Marianist Momentum

We All Have a Part to Play

by Brother Brian C. Halderman, S.M., University Minister for Social Justice

St. Mary's University's expression of its Catholic and Marianist identity is central to our mission and daily existence; however, the presence of professed Marianists on the St. Mary's campus has been in a steady decline in recent years. I am often asked how we will ensure that the Marianist charism remains alive, given that decline. The answer, I believe, is clear when you look closely at both the history of the Marianist movement and the reality of St. Mary's today.

Marianist is more than a word, it is an expression of values and behavior, at the core of which is community—the family spirit that is so palpable on our campus. Being Marianist is about inclusivity and welcoming all to the table of dialogue among equal partners. It is about being centered in our faith in Jesus Christ and seeking Mary's guidance and wisdom in all that we do. It is from this community that we are missioned to create a synthesis of faith and culture and to be agents of change in our world.

Being Marianist

To understand St. Mary's and our mission takes understanding the history and foundation of the Marianists. While the brothers and sisters are fewer in number today, the Marianist family is stronger than ever with thousands of committed lay people carrying forth the vision of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade.

In the past several years, through the efforts of our Office of Mission and Identity, we have worked to develop a cohort of Marianist Educational Associates (MEA) on our campus. These are faculty and staff members who commit themselves to sustaining and enriching our Catholic and Marianist ideals. They are asked to deepen their understanding of, and their commitment to, the Catholic and Marianist story of St. Mary's University. They study, read and reflect on the rich charism of the Marianists and our history. MEAs have the role of asking difficult questions, of challenging our University community and of affirming future directions that are mission-centered.

For more information about the St. Mary's Office of Mission and Identity, and University Ministry, go to www.stmarytx.edu/Marianist.

The Marianist family began with a lay movement in Bordeaux, France, following the French Revolution; in essence, our current reality is a return to the roots of our foundation. The faculty, housekeeping, administrators—we all have a part to play in advancing the mission. As Father Chaminade said, "We are all missionaries." In other words, the dedication to being Marianist goes beyond the religious, and it is required of all of us on campus.

I am always heartened to read the stories of our graduates who have understood that their St. Mary's education was about more than being prepared for the workforce; rather, it is about understanding the importance of community in our lives and embracing a mission for the common good.

The Challenge for Today

Implementing our Catholic and Marianist identity and living our mission means forming young men and women in their faith and helping them make connections between their lived faith and the world of work that they prepare for academically. It is our hope that they will see the world with new eyes after their time at St. Mary's. We want them to challenge and question and examine carefully how their work and lives will advance the common good. What will their contributions be to the betterment of humankind? How will they advance the kingdom of God on earth?

The work we do every day at St. Mary's advances justice and the common good through our commitment to social mobility of young people, especially those from ethnic minorities or lower socioeconomic status. Our commitment to providing scholarships and carefully guiding students through their academic careers is an example of us living out our mission. Our commitment to the broader San Antonio community through service and social action is also a very visible way of living out our mission. The many recognitions we have received in the past year are an affirmation of that work, and we must continue in that direction.

Do I worry about the future of our Catholic and Marianist identity on campus? No, because I have witnessed the strong commitment of students, faculty and staff in living our mission in innumerable ways over the past several years. The young people who embrace the Marianist charism and integrate it into their lives have impressed me. I have met many young alumni who consider themselves "Marianist" and have a desire to live a faith life grounded in community and committed to the common good.

Coming Full Circle

There is no question that the Marianist presence on our campus will be different in the future, but it will remain faithful to the vision of Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the Marianist family, in that it will be carried forth by committed laity. Father Chaminade began the Marianist movement with a group of lay people concerned about the future of the Church in France, and the story comes full circle to a time in our Church history when religious vocations are plateauing, and the role of the laity in continuing the mission becomes paramount.

I, and the other members of the Casa Maria Marianist Community located on the St. Mary's campus, recently hosted five young men for a "vocation live-in experience." Over the course of a week, they experienced the rhythm of our prayer life, meals and recreation that we share. During an evening session on the topic of the Marianist charism, I was surprised at how well they articulated the pillars of our charism: faith, mission, community, inclusivity and Mary. They shared how the Marianist charism has been integrated into their academic and spiritual journeys. It was a great affirmation to the brothers gathered that the Marianist charism does indeed make a difference on this campus.

We are blessed to have alumni, students, faculty and staff who understand that they have an important role in continuing the legacy of Blessed Chaminade and the many holy Marianist religious and laity who have gone before us.

Brother Brian C. Halderman, S.M., serves as the University Minister for Social Justice in University Ministry and teaches as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Sociology. This is his fourth year at St. Mary's University.