Notre Dame in Pontiac is sponsoring the 5th Conference of North American Marist Schools, which will be held June 11-14.
According to Fr. Joe Hindelang, s.m., NDP principal and a member of the Society of Mary in the U.S. Provincial Council, the gathering is a chance to share more information about the Society of Mary, its history and philosophy of education with lay teachers and staff members at Marist schools in North America.
“There are many events planned,” Hindelang said, “but most importantly, participants will be hearing from three dynamic Marist priests: Fr. Alois Greiler, s.m., from Germany; Fr. James Strasz, s.m., from NDPMA, and Fr. Bill Rowland, s.m., from Georgia. The topics they will cover include everything from Marist historical themes to Marist spirituality, from elements and characteristics of a Marist education to lessons we can learn from Mary as we go about living a more Marian spirit at our schools.”
Schools represented at the conference include Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, Marist School in Atlanta; Notre Dame Academy in Duluth, Georgia; Ecole Notre Dame des Victoires in San Francisco; and a number of Marist schools operating in Mexico and Canada.
Fr. John Harhager, s.m., is president of Marist School in Atlanta. He says a school is not Marist just because a Marist priest or brother is present. There is more at stake. Much more.
“A Marist-sponsored school incorporates into its mission and character the following values or principles that are typically Marist,” he said. “Staying hidden and unknown; being instruments of mercy; discipleship; trust in God; ‘tasting God;’ doing ‘the work of Mary;’ saying no to greed, pride and power; the spirit of Nazareth and Pentecost; being called by ‘gracious choice;’ ardent love of neighbor; union with God; self-denial; humility; hospitality; inclusiveness; and service.”
He said these qualities are part of the fabric of a Marist school because of the attention of many people who can be called “Marist” — not by religious profession but by commitment and way of life. “They are faculty and staff, administration and governance bodies, parents and students who work hard to establish more than just an institution, but a Marist community, at our schools.”
Participants from out of town will be staying at the Capuchin Retreat Center in Washington, Mich., during the conference.
More on the Society of Mary:
The Society of Mary is comprised of priests and brothers in seven provinces and four missionary districts around the world. In the United States, the Marists reach from the East Coast to the West Coast, and from Canada and Mexico.
Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.