freedom. READ MORE>
Answering God's Call with Maturity, Honesty and Commitment
by Jack Ridout, Vocation Director for the Society of Mary
The single life always seems to be the one state in life that others either run from or are simply resigned to. How often do we hear "old maid" used in a positive sense? The question often is, "So when are we getting grandkids"? These and many other quaint sayings are often heard by single men and women. READ MORE>
Marist Priest Promoted to Colonel in Military Chaplaincy
Following a long tradition of Marist priests who have served as military chaplains from D-Day to Vietnam to present day, Marist Father Joseph Fleury, S.M., was promoted to Colonel on March 24, 2011. The promotion ceremony was conducted at Fort Irwin, Calif., by Brigadier General Terry Ferrell, Commanding General of Fort Irwin and the National Training Center. READ MORE>
Responding to the Call: The Obvious Choice
by Jack Ridout, Vocation Director for the Society of Mary
During Advent time in the Church year, the image of our Lord coming as a thief in the night expresses the necessity of constant vigilance.
"Here I stand, knocking at the door" (Rev. 3:20).
In every age, we as Christians are in danger of failing to hear Him "knocking at the door." There are among us those who listen to that knocking and are confronted with what that means and are willing to go the next step in answering that beckoning. READ MORE>
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have many questions while considering a vocational life as a Marist. Our FAQs may help in your research.
Discernment
At many stages of life you may feel God calling
you. But how do you understand and act upon God's plan for you?
The Marist Path
The process of joining the Marists is a thoughtful and considered one. Through the various stages of discernment, a person can comfortably get to know the Marist community.
Vocation Resources
Delve into our resources of books, web sites, and other links that may help in your discernment.
"This will be a
wonderful experience,
no matter what!"
Marist Postulant
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Lest We Build on Sand
The practice of reciting three Hail Mary's and the Sub Tuum (we fly to your patronage) for the conversion of those who are not faithful followers of Christ, whether baptized or not, and the perseverance of those who faithfully follow Christ is an early custom of the members of the Marist Family. This spiritual practice at the beginning and the end of each day puts us in immediate union with Mary and her spiritual concerns. Marist spirituality is Mary's spirituality, totally centered on Jesus the Christ, her Son and Teacher, and on our relationships with him. Marists are to be completely centered on and unite with Christ, as is Mary. They are to make their best efforts to bring others to him, while encouraging, strengthening, and cooperating with those whose lives are already dedicated to Christ. Mary's spirituality is lived always in the context of a Christian way of life, whether one is single, married, or consecrated. The ideas and ideals of Marist spirituality become real only when they are incarnated in the Marist spiritual practice of people in their daily lives. Lest we build on sand, we must have a clear understanding of our baptismal vocation and commitment; a realistic picture of ourselves; knowledge of the three Christian ways of life; and instruction about Marist spirituality and spiritual practice. Marist "way of life" Discernment Days, which we hope to offer throughout the Province, help those who have not yet chosen the state in life for which they are suited, to discern which of the three life-giving paths is best for them, and aid those who already have chosen their state in life to understand it more deeply from the Christian point of view. These Discernment Days are designed to help Catholic Christians live out their baptismal vocation and commitment to Jesus Christ in a Marist way, in their chosen state of life. Father Tom Ellerman, S.M. |
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