getting to know the general secretary for ossm and lay groups

OSSM
Secular Servite News
March 2014
GETTING TO KNOW THE GENERAL SECRETARY
FOR OSSM AND LAY GROUPS
I am SOURIRAJ Arulananda
Samy. Since I have no surname,
I take my father’s name as my
surname (Indians are more Biblical,
in the Bible there are no surnames,
they take the name of their father,
eg. Jesus son of Joseph). So I am
SOURIRAJ son of Arulananda
Samy. I like to be called SOURI
(no need to say my full name).
I am hailing from a big family. I
have two brothers and three sisters,
all are elder to me. They all are
married and each one has enough
children. One of my elder brothers
passed away in 1994, when he was
24. I lost my parents in the year
2011, my father Mr. Arulananda
Samy (10.07.2011) and my mother
Mrs. Antoniammal (26.12.2011).
Losing them in the same year was
a shock for me. I have accepted the
reality and continued my life with
faith.
In 1993, I entered the Servite
Order. I did my college studies at St.
Joseph’s, Trichy. I did my bachelor
degree in Tamil Literature. I began
my novitiate in the year 1997 and
May 31,1998, I professed simple
profession. On December 19,
2004, I professed Solemn vows. On
October 19, 2005 I was ordained
as deacon and April 19, 2006 I
ordained as priest.
After my ordination I was appointed
as vocation promoter for Servite
Indian Vicariate and Coordinator
for Chennai OSSM family. In 2008-
INSIDE
Servite Center................ 5
OSSM Promises 2013... 6-7
On the Run...................10
OSSM Pilgrimage..........11
2009 I worked as parochial vicar in
one of our Servite parishes in India.
In 2009 I started my Canon Law
Studies at St. Peter’s, Bangalore also
helping with our professed friars
as assistant master. I defended my
thesis in 2012 and that same year
I was appointed as master for the
professed in Bangalore. In 2013, I
was elected as one of the delegates
from India for the General Chapter,
where I was elected as one of the
General Councilors.
I have authored many articles on
Mary in Tamil for our Servite
Monthly Marian Magazine. I
am interested in teaching and
preaching, particularly about
Mary. I have taught classes and
conducted retreats both in Tamil
and in English. I am fluent in
speaking and writing Tamil,
English and Italian. I am new to
this service of administration and
international realities. I hope that I
could learn quickly and do my best.
Fraternally, Fra Souri osm
To contact Fra Souri and send him
your greetings and prayers:
asouriosm@gmail.com.
© 2014
Order of Friar Servants of Mary
3121 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago IL 60612-2729
www.secularservites.org
www.servite.org
www.servidimaria.net
Secular Servite News is
published three times a year
by the Office of the National
Assistant to the Servite
Secular Order
Kindly address all
correspondence to:
Fr. Vidal Martinez, O.S.M.
3121 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago IL 60612-2729
osmsecular@aol.com
CONOZCAMOS AL SECRETARIO
GENERAL PARA OSSM Y
GRUPOS LAICOS
Soy Souriraj Arulananda Samy.
Como no tengo apellido, llevo
el nombre de mi padre como mi
apellido (en la India somos más
bíblicos porque en la Biblia no
hay apellidos sino que se toma el
nombre del padre, por ejemplo,
Jesús hijo de José). Así que soy
Souriraj Arulananda Samy. Me
gusta que me llamen Souri (no hace
falta decir el nombre completo).
Soy proveniente de una familia
grande. Tengo dos hermanos y tres
hermanas y todos son mayores que
yo. Todos ellos están casados y cada
uno tiene suficientes niños. Uno de
mis hermanos mayores falleció en el
año 1984 a la edad de 24 años. Perdí
a mis padres en el año 2011: mi
padre Arulananda Samy (10 de julio
2011) y mi madre Antoniammal el
26 de diciembre 2011. La pérdida
de ellos en el mismo año fue algo
muy impresionante para mí. He
aceptado esta realidad y continúo
mi vida con fe.
En 1993, entré en la Orden de
los Siervos de María. Comencé
mi noviciado en el año 1997 y el
31 de mayo de 1998 profesé mis
primeros votos simples. El 19 de
diciembre de 2004 profesé mis
votos solemnes. El 19 de octubre
de 2005 fui ordenado diácono y el
19 de abril de 2006 fue ordenado
sacerdote.
Después de mi ordenación fui
nombrado promotor vocacional
para el Vicariato de la India y
Coordinador de la Familia OSSM
en Chennai. Del 2008 al 2009
trabajé como vicario parroquial en
una de nuestras parroquias de los
Siervos de María en la India. En
el año 2009 comencé mis estudios
para mi maestría en derechos
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canónicos. Defendí la tésis en
el año 2012 y ese mismo año
fui nombrado como Maestro de
Profesos en Bangalore. En el 2013
asistí al Capítulo General como
Delegado de la India, donde fui
elegido como consejero general.
He escrito muchos artículos sobre
María en Tamil para nuestra
revista Servita Mariana mensual.
Me interesa la enseñanza y la
predicación, sobretodo sobre María.
Yo he dado clases y he ofrecido
retiros tanto en Tamil como en
inglés. Soy fluido en el habla y la
escritura del Tamil, el inglés y el
italiano.
Soy nuevo en este servicio de la
Administración de la Orden y de
la realidad internacional. Espero
poder aprender rápidamente y
lo mejor posible. También soy
siempre lo suficientemente abierto
para recibir cualquier corrección
fraternal y sugerencias.
Para comunicarse con Fray
Souri,OSM: asouriosm@gmail.com.
OSM LAY DIAKONIAS OF JOY, OF LIFE, OF VIA MATRIS
Spooner, Wisconsin
Sr. Dominica Effertz, OSM
Spiritual Assistant
keep Evan and Diakonia of Via Matris in our prayers.
How well they know now some of the sorrow that filled
Mary’s heart at the loss of her Son. Please continue
to keep them in your prayers as they go through this
difficult time.
Happy Feast of Our Seven Holy Founders to all
Servites! How did you celebrate the solemnity of our
Seven Holy Founders this year? Last year we traveled
to Ladysmith to attend Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows
Church and afterwards enjoyed a delicious brunch with
the Servite Sisters in their new residence. This year on
February 17th we gathered with the Secular Servites of
Mary Mother of Compassion OSSM Community, at
our parish church for Holy Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed
by a pot-luck dinner in the parish hall. The Secular
Servite Communities from Ladysmith (St. Juliana
OSSM Community) and those from St. Peregrine
OSSM Community, Rice Lake were also invited to
join us for the day. If any of them had wanted to come
it would have been difficult or impossible. We were
hit with another winter snow storm that morning.
In spite of the weather about 25 of us braved it out
to Church and had a wonderful celebration. Fr. Chris
Kemp, the associate pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows
Parish, Ladysmith, concelebrated Mass with our pastor,
Fr. Ed Anderson. Of course, we always enjoy food and
fellowship afterwards.
As busy as our schedules get we do manage to meet
once a month for prayer, sharing a meal and socializing
at one of our homes. And there is always something
to celebrate--- either a Feastday, birthdays or a special
occasion.
For Christmas we gathered at the Silvis home on the
lake (Diakonia of Via Matris) on a Sunday with lots
of food, laughter and grateful hearts for all of God’s
wonderful gifts. With a fresh snowfall, it was a “winter
wonderland” in that wooded area overlooking the lake!
The children enjoyed winter games and fun on the
lake in the afternoon while the adults visited near the
fireplace. Doesn’t that sound inviting and cozy!
We count our blessings in being part of the Servite
Family. May Mary always protect us, her children, and
lead us kindly on life’s journey!
On Super Bowl Sunday in January we met at the
Nauertz home (Diakonia of Joy). A few other families
were invited to join us for family prayer, a meal, and
then we played board games until game time or just
enjoyed being together. It was a full house, and how
delightful! Of course, with all children there is never a
dull moment.
We were very saddened by the loss of Evan Silvis, the
19 year-old son of Curt and Jacene Silvis (Diakonia of
Via Matris). The love and support that poured out to
the family from the Servites all around the world was
overwhelming. The family is very thankful to all for
their prayers and messages of sympathy. This brought
comfort to their sorrowing hearts. The funeral Mass was
beautiful, with four priests concelebrating at the altar
and a church filled almost to capacity. We continue to
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CONGRATULATIONS NATALIE & BARNEY
St. Mary, Source of Our Joy Community
Nancy DeBiasi, OSSM, Prioress
On Sunday, February 16, 2014, the eve of the Solemnity
of the Seven Holy Founders, Natalie Lane Eden, LPC and
Bernard “Barney” Eden, MD, accompanied by their son,
Jonathan and their daughter, Sarah, professed the Promise
as Secular Servants of Mary in St. Mary Source of Our
Joy OSSM Community, Assumption Parish, Chicago,
IL. Fr. Michael Doyle, OSM, Assistant, presided.
Fr. Joseph Chamblain,OSM, Pastor, as well as Fr.
Vidal Martínez, OSM, OSSM National Assistant also
participated in the celebration, as well as Fr. Michael Guimon, OSM, Bro. Bonfilius McGovern, OSM, and the
Indonesian Seminarians: Bros. Bonfilius, OSM; Erik, OSM; Leo, OSM; and Sebastian, OSM, all members of
Our Lady of Sorrows Community. Ted Hudon, OSSM, and Rose Mary Beloz, OSSM, of the Annunciata OSSM
Community, also participated. We are grateful to Ted for sharing his talent as photographer for the occasion. All
members of St. Mary Source of Our Joy were also present for the celebration of the Rite of the Promise. The
community prepared a reception and social that was held following the ceremony.
Please pray for our new members, Natalie and Barney. May they and all member of our Servite Family continue to
commit themselves to bring to fulfillment the evangelical commandment to love, to be at the service to God and all
people, drawing inspiration from Mary, Mother and Servant of the Lord.
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SERVITE COMMUNITY CENTER
Our Lady of Grace Parish
Palm Bay, FL
Thirteen years ago the Servite friars
left Our Lady of Grace in Palm
Bay, Florida, a parish that they
founded in 1989. The friars did a
great deal more than build a parish,
they built a spirit-filled and vibrant
community and by their example,
taught us to be community. The
friars are gone, but they left a
legacy to those parishioners who
knew them and by the Servites that
remain in the parish, the Secular
Servants of Mary who belong to
the Mary, Queen of the Servants
OSSM Community.
Earlier this year, our current pastor,
Fr. Emmanuel Akalue, proposed
renaming our Parish Activity Center
(parish hall and meeting rooms.)
On November 2, 2013, it became
Servite Community Center. The
celebration started with the 4:00
pm Saturday Mass with Fr. John
Fontana, OSM, Prior Provincial,
presiding and preaching and Fr.
Vidal Martinez, OSM, OSSM
National Assistant, concelebrating.
Deacons Bill Wanca, OSSM and
Jack Rhine, OSSM assisted.
During the homily, Fr. John
Fontana mentioned each of the
Servite friars that served at Our
Lady of Grace Parish. They were
Fr. Jim Dore, OSM, the pastor
during the Servite years; Fr. Tom
Crotty, OSM; Fr. Carl Feil, OSM;
Fr. Damian Charboneau, OSM
and Fr. John Martin, OSM. He
captured important facets of who
these Servite friars were. Fr. John
spoke of our founding pastor,
“Some of you may remember that
Fr. Jim Dore clearly reminded you,
“it’s your parish,” not his, nor the
Servites. For that reason, it’s so
important that parish life not just be
about attendance, but truly about
the formation of community.”
He also said, “Whenever you enter
into the newly named “Servite
Community Center,” I hope that
you will focus mostly on the second
word, ‘Community,’ as a reminder
that you belong to something
bigger, and that you (like me, and
all of us) are called to do our part in
creating that sense of community.
That’s certainly one way to honor
the Servites for whom your parish
center is being re-named.”
He also reminded all of us of our
call to serve; “And when you leave
the church building, whether you’re
heading for the Servite Community
Center, or elsewhere, please go as
servants of others - or as your parish
mission statement puts it: “as the
hearts, voices and hands of Jesus
Christ.” Not only are you building
the Kingdom, but there also isn’t
a better way to honor your parish
roots in the spirit of the Servants of
Mary…than to serve!”
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Deacon Jack Rhine, OSSM
After Mass, all parishioners
were invited to a reception; Fr.
Emmanuel offered an opening
prayer; Tony Ferrer,OSSM, Prior of
Mary, Queen of the Servants OSSM
Community reflected on what each
of the Servite friars did for us; and
Fr. Vidal Martinez,OSM spoke
about the days of Servite friars’
presence in Florida.
After the reception, the Servites
shared a dinner. We were blessed
to be joined for the celebration by
Secular Servites from St. Peregrine
OSSM Community, Kissimmee,
FL, Our Lady of Sorrows OSSM
Community, Lady Lake, FL and
Mother of Divine Mercy OSSM
Community, West Palm Beach, FL.
The day brought back wonderful
memories. Hopefully, the spirit of
this day of celebration will help
keep the Servite charism alive at
Our Lady of Grace Parish for a long
time to come.
Welcome
to Our Servite Family!
Promises 2013
“The Promise is the act by which the candidate renews the consecration made at baptism, undertaking to
live it according to the spirituality of the Servite Order, in solidarity with all the communities of the Servite
family…” (Rule of Life, #55)
February 17, 2013
Our Lady of Sorrows Community, Chicago, IL
March 17, 2013
St. Anthony Pucci Community, Marrero, LA
Angela Amos
Rosita Arriola
Maura Leiva
Rafael Mateo
February 23, 2013
Seven Holy Founders Community, Affton, MO
Kass Dotterweich
Judy Klein
Angeles Piña
Rosa Rodriguez
March 23, 2013
Immaculate Conception Community, Spring City, PA
Maria Lucrecia Knapp
Josephine Adams
Candace Badzik
Mary Beth Coggins
Genevieve Dellaquila
Caroline K. Di Mascio
Dolores Eichelberger
Mary P. Frank
Joanne High
Laura E. Hritz
Donna M. Kacanda
Michol Lynn Kaeser
Ana B. Kessler
Lauren Moran
Theresa M. Roberts
Joan Marie Solick
Alex E. Stadelmaier
Susan J. Weigand
Seven Holy Founders Community, Affton, MO
March 2, 2013
Our Lady of the Assumption Community, Denver, CO
Lorraine Crespin
Immaculate Conception Community, Spring City, PA
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May 9, 2013
St. Juliana Community, Belen, NM
August 15, 2013
St. Juliana Community, Belen, NM
Manuel Rodriguez
Deacon Manuel Trujillo
Angelina (Angie) Vallejos
September 11, 2013
Seven Holy Founders Community, Affton, MO
Marcella Wirth
September 14, 2013
Our Lady of Sorrows Community, Lady Lake, FL
Mary Elizabeth Boczkowski
St Juliana Community, Belen, NM
May 11, 2013
Mary, Queen of the Servants Community, Palm Bay, FL
September 28, 2013
Mary at the Foot of the Cross Community, Anaheim, CA
Mary Catherine Sheets
Eddie Murphy
Matt Murguia
August 11, 2013
Sts. Alexis & Juliana Community, Hillside, IL
Dena Battaglia
Barbara Berg
Carolyn Tormey
Pat Tormey
November 9, 2013
Mother of Divine Mercy Community, W Palm Beach, FL
Roberta Whitham
Edith Monosiet
“La Promesa incorpora para siempre al Candidato dentro de la Orden Seglar de los Siervos de María y lo
hace participle de la vida de toda la Familia de los Servitas” (Regla de Vida, #55)
¡Bienvenidos a Nuestra Familia Servita!
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EN AGRADECIMIENTO A TODOS
Elsa Luna, OSSM, Prioress
El 17 de Febrero del 2014, Solemnidad de los Siete Santos Fundadores, se llevó acabo la celebración de la Promesa
de 9 nuevos miembros de nuestra Fraternidad Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, Parroquia St. Philip Benizi, Fullerton,
California. Estoy muy contenta y agradecida a Dios, a nuestra Madre María y todos en la fraternidad por el excelente
trabajo que han echo, con tanta dedicación, en estos últimos dos años que he tenido la oportunidad de servir como
Priora de la misma. Fueron 7 hermanas y 2 hermanos los que profesaron su Promesa contando con la presencia de
varios de nuestros sacerdotes Servitas como: Fr. John Fontana,OSM, Prior Provincial, Fr. Jerry Horan,OSM, Vicario
Provincial, Fr. Don Siple,OSM, Párroco, Fr. David Gallegos,OSM, Asistente Espiritual, Fr. Albert Pragasam,OSM y
Brother Chris Moran,OSM. Nos acompañaron Seglares Siervos de María de las fraternidades locales: Santa Juliana
de la Eucaristía, Salve Regina, María al Pie de Cruz como también unos hermanos seglares de Chicago. Agradezco
mucho a Mark McCallick,OSSM por sus palabras tan bonitas y de ánimo para nuestra fraternidad. Que Dios le
bendiga a él y a su familia. Finalmente, gracias a todas las diferentes fraternidades a través de los Estados Unidos y
de México por sus buenos deseos y apoyo.
Coming Servite Feasts
May
04 11 12 30 -
April
11 - Mary at the Foot of the Cross
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St. Peregrine
Bl. Benincasa
Bl. Francis of Siena
Bl. James Philip Bertoni
MOTHER OF SORROWS COMMUNITY
Union City, CA
Debbie Nunes, OSSM
the sick and dying and those who are deceased. During
the week long visit, the host family continues a daily
prayer vigil. These visits will offer opportunities for
the community to gather together in addition to our
monthly meetings “to further our knowledge of each
other and strengthen each other on our journey to
Christian perfection” (Article 15) and extend our
community prayer into our individual homes and
families.
On February 8, 2014, the Mother of Sorrows
Community gathered at the home of Cris and Darlene
Pagtakhan, OSSM to kick off the beginning of a
monthly community rosary. Modeled on the format of
a block rosary, each month the statute of Our Lady of
Sorrows is brought to the home of one of our members
and remains for one week. On the first day of the visit,
the whole community is invited to gather to pray the
Rosary of the Seven Sorrows and other prayers. Prayer
intentions are made for all members of the Servite
Order, the pilgrim Church on earth, priest and religious
vocations for the Servite Order, leaders of our country,
Church and Order, Servite apostolates and missions,
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On the Run
Mary Ann Andersen, OSSM
“An angel of the Lord came to
Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up!
Take the child and his mother and
escape to Egypt, because Herod is
starting to look for the child so he
can kill him. Stay in Egypt until I
tell you to return.’ So Joseph got up
and left for Egypt during the night
with the child and his mother. And
Joseph stayed in Egypt until Herod
died. This happened to bring about
what the Lord had said through the
prophet: ‘I called my son out of
Egypt’.” Matthew 2:13-15 NCV
It was the question asked by the
Magi that had Herod so disturbed.
Where could they find the one born
“King of the Jews?” So furious
was Herod, he ordered all boys in
Bethlehem and its vicinity two and
under to be killed. Soldiers were
sent into homes of the peasants
who were powerless to stop them.
When they found a baby boy, they
would plunge a sword into the
baby’s body. Jesus’ parents would
flee to Egypt... fleeing to safety that
their baby boy might live.
helped? The truth is that, whatever
lay ahead, Mary and Joseph went
in faith that their merciful God
would provide. So, we guess they
met some good people who helped
along the way. Are we those people?
There are not many among us who
call America home whose past,
whether immediate or long ago,
is not rooted in someone being
on the run, running from and/or
to something... from persecution,
poverty, war... to safety, opportunity,
peace. We each have our story,
the story of how we came to be
Americans. What were you or your
ancestors running from and/or to?
Perhaps if we revisit our personal
history we just may better
understand the plight and need of
The Gospel doesn’t tell us what
Mary and Joseph found in the land
of Egypt. Whether they were well
received. Whether they were given
shelter and a means to support
themselves. I wonder if they were
scorned and mistreated, obvious
outcasts with little to enjoy.
Perhaps. We will never really know.
But the potentially answerable
questions we might ask are: What
would we have done? How would
we have reacted? Would we have
given shelter? Would we have
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immigrants in our country today...
those caught in the web of being
illegal, threatened with deportation,
being separated from family...
children torn from mothers and
fathers, being denied education
and a stable environment. Many
live in fear with a uncertain future
their constant companion. Does
this sound like your family’s
immigration story? Or, is it much
different? Does your story have a
happy ending?
Spend some time in contemplation
of Mary and Joseph’s Flight
into Egypt. Consider your own
immigration history. Then pray
for guidance as to how we all may
approach today’s immigration issues
biblically and not just politically.
Secular Servite Pilgrimage to the National
Shrine of St. Peregrine
Theresa Orozco, OSSM
The Secular Servites who participated were: María
Lucrecia Knapp,OSSM, Judy Klein,OSSM,Kass
Dotterwich,OSSM, Karen Palazzola,OSSM, Theresa
Orozco,OSSM as well as Andy Palazzola, husband of
Karen and Janice Erschen, who is an OSSM candidate
in formation.
well as Our Lady of Sorrows OSSM Community. Thank
you for sharing your love, kindness and hospitality with
us as we made our way through the City of Chicago the
Order of Servants of Mary way.
To see more photos of our pilgrimage experience and
encounters with so many in our Servite Family in
Chicago, please go to: www.secularservites.org and click
on media: photo album.
The weekend experience was, for all of us, a time to
learn more about who we are as Secular Servites from St.
Louis, to share wonderful hospitality with our OSSM
and OSM communities in Chicago, and, finally, to
learn more Servite history as we see it here in the USA.
Kass Dotterwich, OSSM, in reflecting on here
experience, writes: “All God’s time is holy, but there are
those moments when that holy reality breaks through
our consciousness as a crisp Presence. Just was such a
moment for me as the train pulled out of the St. Louis
metro area on Friday morning, September 13, into the
dawn of a day that would unfold into a weekend of
adventure, history, prayer, and community with “my”
Secular Order of the Servants of Mary.
During our pilgrimage to Chicago, I was awed with
the beauty of churches, basilicas, and cathedrals. I was
edified with the history of these structures and the talent,
sacrifice, and devotion that created these expressions
of faith that honor our Blessed Mother. I was warmed
by the lavish hospitality of our brothers and sisters in
the secular order in the Chicago area. Even the rain on
Sunday morning touched our shoulders with a holywater blessing.
By far, the greatest gift to me of that “weekend in
September” was the rising awareness of how wondrous
it is to be a member of the Secular Order of the Servants
of Mary. In sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste, I stood
in the center of this secular order community, knowing
myself blessed to be a part its past, present, and future.”
We invite you to read reflections written by Judy Klein,
OSSM, Karen Palazzola, OSSM and Andy Palazzola.
Please go to www.secularservites.org and click on
“News” and “OSSM News.”
Many thanks, love and prayers to the OSM Assumption
Community, to St. Mary Source of Our Joy OSSM
Community, Our Lady of Sorrows OSM Community as
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Mary, Mother of Compassion Community
Spooner, WI
Sr. Dominica Effertz, OSM
Greetings from the Northwoods of Wisconsin! We’re
beginning to think we are living in the North Pole!!
We haven’t seen so much snow and ice in years, not to
mention the frigid below zero temperatures. In spite
of the cold outdoors, our hearts are warm. Although,
usually during the winter months activities seem to slow
down, we have had several opportunities to gather for
prayer and fellowship with others.
During Advent some of our Secular Servites and
Diakonia traveled to Dobie, WI a little parish church
about 25 miles from Spooner, for a Marian day of
Retreat, which was sponsored by our Diocesan Family
and Youth Ministry. It was a wonderful preparation
for Christmas, as we pondered Mary’s “Fiat” and how
we relate our lives to Mary. How willing are we to say
“yes” to God’s plan with complete trust in our everyday
lives?
the entire diocese. Besides this time of grace, it was
a great time to also meet friends from throughout the
diocese who usually attend Diocesan events, and enjoy
fellowship with them.
Also in December some of us from Mary, Mother
of Compassion OSSM Community met at a local
restaurant with the St. Peregrine OSSM Community
at Rice Lake, WI for a dinner before Christmas. It was
an enjoyable time of sharing and reminiscing.
With so many recent weather related tragedies in our
world, we were able to send a donation to aid the flood
victims in Servite Communities in Mexico, the victims
of the typhoon in the Philippines and those devastated
by the hurricane in Haiti.. To help with this we have
sponsored fund raising events---the most recent a
Christmas cookie sale. It was a tremendous success due
to the organizational skills of Jan Masterjohn, OSSM,
and those who helped bake, decorate and sell cookies
after the week-end Mass on December 8th. We had
more than 1,000 cookies, and could have sold more.
Besides being beautifully decorated they were delicious!
The closing Ceremony for The Year of Faith in our
Diocese was celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King.
Some of us traveled to the Cathedral in Superior, WI,
where our Bishop Peter Christensen celebrated Mass for
By the next time you hear from us, we hope that our
candidates in formation group will have become
“Promised members”. As we gather for prayer and at
our monthly meetings, know that we remember all in
our Servite Family in our prayers. May, Our Lady lead
each of us kindly on life’s journey.
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Child Jesus School - École de L’Enfant Jésus
Petit-Goâve, Haiti
Fr. Vidal Martínez, OSM
Each year there is an opportunity for individuals, who
are interested in providing a service for the children, the
staff or the parents, to spend a minimum of one week
at Child Jesus School. This past year four individuals
took part in this opportunity. March 4-11, 2013: Grace
and Ellen, from St. Louis, Missouri, accompanied Fr.
Vidal Martínez,OSM to Child Jesus School. Grace and
Ellen shared their talent, time, and energy as nurse and
art therapist by offering programs of enrichment for
the students. It was also a wonderful opportunity to
experience Haitian culture first hand. October 4-11,
2013, Fr. Vidal Martínez,OSM was accompanied by
María and Carmen, who provided dental care and first
aid information to the students. Once again, María
and Carmen were able to spend time with the children
and staff and explore the realities of life in Haiti.
Housing and meals are provided for the volunteers on
the premises of Child Jesus School. The first trip of
2014 will take place March 15-22, 2014. There will
be 10 individuals, adults and young people, who will
offer their talent, time, and energy helping to improve
the school and provide formation and information for
students and staff. For further information or to learn
how you can help Child Jesus School, please contact
Fr. Vidal Martínez,OSM: 773-638-5800, ext. 48 or
osmsecular@aol.com.
Cada año hay oportunidad para que algunas personas,
quienes tienen interés en ofrecer algún servicio a los
alumnos, a los profesores o a los familiares, de pasar
por lo menos una semana en la Escuela Niño Jesús.
Este año pasado, cuatro personas aprovecharon esta
oportunidad. Del 4-11 de marzo de 2013: Grace y
Ellen, natural de St. Louis, Missouri, acompañaron al
Padre Vidal Martínez,OSM a la visita a la Escuela Niño
Jesús. Grace y Ellen compartieron su talento, su tiempo
y su energía como enfermera y como terapista de arte al
ofrecer programas de enriquecimiento para los alumnos.
Es, además, una bella oportunidad para experimentar
la cultura haitiana directamente. Del 4-11 de octubre
de 2013, María y Carmen acompañaron al Padre Vidal
Martínez,OSM. Ellas proveyeron información sobre
el cuidado dental y primeros auxilios a los alumnos.
Una vez más, María y Carmen pudieron disfrutar del
compartir con los alumnos y los profesores y de explorar
la realidad de la vida en Haiti. A los voluntarios se les
ofrece alojamiento y alimento en las instalaciones de
la Escuela Niño Jesús. El primer viaje del actual año
2014 se llevará acabo del 15-22 de marzo. Unas 10
personas participarán, adultos y jóvenes, y ofrecerán
su talento, tiempo, y energía para mejorar la escuela y
proveer formación e información a los alumnos y a los
profesores. Para más información o para ofrecer alguna
ayuda para la Escuela Niño Jesús, puede comunicarse
con Padre Vidal Martínez,OSM: 773-638-5800, ext.
48 o osmsecular@aol.com
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