Creating Communities of Accompaniment
Bro. Ed Violett, SM, Provincial of the Society of Mary, joined the Marianist Educational Associates and Marianist Religious at St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, for their opening gathering. Bro. Ed shares his reflection.
Marianist Educational Associates
I had the privilege of joining the Marianist Educational Associates (MEAs) and Marianist religious at St. Mary's University for their 2026–2027 opening gathering, "Celebrating the Bearers of Our Charism."
It was on the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, and I reflected on Mary as a missionary disciple and our call to create communities of accompaniment—places where people feel seen, valued, and supported.
Fr. Bill Meyer, in the Office of Mission and Rector at StMU, joined me in expressing gratitude to our MEAs for carrying our charism into their teaching, leadership, coaching, and mentoring.
We are all grateful for their faithful witness and the many ways they keep our Catholic and Marianist mission alive throughout our universities and schools.
Source: Notes from the Provincial, September 17, 2026
Solar Energy Opportunities for Our Marianist Institutions
Our Marianist institutions are encouraged to begin applying for federal solar subsidies that offer 40% savings and are available until December 2027. To meet federal requirements, institutions must begin the application process by mid-October 2026. Organizations such as Catholic Energies and Re-VOLV can support our institutions through this process.
The federal government is offering a significant 40% subsidy for non-profits that install solar energy systems by December 2027. With this opportunity closing rapidly, our institutions will need to start the paperwork by mid-to-late October to ensure on-time completion.
Our Marianist institutions have two primary avenues of support to explore this initiative:
1. Catholic Energies (CE)
Catholic Energies is a national organization founded by an alumnus of Moeller High School and XU. You can learn more by watching a six-minute video featuring current director Ian Moise:
Video Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rkd0ThqKG6k
Website: https://www.catholicenergies.org/
Catholic Energies provides comprehensive support to help Catholic institutions reduce their carbon footprint and improve sustainability. Schools or ministries interested in their free services can complete an online interest form. If you want to proceed before the federal subsidies expire, please contact CE Director Ian Moise at ian@catholicenergies.org.
2. RE-VOLV
Website: https://re-volv.org/
RE-VOLV is another experienced national organization with deep expertise in helping non-profits navigate solar installations. Their informative website is well worth exploring.
Reasons to go solar
Financial Savings: Take steps toward this opportunity to offset rising utility costs.
Promoting Care for Creation: Demonstrate integral ecology in action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Note for Ohio schools: Ohio currently ranks fifth in the nation in CO2 emissions!)
Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Burning coal and oil produces fine particulate matter, which poses severe health risks to children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Now is the time to explore solar! The process must begin by mid-October to meet federal requirements.
Solar Energy Opportunities Information sent by Mary Ellen Dillon, Marianist Educational Associate, 2022