All in the Family: Hosting the Marianist Invitational
The Marianist Retreat & Conference Center (MRCC) hosted the Marianist Invitational Cross Country Meet, organized by Coach Dan Didier and held in memory of Lt. Dan Riordan, bringing together runners, families, and students from the three Marianist high schools in St. Louis for an afternoon of community, competition, and remembrance. Our second article is about MRCC's restored woodland trails. Our third article covers an upcoming symposium on tech ethics, to be held both online and in person at Duquesne University.
On September 8, the grounds of the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center were filled with runners, cheers, and plenty of Marianist family spirit as we hosted the Marianist Invitational Cross Country Meet. It was a wonderful afternoon of competition, remembrance, and community—and a beautiful example of what it means to be part of one Marianist family.
Organized by Coach Dan Didier—known to just about everyone as “Coach D”—the meet brought together runners from St. Mary’s South Side Catholic, Chaminade College Preparatory, and St. John Vianney High School—all three Marianist high schools in St. Louis.
And while September 8 gave us a very warm welcome (cross country runners are apparently made of tougher stuff than the rest of us), the heat didn’t dampen the enthusiasm. The upper field was filled with competition, encouragement, laughter, and students cheering one another on. Following the meet, FSC and the MRCC hosted dinner and an awards ceremony for the runners and their families.
To make it even more special, this event is always held in honor of and in memory of Vianney graduate Lt. Dan Riordan, who died in service to our country. It was a meaningful reminder that the Marianist family extends far beyond the walls of our individual schools—and across generations. We are part of the most wonderful family—the Marianists!
Marianist Retreat & Conference Center (MRCC) newsletter, September 2026
Take to the Trails
MRCC invites visitors to explore its 120 acres of wooded trails, highlighting successful volunteer efforts to eradicate invasive honeysuckle and restore a healthy, diverse ecosystem in alignment with Marianist environmental stewardship.
There’s more than one way to explore MRCC!
Care for creation is an important part of Marianist life and mission around the world. We
recognize the earth and all that lives within it as God’s creation, entrusted to our care. At MRCC, our 120 acres give us a special opportunity—and responsibility—to be good stewards of the land we’ve been given.
More than three miles of trails wind through our woods, each offering something a little different. Some are wide and easy to follow; others narrow as they weave deeper into the trees. One path takes you past the original stone wall and entrance pillars of "Marywood". Others cross dry creek beds or lead to flowing creeks teeming with life. And there is a lot of life out there.
The flora and fauna that inhabit our woods are part of an intricate, interconnected ecosystem. From fungi to lizards, gnats to bats, wildflowers to towering trees, there is always something new to discover around the next bend.
Recently, Tara Poling, Program Coordinator at the Marianist Environmental Education Center - and Marianist Encounters Coordinating Team liaison to retreat centers - spent a day at MRCC and headed out on our trails to see firsthand how our woods are doing—particularly after years of work by Paul Masek and our volunteers to eradicate invasive honeysuckle. Here’s what Tara had to say:
“Recently I was blessed with a brief stay at MRCC and took the opportunity to check in on how the land is responding to honeysuckle eradication efforts over the last several years. Throughout the Eastern United States, woodland acreage is increasing as previously farmed land lies fallow; however, invasive species such as honeysuckle limit the overall health and quality of these second-growth woods.
“MRCC's program coordinator Paul and volunteers have done a wonderful job tipping the scales toward a diverse, functioning habitat, as evidenced by the wildlife diversity I saw. The property reminded me of my ‘home’ property of Mount Saint John, home to the Bergamo Retreat Center, where we have been controlling honeysuckle and other invasive plants for nearly forty years.
“In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis wrote that restoring the land means first restoring ourselves. I am proud that within the Marianist world such beautiful places are stewarded and shared so that both can happen simultaneously.”
We’re grateful to Tara and our friends at the Marianist Environmental Education Center for the knowledge, experience and passion they share with us—and grateful for Paul and the many volunteers who continue to care for this little corner of creation we call home.
So, the next time you’re at MRCC, first, download the iNaturalist app: A Community for Naturalists · iNaturalist - it's free! Then, leave a little time in your day to take to the trails. Slow down. Look closely at the busy, beautiful world around you. Add to our "Observations" and "Species"! And enjoy getting to know our "neighbors" - you never know what—or Who—you might encounter around the next bend.
Marianist Retreat & Conference Center (MRCC) newsletter, August 2026
2026 Tech Ethics Symposium
Duquesne University is hosting a free hybrid conference on the ethical, social, and spiritual impacts of AI, featuring expert speakers on privacy, faith, and tech ethics.
Duquesne University is sharing an upcoming free opportunity: a hybrid conference exploring the ethical, social, and spiritual dimensions of AI, featuring conversations with leading voices in technology ethics, privacy, faith, and AI resistance.
Constructing Community, Deconstructing AI: Storytelling, Solidarity, and Faith
November 5 - 6, 2026
In Person at Duquesne University and Online via Zoom Webinar
Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center and Online
The Symposium will feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and a perennial favorite, the Student Research Poster competition. This year's schedule will also include a special community storytelling event. See the program details below.
Registration is Free and open to all students, staff, faculty, and community members! Attend in person or experience the Symposium via Zoom webinar.
Visit this link for more details and registration