Tis the Season for Generosity – Faith in Action
St. John Vianney pajama bake sale
Colegio San José hospital visit
Chaminade College Preparatory School diaper drive
As we celebrate the greatest gift, the “reason for the season,” we recall Blessed William Joseph Chaminade’s words: “Faith must be animated by charity. Faith should not only be a light in the mind, but in the heart as well.”
“Mary’s selfless ‘yes,’ like the star of Bethlehem, is our guiding light. As Marianists, we seek to mirror her unwavering faith and her spirit of service,” said Fr. Oscar Vasquez, Provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States.
The Holy Mother’s humble generosity echoed through our Marianist schools this Advent, turning faith into action, proving that generosity is more than a season—it’s a way of life.
At St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, MO, an almost two-week Christmas Countdown mixed fun with charity—pajama day, bake sales, a cocoa bar, and Santa visit raised funds for Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. The wrestling team swapped mats for sandwiches for St. Patrick Center, and its annual Advent Blood Drive collected 50 units.
In Puerto Rico, Colegio San José class of 2031 students brought joy to patients at the island’s only children’s hospital, which offers extended stays for youth under the custody of the Department of Family. “It was a valuable experience that fostered service, empathy, and commitment,” shared the school’s social media. Seniors Andrés Fernandez (President of the Council) and Daniel Torres (President of the National Honor Society) had also organized a Casual Day and tulip sale. They were able to recently deliver more than $9,000 from their efforts to the local Susan G. Komen office.
Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati, OH, launched Spread the Warmth, trading free concession treats for coats and gloves at any home game in December. All donations are given to My Kidz – a non-profit founded by 1973 Marian alum Dr. Carolyn Cousins-Bates.
A Canstruction Contest at St. Anthony School on Maui encouraged an increase in canned food donations and proved to be a fun competition as classes teamed up to build structures out of the items.
At Chaminade Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood, FL, the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club partnered with OneBlood to host a school blood drive, collecting 43 units of blood.
Members of the National Honor Society at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, MO, held a diaper drive collecting nearly 230 packages of diapers for the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank.
All those mentions are just a few highlights of the generosity of Marianist ministries and the Marianist Family this season.
“For Marianists, charity isn’t optional—it’s central to our mission,” said Fr. Oscar. “Seeing youth actively engage in and lead these efforts is a testament to our charism. Their passion and energy are a symbol of hope for us all, one I hope spreads across communities throughout the new year.”
Colegio San José hospital visit
In The News
New Assistant Provincial Appointed
Superior General of the Society of Mary Fr. André-Joseph Fétis announced from Rome that Fr. Robert Jones has been appointed as the next U.S. Assistant Provincial for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2026.
Bro. Bernard Ploeger, having served a five-year term and a three-year extension, has fulfilled the time allowed in this role, and we thank him for his service.
Jones was noted for his steady prayer life, compassionate presence, his ability to listen well, and collaborate effectively across diverse experiences within the Province. His creativity, pastoral experience, and the trust he inspires in community were also affirmed. Fr. Bob’s spiritual depth, leadership qualities, and collaborative spirit will serve the Province well.
Originally from Indiana, he holds a degree in mathematics from University of Dayton and a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College. He attended the Marianist International Seminary in Rome and was ordained in 2015. He has served as a high school math teacher, chaplain and campus minister, hospital chaplain and spiritual director, as well as coordinating pilgrimages to Camino de Santiago. Click here to read more and hear from Fr. Bob.
Discernment now continues for the selection of the remaining Provincial Council members. We ask you to keep this process and those who will be called to leadership in your prayers.
Every Time a Bell Rings
The University of Dayton (UD) welcomed 1,200 children from Dayton Public Schools for the 62nd Christmas on Campus, an evening George Bailey himself might have called a holiday miracle.
This year’s celebration, with the theme “It’s a Wonderful Christmas on Campus: Every Time a Bell Rings, a Flyer Gets Its Wings,” offered a winter wonderland with Santa, a live Nativity, model train displays, treats, and more. The elementary school students were paired with a UD undergraduate to explore the event together — more than 1,000 students happily volunteered. That’s in addition to the committee members and students who organized holiday games and crafts, handed out treats and cocoa, decorated, organized incoming school buses and children, and so much more. It’s a full community of activity that is widely regarded as one of the largest, student-run, single-day volunteer events in the nation.
“Christmas on Campus captures the best of UD — community, joy, and showing up for one another,” said co-chairs Gianna Carcelli and Catie Dusenberry. “We love seeing campus light up, not just with decorations, but with thousands of people coming together to make the night magical for our students and our Dayton families. It’s a reminder that every act of kindness helps someone ‘get their wings.’”
The event was free and open to the public and offered Mass at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception following the Christmas festivities. Click here to see more pictures compliments of photographer Sylvia Stahl.
Marianist Ministries in Action
Brushstrokes of Devotion
Eighth-grade students in the Elements of Art class at Chaminade College Preparatory in Chatsworth, CA, embarked on a meaningful artistic journey by creating a collaborative mural of the Virgin Mary. Inspired by a digital design from Thy Arty Studio, the project was guided by their visual arts teacher, Ana Madriaga, as part of a Respect for Life lesson. This lesson highlighted Mary’s profound role in the Catholic faith and her compassion for all.
Each student contributed by painting an individual section of the mural in acrylics, infusing their unique style and creativity into the work. When assembled, these pieces formed a harmonious composition, rich with vibrant colors, varied textures, and distinctive styles of each student. Through this shared creative endeavor, the students not only honored Mary’s image but also reflected on her example of love and grace.
The completed mural was proudly unveiled to the Chaminade College Preparatory community during the celebration of the Immaculate Conception Mass on Dec. 8, serving as a testament to faith, artistry, and collaboration.
Marianist Moments
Seeking Shelter: Beyond the Stable
The Marian Library has a new take on its annual Nativities exhibit. This year’s display explores how artists around the world imagine Jesus’ birthplace. “Seeking Shelter: Beyond the Stable” runs through Jan. 16, 2026, in the Roesch Library, located on the University of Dayton campus. Discover a variety of shelters in this year’s selection of Nativity sets from the Marian Library Crèche Collection and the Marian Library’s international collection. All ages are welcome to play along with a seek-and-find activity and make a Christmas ornament.
“Artists imagine the Holy Family’s shelter in many ways,” said Bridget Retzloff, assistant professor and visual resources librarian at the Marian Library. “Some scenes show a stable. Others show a cave or ancient ruins. Many artists use the architecture of their own communities. Some choose unexpected materials, like pottery or coconut shells. Each Nativity gives us a new way to see this moment and understand how people around the world tell the story.”
Click here for more information, including hours and parking.
Click here for more information on the Crèche Collection, which began in 1984 and now includes more than 3,600 Nativity sets. The Marian Library is an international research destination devoted to Mary, mother of Jesus, that also contains books, periodicals, artworks, and other artifacts.
“Life is Theater,” by Angela Tripi. 1992. Resin.
“New Creation,” by an unknown Polish artist or maker. Birchwood and straw.
“French Cave Nativity Scene,” by monastic French nuns. Circa late 1800s. Wood, paper, and glass.
“Bamboo Nativity,” by an unknown Filipino artist or maker. Bamboo.
Pray With Us
Please join us in prayer for these members of the Marianist Family.
◆ Recent deaths and those in need of prayers for healing in the Marianist Family
◆ Obituaries of U.S. Province Marianist brothers and priests since 2018
Good to Know
Have a Prayer Intention?
Prayer intentions are collected each month by the Care and Prayer Team of the Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA) through personal reach-outs and a Google form on its website.
If you have a prayer intention you’d like to submit, click here or go to https://www.mlcna.org/with-mary-we-pray.
What is MLC-NA’s Care and Prayer Team? It’s a group of Lay Marianists dedicated to creating an inclusive spirit among the lay branch. This team reaches out to individuals each month to celebrate milestones, relay information, and gather prayer intentions. They then pray for each of those intentions throughout the month leading up to the prayer service.
If you’re interested in joining this team, contact Allie at allie.brizzi@mlc-na.org.
Experience Erma From Home
The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop at University of Dayton (UD) sold out quickly, but you can still participate. Erma Home Schooling brings the heart and humor of the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop to your computer screen. Participants can enjoy livestreams of all five keynote talks and four exclusive humor-writing workshops, thoughtfully designed for the virtual experience. The workshop, set for March 26-28, 2026, marks its 25th anniversary. Click here to learn more and register.
JOIN US!
Click here to discover job opportunities within our Marianist Ministries across the United States.
New listings include:
Purcell Marian High School (OH) – Principal
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FatherSide Chats is a web video series featuring Fr. Gene Contadino. Discover new episodes every Tuesday about a variety of topics. Click the graphic to view episodes. Click here to read more.
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