Casa Maria Marianists

Casa María welcomed a new addition to the community to replace an item that, quite literally, ‘poorly sucked.’ A new Dyson vacuum model DC33, purchased from Sears at Ingram Mall, officially took over vacuuming responsibilities from the 13-year old Powr-Flite model PF14 on Saturday morning, October 9.

After noticing that the vacuum began underperforming in its primary duties of cleaning community floors and carpets, the brothers discovered that the Powr-Flite exhibited a number of problems that warranted a complete replacement–after all, the vacuum is over a decade old.

Featuring washable filters, bagless dust bin, 15-foot hose, 5-year warranty and light-weight, easy-to-use, handling, the Dyson promises to offer faithful service to the community’s mission in the years to come.

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Casa María celebrated the start of the mid-semester break on Friday, October 8 with evening prayer; lasagna dinner with two homemade desserts of flan and strawberry macarons; opening night at the San Antonio symphony featuring pieces by Dukas, Chopin and Williams; and ice cream dessert.

Joining the brothers for the festivities were a number of students from Brother Mike’s music classes.

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Brothers Tom Suda and Richard Dix, along with La Familia Pardo, celebrated Our Lady of the Rosary and the official blessing of the newly-renovated kitchen with the Marianists of Casa María on Thursday, October 7, 2010.

Excerpt from blessing rite:
Blest be this shrine of the kitchen. Blest be the herbs and the spices. And the pots and pans used to prepare our meals. May the ill seasonings of anger and bitterness never poison the meals prepared here.

Lord God, by your will, we minister to the needs of others; sanctify this place with your blessing, that those who serve here may ever be mindful of your presence and of the example of Jesus Christ. Bless those whose artistry and craftsmanship made this room possible.

Tommy spearheaded the renovation working from August to mid-September. Dixie and Señor Pardo assisted with various phases of the process.

Over 35 students, staff and alumni joined the Marianists of Casa María for evening prayer and supper on Tuesday, October 5. Strawberry daiquiri cupcakes, topped with pink ribbons made of white chocolate—in observance of breast cancer awareness month—were the featured desserts.

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Marianist Novice Norman Capinpin invites us inside the Chaminade Community in St. Louis, Missouri, following the perpetual vow ceremony and dinner reception of Brothers Bob Jones and Andy Kosmowski, Saturday, October 2.

Brothers Norman, Bob and Andy all are former members of the Casa María Marianist Community in San Antonio, Texas, and ministered at Central Catholic High School as aspirants.

Time: 3:29

Two former members of the Casa María Marianist Community in San Antonio, Texas—Brothers Robert “Bob” Jones and Andrew “Andy” Kosmowski—professed their perpetual vows in the Society of Mary (Marianists) at the Church of Our Lady of the Pillar in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday, October 2.

Rev. Martin J. Solma, provincial of the Marianist Province of the U.S., presided at the Eucharist and received their vows. Rev. George Cerniglia and Rev. Dave McGuigan co-presided, while Rev. William Meyer served as master of ceremonies.

Brothers Bob and Andy lived at Casa María as aspirants and both served in ministry at Central Catholic High School. Presently, Brother Bob is completing a master’s degree at Boston College while Brother Andy ministers at St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis.

Time: 7:18

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Approximately thirty students, faculty and staff joined the Casa Maria Community for Crispy Tacos on Tuesday, September 28th.  This was the second “Tuesdays at Casa” of the year due to the renovation of the kitchen.  Pictures of the new and improved kitchen are forthcoming.