Casa Maria Marianists

Merry Christmas from the Casa María Community!

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Advent. December. Study Week. With its community Christmas decorations on full display, the Casa María Marianist community celebrated the first Tuesday of the Advent season. Over 30 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends celebrated Casa Tuesday with a preview of the Feast of St. Nicholas (Dec. 6) featuring Santa Cookies and the Legend of the Christmas Candy Cane.

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With temperatures hitting the upper 70s by mid-afternoon, brothers from Casa María set out to harvest its community Christmas tree from Devine Acres Farm. After cutting down a seven-and-a-half foot Cypress tree, the brothers enjoyed ice cream and ice-cold bottled water—appropriate treats associated with the season of winter (in south-central Texas!)—before returning home with the tree riding atop the community van.

Electrical Engineer and current Aspirant Andrew Giles applied his professional knowledge by leading the replacement of malfunctioned Christmas light bulbs—essential items for a properly-decorated Christmas tree.

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Although Advent doesn’t begin officially until December 2, Casa Tuesday focused its celebration on upcoming liturgical season with Pre-Advent Fest 2012 on Tuesday, November 27.

Over 75 students, faculty, staff, alumni and Marianists joined the celebration which included live musical entertainment on the front lawn of the community led by members of The Bridge, followed by supper inside the Marianist residence.

Making a special appearance, Chami greeted guests by distributing sweet treats and Advent calendars.

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The Marianists of Casa Maria spent their fall semester retreat at Tecaboca during the post-Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 23-25. The brothers were treated to the culinary skills of Brother Mitch Schweickart, S.M., who is in San Antonio attending the spiritual renewal program at the Oblate Center.

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To celebrate Thanksgiving 2012, the Marianists of the Casa Maria community joined the Marianist Sisters and were treated as guests to a special, home-cooked meal in honor of the national, annual holiday. Along with the featured dishes of turkey, stuffing, cranberry and dinner rolls, special pies such as pecan, cherry and Sr. Durie’s ‘Aloha pie,’ highlighted the dessert items.

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Two birthdays were celebrated at the weekly Casa Tuesday gathering of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends—Brother Brian Halderman and Assistant Registrar Nicholas Medina—on Tuesday, Nov. 13. On the menu included two desserts: strawberry and cream petal cake and tunnel of fudge cake. Approximately 35 celebrated the ‘two for Tuesday’ birthday celebration.