Casa Maria Marianists

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Casa Tuesday commemorated the birth week of our Blessed Mother Mary with a tribute to Stella Maris—the Star of the Sea. St. Mary’s students and staff, faculty and friends joined the Marianists for prayer, a stir fry buffet dinner and a special blue-and-white birthday cake.

The Stella Maris centerpiece was a classic vanilla cake enrobed in blue fondant and decorated with white chocolate seashells and edible pearls. Members of the student chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America helped to blow out the candles on the cake, as their president, Selena Rangel, celebrated her 21st birthday at Casa María as well.

Tonight’s birth week bash befits Our Lady whose bright star lights the way toward her son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.

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“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden.” (Matthew 11:28)

Students, faculty and staff have been working hard since the fall semester began at St. Mary’s a few weeks ago. Whether studying, teaching or providing academic support services, they took a break for prayer and dinner with Marianists and friends at Casa María. Looking forward to the upcoming Labor Day weekend, everyone rested and relaxed for a little while and enjoyed a spaghetti buffet and desserts topped with the Stars and Stripes. The patriotic party theme was also a tribute to all those who labor in America.

 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10)

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Seems like “everything’s coming up roses” for Casa Tuesday, especially with a successful turnout of students, staff, faculty, Marianists and friends. Nearly 50 people from the St. Mary’s community took time to smell eat the roses as Casa María hosted its first weekly prayer and supper gathering of the new academic year on the Feast Day of St. Rose of Lima, Peru. After evening prayer, which included a blessing for a favorable year ahead, everyone was treated to a tostada and Tex-Mex buffet and special desserts—cupcakes topped with candy roses.

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So long, summer break! School started today at St. Mary’s University—and Casa Maria kicked off the fall semester with its annual “Burgers with the Brothers” barbecue in the backyard where more than 400 students, faculty, staff, guests and Marianists gathered for grilled goodies, such as hamburgers and hot dogs, and chips, dips and drinks. Marianist mascot and Founding Father “Chami” made a special appearance and welcomed everyone to this social event, which gave all an opportunity to meet and greet newcomers as well as reunite with old friends. Blessings and best wishes to all as the new academic year begins!

Bros. Brandon, Dennis and Brian at Vallambrosa Retreat Center - Menlo Park, CA during their annual retreat.

Happy Summer to all! Summer is a time of rest, meetings, and spiritual rejuvenation for the brothers of the Casa Maria Community. Here is a quick update on our happenings thus far. Bro. Brandon left in mid June for sometime in Hawaii to visit family and our Marianist brothers in the Islands. Bros. Dennis and Brian participated in a week-long workshop on Leadership in the Marianist Tradition along with a dozen other Marianist religious at a retreat center in Fremont, Ohio in mid June. Bro. Dennis then went on to Dayton to attend meetings of the Sponsorship Task force (exploring sponsorship issues of our apostolic works). Fr. Bill made his annual retreat in Dayton also in mid June. Bro. Mike left for Colorado at the end of May to spend most of this summer with his mother and large family.

Bros. Brandon, Dennis and Brian reunited during their annual summer retreat in Northern California this past week. The theme of the Province retreats is Faith, Mary and Mission with talks being given by members of our Provincial Administration. Bros. Brandon and Dennis flew further west to the Hawaiian Islands, while Bro. Brian return to San Antonio.

That’s our quick update for now. More later as the summer progresses. A blessed summer time for you and all your family – safe travels!

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To celebrate the Memorial Day holiday as the official “start” of the summer season, Casa María hosted a few guests—friends and family members of the community—for dinner Monday evening, May 30.

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Central Catholic High School held its commencement ceremony at Bill Greehey Arena on the campus of St. Mary’s University, a few yards away from Casa María, site of the annual post-graduation party for faculty and staff.