Casa Maria Marianists

The editorial staff of The Rattler, the student newspaper of St. Mary’s University, enjoyed a quick break away from the newsroom during ‘press weekend’ to have dinner at the Casa María Marianist community. ‘Press weekend’ refers to the time when the staff produces the upcoming issue, which runs over the course of three days—Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Spending time together outside of the newsroom helps The Rattler staff build community with one another, develop positive relationships and foster a team-oriented attitude—characteristics necessary to meet a common, deadline-driven goal.

See the group photo and more on our Flickr set.

Rev. Norbert Brockman, S.M., delivers the homily during Mass at Founders Hall on Thursday, Sept. 24.  The Casa María community and approximately 30 students gathered to celebrate Mass this week at the newest residence hall on campus, which is celebrated every Thursday evening at 8:30 p.m. throughout the fall semester.

Community Director Brother Brian presents Brother Bob with the “Uno Cup” while Aspirant Norman congratulates the winner. Brother Bob led all brothers at Casa María with a cumulative total of 128 points for the victory.

By combining mathematical-like calculations, careful strategic planning and luck of the draw, Brother Bob Jones, S.M., totaled 128 cumulative points to capture the first Casa María community Uno Cup  on Monday night, Sept. 21.

After the victory, Brother Bob, head of the community’s Office of Religious Life, enjoyed an ice cream dessert and paused to reflect on the significance of this event.

“Like the first Christian community in Jerusalem who shares all in common—including ‘skips,’ ‘reverses,’ ‘draw twos’ and ‘wildcards,’” said Brother Bob, the Casa María community celebrated its first ‘community fun nite’ together by playing four rounds of the card game “Uno” and ice cream desserts.

While Monday nights typically are reserved for weekly community meetings, the brothers decided to rotate ‘community fun nites’ into the schedule periodically as way to foster community building, coordinated by Casa María’s Office of Education.

Brother Roberto Rivera, who—like Brother Bob—is a member of the first profession class of 2007, was second with 184 points.

See more photos on our Flickr site.

Box Score: At Casa María. Bautista 389. Capinpin 676. Caruso 261. Dwyer 221. Halderman 268. Jones 128. Pieprzyca 320. Rivera 184. Sullivan 469. Time-1:30. Attendance-9.

Approximately 40 students joined presider Rev. John A. Leies and the Casa María community to celebrate Mass at Founders Hall on Thursday, Sept. 17. Mass is celebrated every Thursday evening at 8:30 p.m. throughout the fall semester at the newest residence hall on campus.

Following the Mass, ice cream and other refreshments were provided in the courtyard of the residence hall. See more photos on our Flickr site.

Approximately 35 students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered at Casa María for evening prayer and supper on Tuesday, Sept. 15, the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. “Casa Tuesdays” is a weekly event hosted by the Marianists of the Casa María community at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Thanks to Greg for serving as videographer and to Carla and Miriam for their descriptions of the evening.

Also known as the Lunch Bunchers, this Lay Marianist group of St. Mary’s University employees gathered for lunch at Casa María with Brother Mike Sullivan on Friday, Sept. 11.

Pictured above, sitting, l-r: Yolanda Ramirez and Amanda Montemayor. Standing: Brother Mike Sullivan, Gloria Montalvo, Cecelia Arias and Rosario Gonzalez.