Maryknoll Affiliate News (179)
The latest news about the Maryknoll Affiliates
Maryknoll Affiliate Mission
An opportunity to spend a week with fellow-Maryknoll Affiliates in prayer, reflection, comaraderie, and service to the poorest of the poor. A week in Mission!
Sponsored By – Houston Maryknoll Affiliate Chapter
Spiritual Director – Father Gerry Kelly, MM
When – Sunday, November 11, to Saturday, November 17
Where – Brazoria County, Texas (just South of Houston)
Outreach – To assist in the repair of homes in Holiday Lakes, a rural, immigrant community badly damaged by the flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey.
Work – No special skills required. Work is likely to be installing drywall, painting and clean-up.
Where Are We Staying? – Cameron House, a modern facility owned by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the former home of the Basilian Fathers in Brazoria County - located in a rural area six miles from Holiday Lakes.
Cost of Staying at the Cameron House - $0
Cost of Meals - $25.00/day - includes 3 meals (including drinks) and snacks
Airfare (if you are flying to Houston) – Participants will arrange and pay for their own air travel to Houston.
Ground Transportation (if you are flying to Houston) – Will be organized once we know your flight arrangements. If we need to rent a van, that cost will be shared.
Tools – Will be provided (unless you are driving, then bring them if you have them)
What to Bring – Clothes (including work clothes), toiletries and towels
Weather – average high in November is 74 and average low 52
Capacity – 24 missioners – The Cameron House has six suites; each suite has two rooms, a full bath, and four single beds
More Information – Contact Bob Kleeman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Dick Horstman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
To register – Contact Dick Horstman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
UPDATE - Guatemalan Volcano of Fire
Written by Volcán de Fuego Committee - Guatemala ChapterTHANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE AND SOLIDARITY
The response of the Maryknoll family to the Volcano of Fire (Volcán de Fuego) that erupted on June 3rd in Guatemala was a wonderful expression of solidarity.
In response, the Guatemala Chapter formed the Volcano of Fire Committee composed of Sister Dee Smith, MM and Affiliates Cecilia Garcés, Rosa María de León, Ana Garcés and Rosa Beatriz Castañeda de Larios. This committee, with the support of the Chapter, analyzed the situation of the victims; the needs already met; the organizations involved, and the government response. The immediate needs were covered but the conditions for settling again and moving forward have not yet been resolved. There is still a long way to go, requiring time, government decisions and financial support. The committee agreed, after giving assistance to the purchase of medicines and medical material, to work with the Firefighters and focus on addressing future situations that have a more lasting effect. In the week of July 15, a donation of 25% of the donations received was given to four areas below.
- Community Studies and Psychosocial Action Team (ECAP). Prevention/attention to cases of violence against women and girls in shelters.
- Support for the Hernández-Sánchez Family: Three brothers and one sister, thirteen children. In the tragedy they lost their mother Olivia Sánchez and her sister Saida Lisbet Hernández, both identified and buried. The fund will be used to cover health care. One of the children, aged twelve, was hospitalized for five weeks because of burns on his feet and legs. The woman, who lost two teenage daughters, has needed gynecological attention. The child who suffered burns will need a wheelchair
- TECHO – an organization present in Latin America and the Caribbean that, through joint actions of its residents and young volunteers, seeks to overcome the situation of poverty that thousands of people are exposed to in precarious settlements. They have been working with Los Lotes for those who have experienced 100% damage in their respective communities.
- Community Councils for Urban and Rural Development (COCODE). This entity brings together various representatives from different socio-economic sectors of the population. They belong to the national system of Development Counselors of Guatemala, which is constitutionally created.
Based on their access to help and benefits, the COCODES locate and maintain communications with the inhabitants of Los Lotes, Alotenango,
In the month of August, the committee will evaluate the management of the funds delivered and will make the rest of the money available to the projects that are considered reliable and capable of dispersing the funds.
In solidarity
FIRE VOLCANO COMMITTEE
Portland Mini Conference - Maryknoll & Nonviolence
Written by Mary Ryan HotchkissMaryknoll Affiliates in Action
While saber-rattling and violence makes the news, Portland Maryknoll Affiliates urge you to take action positively by joining them for Mission Nonviolence, Sept. 21-23. This free regional conference if open to all Affiliates and Maryknollers. Come to learn and experience more of our tradition of nonviolence, its beauty and effectiveness. Come and share your story of growth and reconciliation with organizations who are working nonviolently for the Beloved Community. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or with this completed RSVP form.
Mission Nonviolence – RSVP
Maryknoll Affiliates Mini-Regional Conference
Portland, Oregon Sept. 21-23, 2018
Moving our Broader Community to Nonviolence and Peace
We explore Active Nonviolent approaches for addressing the challenges before us.
Bring information about your causes.
Email this document as your RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please provide your information below and mark each event you will attend.
Date__________ Email_________________________________ Affiliate Chapter _______________
Name_________________________________________ Phone _____________________________
Suggested free will donation: $10 to Spirit of Grace. Donations are appreciated and help cover our costs
____ Friday, Sept. 21, 6 PM – Maryknoll Affiliate social and casual dinner at the Hotchkiss home.
Location: 35 NW 107th Ave., Portland OR 97229. Food and beverages are provided.
FOCUS: Share your ideas about Maryknoll Spirituality and Community.
____ Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 AM-4 PM – Active Nonviolence Workshop – Open to the public.
Rivera Sun, Active Nonviolence trainer will provide strategies for addressing change.
Location: Spirit of Grace, Mission of the Atonement Lunch is provided.
7400 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Beaverton OR 97008 MAP link
5:30 PM Catholic Mass at Spirit of Grace.
____ Sat. Sept. 22, 7:00 PM: Affiliate Open Mic – enjoy pizza and share stories, songs, skits, etc.
____ Sunday, Sept. 23, 12:30 PM – Maryknoll Affiliate gathering and catered lunch.
Location to be announced at the workshop on Saturday, Sept. 22.
FOCUS: Share your ideas and plans for Global Vision and Action.
To honor the practice of Active Nonviolence and Care for Creation, all provided meals are meatless.
____ I have a special diet and I will bring my own food. (Refrigerator and microwave are available.)
The conference does not provide housing. A few motels close to the meeting location:
Peppertree Inn (503) 641-7477; Embassy Suites (503) 644-4000; Marriot Courtyard (503) 641-3200
Staying with friends in the Portland area? Invite them to RSVP and join us!
____ I need local transportation. My cell phone: __________________________
____ I can provide local transportation. My cell phone: _______________________
(We may share phone numbers between those who need/can provide transportation.)
I am happy to help with: (Please mark all that apply.)
Friday: Greeter ____ Set-up ____ Clean-up ____
Saturday Workshop: Greeter/Door person____ Song leader____ Set-up/Clean-up____
Saturday Mass: Lector____ Eucharistic Minister____ Music leader/Music selection ____
Saturday Open Mic: MC ____ List organizer ____ Entertainment ____ Clean up ____
Sunday 12:30 Lunch: Greeter____ Set-up/clean-up____ Other:____________________ 180703
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Dear Affiliate Community,
As members of the Maryknoll family we are blessed by the over 100 year legacy of Maryknollers bringing social justice and ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of peoples around the world.
We all need to recognize our individual and collective responsibility in protecting the Maryknoll name and insuring that it is not misused in any way. The attached statement titled, "Maryknoll Relationship" summarizes our responsibilities. While it has been in place for many years, this is probably a good time to refresh our memories. Please print this document and take it to your next Affiliate meeting for a short discussion.
If questions arise where you need counsel, please contact Executive Coordinator Bob Short at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or, for Maryknoll positions on many global issues, Gerry Lee, Executive Director, Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Best wishes and peace,
Dave Schaffner, Board Chair, Maryknoll Affiliates
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Maryknoll Affiliates Our Maryknoll Relationship
The relationship between the Affiliates and other Maryknoll missioners is to empower all parties to be connected to the people they both serve—in global vision, spirituality, community, and mission action.
THE MARYKNOLL AFFILIATE RELATIONSHIP
Maryknoll Affiliates commit themselves to the mission goals of Maryknoll through an Affiliate relationship. All who respect Maryknoll’s Catholic identity are welcome to participate in this Affiliate relationship. Maryknoll Affiliates are respectful of the human dignity of every person.
At all times, Maryknoll Affiliates strive to conduct themselves with integrity and in a responsible manner that will reflect positively on the reputation of Maryknoll. This includes all dealings with Maryknollers, other Maryknoll Affiliates, and especially with all the people whom Maryknoll serves. Additionally, from time to time, Affiliates work with Maryknoll missioners in mission education and promotion in schools and churches and participate in short-term mission service. In those situations, Maryknoll Affiliates abide by all policies and procedures of the responsible Maryknoll entity.
Maryknoll Affiliates assume their own financial and legal responsibilities. As Maryknoll Affiliates, members are not agents, employees, representatives, or members of any of the three Maryknoll entities and are not under legal or financial obligation to Maryknoll (except for the Executive Coordinator or others who are employed by Maryknoll). Maryknoll does not compensate a Maryknoll Affiliate for gifts or talents shared with any of the Maryknoll entities or for injuries, sickness, or death incurred when acting within the Affiliate relationship or otherwise.
Maryknoll is not under legal or financial obligation to a Maryknoll Affiliate and is not legally responsible for any action or representation of a Maryknoll Affiliate unless such act or representation is specifically authorized by the responsible representative of Maryknoll leadership.
Maryknoll Affiliates’ Responsibilities
Maryknoll Affiliates:
- participate in the mission goals of Maryknoll by joining with others in a local or virtual Affiliate
- after an appropriate period of discernment, may be officially recognized as a Maryknoll Affiliate by the local Affiliate
- participate in local Maryknoll Affiliate Chapter meetings faithfully attending at least three each
- respect and participate in the four Affiliate pillars of: Spirituality, Community, Global Vision, and
Maryknoll Affiliates strive to be respectful and loving to all and will not:
- participate in any harassing behavior including epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping or threatening, intimidating, or hostile
- display or circulate material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward any individual or
- make intimidating, hostile, derogatory, contemptuous or otherwise offensive conduct or remarks.
- engage in any behavior that may be harmful to the health and safety of the
- engage in any behavior that may be detrimental to
- discriminate against any other person on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or the presence of any physical, mental, or sensory
This behavior is affirmed primarily in the local Affiliate Chapter, where fellow Affiliates encourage one another to live in a spirit of mutual commitment, trust, and accountability. Should a Maryknoll Affiliate violate the above standards, which may have potential legal ramifications and/or may harm the name of Maryknoll, the Regional Coordinator and Executive Coordinator should be contacted immediately.
Inviting all Maryknoll Affiliates to
Mission Nonviolence:
Moving our Broader Community to Nonviolence and Peace
Regional Maryknoll Affiliate Conference
Sept. 21-23, 2018
Rivera Sun, noted author, activist, and Active
Nonviolence trainer will lead us to address change.
Learn from nonviolent activist organizations.
Friday, 6 PM – Maryknoll Affiliate Social and casual dinner
Bring your ideas about Maryknoll Spirituality and Community.
Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM – FREE Active Nonviolence Workshop Saturday workshop
Open to the public – bring a friend!
Saturday workshop followed by 5:30 PM Affiliate Mass, pizza, and Open Mic
Sunday, 12:30 PM – Maryknoll Affiliate gathering and lunch. Share your ideas
and plans for Global Vision and nonviolent Action.
To practice Active Nonviolence and Care for Creation, all provided meals
are meatless.
Special diet? Bring what you can enjoy and eat with us!
Housing and transportation are NOT provided.
All events and meals are FREE! Free-will offerings will be gratefully accepted.
Hosted by the Portland Maryknoll Affiliate Chapter
Contact Mary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or 503 317-2185 to RSVP for each day
On Saturday 6/30 Paula and Dave Schaffner participated in the Families Belong Together March/Rally in San Luis Obispo, CA with 500 – 1000 others who came out to express their voice against the administration policy (one of too many) that is separating children from their families. The photo above was taken by Bob Short as people were gathering for a rally he attended in New London, CT. with 400-500 others from around that small city.
If any of you had the chance to participate in a March or Rally in your local area for this cause, please send photos with captions to NSFA editor Paula Schaffner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Guatemala Chapter of Maryknoll Affiliates
Is very thankful for the commitment, love and expressions of solidarity from the Maryknoll family during the current crisis and resulting consequences from the volcano. Your thoughtful concern for our brothers and sisters brought to mind Jesus’ words: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” (Mt. 25, 40)
We formed the Fire Volcano Committee that will study which project will best bring a sense of dignity to those who are most vulnerable. The donations sent by you will make possible the relocation of many people who have lost their homes. Once we determine the specifics of the project, we will be in communication about the process from beginning to end.
Your solidarity keeps alive our HOPE!
Below is a letter, slightly abridged, from Julio Martinez, nephew of Robert Ellsberg, publisher of Orbis Books. Kitty Madden provided the initial paragraph in italics.
As a Maryknoll Affiliate who has been living and working in Matagalpa, Nicaragua for the past 32+years (3 of those years as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner), I totally concur with Julio’s letter of concern and am grateful for the careful documentation he provides as a way of helping to educate the Maryknoll community about the desperate situation of Nicaraguans today. Please also keep us in your daily prayers. (Kitty Madden)
Hi family,
As mentioned on the phone, the situation in Nicaragua hasn’t improved over the past 2 months, and the latest death toll has reached 285 since April 18th. I won’t describe the circumstances much, since you’ll read that in the articles, but I’ll at least mention that these deaths have occurred almost exclusively among unarmed protesters who were met by heavily-armed government forces.
While international press seems to be reporting fairly, we are seeing an unexpected response from progressive groups with historical ties to the Sandinista Party (because of what this party used to be during the 1980s), some of which go as far as touting government talking points and blaming the situation on a right-wing, CIA-funded campaign, rather than a popular uprising against government authoritarianism. This has us in Nicaragua very worried since the situation seems to be getting worse, and it is important for this government to be isolated internationally if it is expected to back down. This is why I was hoping that I could ask you for help. An important objective now is to get as many international progressive groups as possible, especially those that have historical ties to the Sandinista party, to denounce this government repression in Nicaragua, and where applicable, publicly cut ties with the party. If any of you had ties to these kinds of groups, and could help me get this message to them, i would be extremely grateful. I could facilitate any information that they would need in order to clarify, including getting them in touch with former Sandinista leaders (virtually all of whom are now against the regime) if that would help.
Please let me know if you would have any comments or questions and thank you so much for your help.
Much love,
Julio
News Sources
The Atlantic: The Unraveling of Nicaragua (June 6)
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/06/nicaragua-ortega-protests/562094/
Amnesty International: Shoot to Kill: NICARAGUA’S STRATEGY TO REPRESS PROTESTS. (May 29)
https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/AMR4384702018ENGLISH.PDF
In a recent conversation with Teresa Baldini MM on possible new directions for Maryknoll, she shared the thoughts (not the cartoon) below:
I believe the future has invited us to embrace communal contemplation anew so that we can enter the crucible herein our unknown future and the Love that compels us forward are being put to the fire! (Nancy Sylvester, IHM)
Dwell in Possibility…
Not knowing when the dawn will come,
I open every door of my heart this day.
(Emily Dickinson)
Our role is not only to ease suffering, bind up wounds and feed the hungry, but through every form of effort to raise the powers of LOVE upward to the next state of consciousness! (Teilhard de Chardin, SJ)
Please pray for me, one whose life is filled with many tasks, while her soul is lost in God. (Mother Mary Joseph)
We need to be among those who have courage to go out on a limb, for that is where the fruit is. (Mary Luke Tobin, SJ)
We are called to a new vision of collaboration involving a communion of people with the maximum of diversity. (Cletus Wessels, OP)
Deep within we long for unity because, at the most fundamental level, we are already one. We belong to one another because we have the same source of lover; the love that flows through the trees is the same love that flowers through my being… We are deeply connected in this flow of love, beginning on the level of nature where we are the closest of kin because the Earth is our mother. (Teresa Baldini MM)
More...
Seeking just and nonviolent solutions to conflicts in the Middle East
Written by Robert ShortThe need for justice and peace for the Palestinian (and Israeli) people is way overdue. We need all of those interested in helping bring about a more just situation to join together and try to make sure the U.S. government becomes a positive player for justice and peace in that region.
To do this, we need many advocates in every Congressional District in the country to let our Senators, Congress people and other pertinent government leaders know what they can do to promote justice and peace in this area of the world and that we oppose U.S. government actions that further the injustice and lack of peace in the area.
Therefore, the Pax Christi International Washington Working Group, of which PCUSA is a key member (along with the Columban Center for Advocacy & Outreach, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd), is setting up a national grassroots advocacy network. Its initial aims are simple - to get at least two Catholics in as many of the 435 Congressional districts in the country as possible to agree to try to advocate by e-mail (or in other ways) with either their Senators and Congressperson (or another relevant government leaders) at least once per month.
Thank You for your prayers, love and concern.
The eruption of Fuego Volcano on Sunday noon was the biggest in more than four decades, forcing the closure of Guatemala´s international airport and dumping ash on thousands of acres of coffee farms on the volcano´s slopes. Two cities where devastated. As of Monday 6/4, 62 are dead (as of 6/7, 76 have died and 200 are missing). Sadly, the vulnerable people were the most affected. They have lost family members. Their houses are underground. There is no food and some have terrible burns over their bodies. The fire fighters continue to search for bodies…perhaps a few will still be found alive.
For you to have a reference point of one of the cities affected - it was Sacatepéquez, a site approximately twenty kilometers from the Retreat House where many of you participated in MAC 2017.
The people of Guatemala are very supportive of their country men and women, and a lot of help has been in evidence since the date of the tragedy. Some of us are supporting with money, because one of the affiliate is a doctor and she will collect the money to buy medicine needed by the people. Most of the people are helping with food, clothes, and any other material.
[From Bob Short... The Albany Chapter has been in close contact with the Maryknoll Sisters working in the area, providing many different levels of support. If you like to see more go to: http://mks.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?em_id=1601.0&dlv_id=6066]
This is a very tragic situation for our beloved people. As always, the vulnerable people gets the worst.
In the name of the Guatemala Chapter and the people from Guatemala I thank you for your -
LOVE,
Rosa Beatriz
Guatemala Chapter & Affiliate Board Member
EASY MEETING: VISIONING THE AFFILIATES
(Vision photo by Paula Schaffner)
Join the Maryknoll Affiliate Board in envisioning our future.
Preparation
1. Read through these two pages.
2. Plan who will read the passages and prayers.
3. Determine who will lead the discussions.
4. Gather markers, a ip chart or large sheets of paper and tape, and pens and paper for individual use. .
Meeting Plan
Opening Prayer:
A member reads these excerpts from Marlene Marburg’s poem, “Dreaming a Grace”:
I imagine a place
people gathering, sharing their deep desires
for the way things can be
in this world at this time
in places
where a new consciousness of God in all things
is emerging.
Reading:
While visioning at their May meeting, our Maryknoll Af liate Board discussed:
-
Where will the Af liates be in 5 years?
-
Where do we want the Af liates to be in 5 years?
-
Name 1-3 action steps to get there.
The Af liate movement, as are all of us, is challenged by an evolving world. The Board was excited by the possibilities presented by the actions of international chapters and our ever greater collaboration with the other Maryknoll entities. The Board wants to broaden the conversation to include input from Af liate chapters and individuals. In response, Bob Short posted the article, “Where Will We Be in 5 Years (or less)?” It reads:
A key question scheduled for the recent conference call between Board and Regional Coordinator members was: “Where do you want the Maryknoll Af liates to be in ve years?” Board Chair Dave Schaffner suggested that to that question, we attach a second one: “Where do you think we will be in 5 years?” They are critical questions for all of us to consider. Hopefully many Af liate Chapters will take up the question as well.
[To see the full Easy Meeting plan you can: (1) go to the latest (September/October 2017) printed edition of NSFA - pages 6 & 7. (2) go to the online version of NSFA at this link: http://maryknollaffiliates.org/news/not-so-far-afield/item/1686-easy-meeting-visioning-the-affiliates.html]
This post is being written after hurricane Harvey; after Mexico’s most devastating earthquake in half a century; after the devastating floods of South Asia; during hurricanes Irma and Jose, but before Irma makes landfall in Florida. All these have taken place within weeks of each other. We are undoubtedly leaving out other horrific ‘natural’ events in places that rarely make the news. Tens of millions of lives have been affected.
All this could lead us in many directions about what in the world is going on – the impact of climate change, humanity’s kindness to each other, humanity’s exploitation of the poor and marginalized, etc. – but at this moment we simply hold all these people in our hearts, particularly those who have little resources or support.
Considering our sister/brother Affiliates and other Maryknollers, we pray for the recovery of those in the Houston Chapter; for the safety of those (many evacuated) in the Northeast Florida Chapter; and most especially, for Mary (79) & Pat (82) Gill-Denevan from the Portland, OR Chapter who have been working in Oaxaca Mexico for many years. Some of us received their 51st Newsletter a few days ago. Thankfully, word just came in from Mary that they are well and with little damage to their house. She asks for prayers for those near the coast who experienced significant damage. Here’s a quote from Mary copied from their newsletter:
“The biggest lesson in my life right now is the holding in tension all the best and worst of reality. I know the big plan is beyond me but trust it will work out in Let us all keep the learning that love triumphs in crisis and hope we don’t need continual crises to remember that the present evolution..”
The photo reflects a vision by Padre Ignacio Ellacuria S.J., who was murdered in El Salvador (1989)
