All ladies of the Mother of God Family of Parishes are invited to attend our April 1st meeting at 7:00 pm in the Witzman Center, basement of Ascension Church.  This month, we are pleased to have Fr. Pat Tonry as our guest speaker, sharing How to Prepare for Easter with us.  Come enjoy a delightful evening with Fr. Pat!

FATHER PATRICK TONRY on Celebrating 70 years of ordination.

      I met the Marianists at my brother John's first vows in Beacon, New York, on Aug. 22, 1949. At that time, I was considering joining the Capuchins, but was so impressed by the joyful fraternity of the Marianists I met at first vows, that I wanted to become a Marianist myself. That experience, "vision," has been my life these past 70 years and has sustained me in good and difficult times.  
     As I reflect on my life as a Marianist, I have become more and more aware of how graced I have been, beautifully, faithfully, and lavishly blessed. I have been educated and supported; I have served as a high school teacher, counselor and chaplain, a provincial administration member, a pastor, a Marianist Mission spiritual director, and a happy member of many Marianists communities. My community living and my ministry experience have been very positive and life-giving.  
    I am and have been very happy in this marvelous vocation of a professed Marianist and member of the Marianist Family.  Jesus and Mary have graced me in awesome ways.  Alleluia!