One important part of the Marist Initial Formation program has been the "field trips" I've been making to different parts of the country that have a Marist Brothers presence. December saw me take a trip to Texas, where we have brothers living and ministering in the border towns of Laredo and Brownsville. It was particularly eye-opening to learn more about the ministries of some of our brothers who are not working in Marist schools. Bro. Leo Shea is president of Guadalupe Regional Middle School, which was established 8 years ago through the cooperation of several religious congregations to provide education to boys and girls in grades 6–8, who would not otherwise be able to get a Catholic education – only students who would qualify for free or reduced lunches are eligible to apply.

As part of my visit to this school, Bro. Leo asked if I would be willing to spend some class time talking to his students. It was great to be back in front of a class of students, and thanks to the generous cooperation of Religion teachers, Patricia Flota and Sr. Teresita Rodriguez, over the course of five periods, I was able to spend time with each of the six classes of students. After telling them a little bit about myself, I allowed the curiosity of the students to direct the course of our conversation. Mostly, I talked to them about the Marist Brothers and about different ways to think about and relate to Mary, Our Good Mother.

Wouldn't it be nice if 15 or 20 years from now one of those boys began formation with the Marist Brothers too?

Brian's Story - Part 5 [Click Here]
Brian's Story - Part 4 [Click Here]
Brian's Story - Part 3 [Click Here]
Brian's Story - Part 2 [Click Here]
Brian's Story - Part 1 [Click Here]