On Sunday, January 26, the Provincial Council of the USA Province had a pre-Chapter “Conversation in the Spirit” with eight laypeople in Lawrence, MA. Most were formally committed Lay Marists of Champagnat, and most were also present or former colleagues at our school in the local area. The following are significant outcomes that emerged: *The communion of Marist Brothers and Lay Marists together as Marists of Champagnat has become an essential and significant aspect of our Province identity and a major force in shaping future directions. It has renewed us as a Province and given new life to individual Brothers in particular who have found new energy and purpose in accompanying Lay Marist adults. This has been the result of an intentional commitment which needs to continue. *There is great richness in the present opportunities for people to continue their growth in the charism throughout different life stages from Marist Youth to Marist Young Adult to Marist Young Professional, etc. with support structures to help people engage with Marist community at each stage. *The charism has become more inclusive over the years; even considering when many of our ministries went from single-sex to co-ed; it is clear that in our religious experience as Marists there is no room to exclude anybody. *We are being called to be a Marian Church, to see the world with Mary’s heart. This is attractive to many people who long for closeness to God but cannot find a comfortable home within the institutional Church that typically presents itself. Mary is both our focus but also our guide. *More and more, we are seeing our Marist community and presence expand beyond our schools and into how people choose to live their daily lives as they follow Christ in the world. *Many people, especially young people, are hungering for connection. That is one opportunity that many find with us. People desire to be respected for who they are. *There has been an evolution of our consciousness from “Marist Brothers Schools” to Marist Schools” in a way that continues to grow inclusivity.

On Saturday, January 25, the Provincial Council of the USA Province had a pre-Chapter “Conversation in the Spirit” with the four Marist Brothers living in our community in Lawrence, MA. The following are significant outcomes that emerged: *The reality of Brothers and Lay Marists sharing mission and spirituality in communion has been a genuine source of renewal and vitality in our Province — a true gift. *Some Brothers expressed the great joy that has come with meaningful ministry experiences, both past and present. *There was much gratitude for the past, present, and the future which seems hopeful to us. There was a great sense of both hope and faith. *Some Brothers remarked on the powerful and sometimes unexpected graces that have emerged after saying “yes” in obedience, even to things that seemed intimidating or unattractive at first — some of these experiences have transformed us as individuals. *Brothers testified to the true importance of engaging in a ministry of prayer, how this can be both a help to others as well as give the praying brother a new sense of purpose and ability to contribute even in old age or retirement.

The first weekend in January 2025, about 20 young adults from the USA and Canada gathered together in Esopus, New York. Part of this summit included a moment for the pre-Chapter Process... I have asked a couple note-takers to provide highlights of what was shared.

Bro. Allan de Castro shared this footage from our Chapter venue in Tagaytay: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/jjJhrzesDg4tb6Wn/?mibextid=UalRPS Considering how hot Manila can get, many should find this short video to be quite encouraging!

Dear Marists of Champagnat, As you may have already noticed, the three main topic areas listed as our categories on this platform are "General Discussion," "Spiritual Life and Formation," and "Governance and Administration." Are there other general topics you would like to see included as discussion areas?