Casa Maria Marianists

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Casa Maria congratulated the Class of 2014 by hosting a graduation-themed prayer dinner. Aspirant Justin baked a cross cake topped with graduate figures in honor of the five St. Mary’s seniors in attendance. Graduation candy caps on sticks were also served.

Other St. Mary’s students enjoyed taking a study break to eat finals food, such as alphabet cookies. Groups had to work together on a funny final exam game to earn their letter grades. The group who had the most answers correct on their “trivia tests” got an A.

Lastly, Justin honored his sister Stephanie with a birthday cake; this week, she turned 21! Happy birthday to her…and happy summer to all!

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Canada Day (July 1) came months early to Casa María to coincide with the birthday week of Aspirant Joseph N. from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Before the dinner prayer, he led a crowd of 40+ students, staff, faculty, friends and Marianists in the singing of “O Canada,” his national anthem. Special desserts included red velvet cupcakes with a red maple leaf candy, maple leaf sandwich cookies (Quebec) and official Nanaimo bars (Vancouver).

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With a two special birthday cakes, whoopee cookies and an appearance by Chami, himself, Casa María celebrated the 253rd birthday of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianist Family, on Tuesday, April 8. Aspirant Justin Quiroz led prayer and prepared the desserts for the weekly gathering of about 40 students, staff, faculty and friends of the Marianists.

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Marianists from St. Mary’s University joined several student organizations for “Quad Friday”—a traditional, weekly gathering of student Greek fraternities and sororities on Friday mornings. Rather than wooden Greek letters, the brothers showcased their symbol—a Marianist cross made of wood, created by Brother Fred Halwe, S.M., an English professor at the university. Wearing their “Rush S.M.” shirts, the Marianists offered home-baked cookies, lemonade and water to all students. Coffee tables, couches and the famous Chaminade bust—on loan from the University Center—added a living room atmosphere to the Marianist section. This week, the event took place at Chaminade Field, rather than The Quad, as part of a trial-run for next year when construction to Reinbolt Hall will make The Quad unavailable for this weekly gathering. The brothers not only found this to be an enjoyable way to interact with students, but also a unique opportunity to promote a culture of Marianist vocations—after all, the Marianists are the oldest fraternity on campus whose founder is set to become a saint!

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“We are fools for Christ’s sake” (1 Corinthians 4:10). In honor of April Fools’ Day, Aspirant Justin created special desserts for Casa Tuesday meant to fool others into thinking they’re something else. For example, instead of a mini-hamburger slider, it’s a cupcake brownie with a hint of coconut topped with whipped cream. Instead of an ice cream cone, it’s a vanilla muffin topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. And, instead of a typical chocolate cake, it’s a funfetti cake stuffed with M&Ms which spill out when cutting it! Justin was inspired to make these treats as an “ode to those April Fools tricksters of the past.”

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Everyone was happy when the cutest cupcakes and cookies were served for a “Despicable Me” dessert at this week’s Casa Tuesday prayer social. Nearly 60 St. Mary’s students, staff, faculty and friends enjoyed the movie-themed Minions which were made out of chocolate cupcakes, Twinkies and Milano cookies.

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone HAPPY? Let them sing songs of praise.” James 5:13 (NIV)