Marianist Encounters at MLC-NA Assembly 2026

Our Marianist Encounters team will present a workshop titled Marianist Family Encounters Project: The Journey Thus Far and the Path Ahead at the MLC-NA Assembly held in Louisville, KY. The workshop will highlight the ongoing initiatives of the Marianist Family Encounters Project (MFEP) across our Marianist ministries—schools, universities, retreat centers, organizations, and both lay and religious communities—since the project’s launch in 2022.

Marianist Encounters advances two major initiatives introduced by Pope Francis: the Global Compact on Education (GCE) and the Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP), both of which call the Church to renewed commitment to care for creation and for those most in need. Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed and expanded this vision, urging the universal Church to integrate these priorities into its ministries (Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope, 2025). Our Marianist Encounters goals also integrate the five Characteristics of Marianist Education.

Our workshop panel will feature Marianist Encounters Liaisons representing the diverse sectors of the Marianist Family. They will share updates, insights, and emerging opportunities from their respective ministries, helping participants understand current progress and envision future possibilities. Attendees will be invited into dialogue through reflection and a group session, fostering a dynamic and participatory conversation.

Our Presenters:

1.  Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, Ph.D, Co-chair, Marianist Encounters, Director, Marianist Environmental Education Center (MEEC); Community Fellow for Faith & Environment, Hanley Sustainability Institute, University of Dayton; Marianist Encounters Liaison for Marianist Universities, Marianist Sisters, Marianist Social Justice Collaborative (MSJC).

2.  Curt Sidorski, Social Studies and Media Teacher, Co-Ministry Lead, Marianist Encounters, St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School, St. Louis, MO

3.  Tara Poling, Program Coordinator, MEEC, Marianist Encounters Liaison for Marianist Retreat Centers

4.  Bro. Jack Ventura, SM: Director, Hollywood Marianist Community, FL; Director of Mission Integration, Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, Hollywood, FL; Ministry Lead, Marianist Encounters.

Our team will also provide handouts and resource materials to encourage continued learning, discussion, and practical action at both the personal and community levels. We aim to inform Marianist Lay members about the initiatives taking place across our Schools, Universities, Retreat Centers, and lay and religious communities in the areas of ecological care and education. A further goal is to inspire broader engagement with the Marianist Family Encounters Project within all Marianist Lay Communities, encouraging MLCs to celebrate their existing efforts and to develop new initiatives that promote care for creation and holistic education in family and community life.

Each of the five goals of Marianist Encounters contributes to building the Marianist mission of forming a community of faith and mission through Mary’s heart.

The Marianist Encounters website serves as an online educational community rooted in the GCE and LSAP, guided by Mary’s invitation at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.” Our community icon, the Marianist Bicentennial image Wedding at Cana by Italian Marianist Brother Salvatore Santacroce, SM, is featured on our website’s About page and symbolizes our shared mission.

Join us at the MLN-NA Assembly

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Louisville, KY,

Saturday, July 25, 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm

 MLC-NA Assembly 2026 Theme