From the early

days of his

Institute, our

founder, Saint

Marcellin

Champagnat,

identified a

sense of family

spirit as an

essential part

of the Marist

charism. Here at the Marist

Brothers Center at Esopus, we

hold the ministry of hospitality

as essential to our mission.

During the past winter season

we welcomed home more than

3,000 guests , most of them

young people. Many of them

experienced the Center as a

place where lives are changed

and hearts transformed. All

went away with a sense that

God’s grace continues to be

present here.

Our mission statement says

very clearly that the MBCE is a

center for evangelization. What

is meant by this?

Simply put, that

God’s presence is

recognized and

proclaimed in the

programs we of-

fer, by the way we

live and treat each

other, and by the

vision we have for

making God’s

Kingdom more

present in the world in which we

live.

We recognize God’s grace and

goodness in both the beauty of

nature and the human faces of

those who surround us.

It is easy to do here. Why?

Esopus is God’s country!

MBCE Provides Marist Hospitality for Young People

During the 2013-2014 retreat season, we have welcomed guests from the following communities:

Archbishop Molloy

High School Briarwood, NY

Bensonhurst Cluster

Youth Ministry Brooklyn, NY

Bishop Donahue

High School Wheeling, WV

Central Catholic

High School Lawrence, MA

Christopher Columbus

High School Miami, FL

Covenant House New York, NY

Christo Rey School Newark, NJ

Daltai na Gaeige

Fordham Prep Bronx, NY

Harlem Hospital Harlem, NY

John Jay High School Katonah, NY

Marist Brothers Class of ‘63

Marist College Poughkeepsie, NY

Marist Youth Programs Marist Office

of Evangelization

“I look forward so much to the joy of having you come here, to this house, in the care of Mary,

our Good Mother...It is a very real and deep happiness for me to see you coming from afar, one

in heart and mind, forming one and the same family….”

Inside this issue:

Champagnat Meditation Path Completed

2

Sacred Space: A poem by Br. Jack O’Sullivan

2

Formation in the Footsteps of Champagnat

2

“Home Improvements” 3

MBCE Website Launched 3

Volunteer Honor Roll 4

A Note of Gratitude 4

Spring 2014

Volume 2, Issue 1

MBCE Newsletter

Marist High School, Bayonne, NJ

Marist High School, Chicago, IL

Marist Brothers Vocation

Program Office of Vocations

Marist Brothers Young Adult

Program Marist Office of Evangelization

Mid-Hudson Valley Camp

Counselors Esopus, NY

Mt St Michael Academy Bronx, NY

Notre Dame Academy Staten Island, NY

Our Lady of Sorrows Church South Orange, NJ

Phi Kappa Sigma Men of Honor

Queen of Martyrs Parish New York, NY

Roselle Catholic High School Roselle, NJ

St. Augustine Parish Highland, NY

St. Charles Borromeo Kingston, NY

St. John’s Prep

Astoria, NY

St. Joseph’s Academy

Brownsville, Texas

St. John’s Prep Astoria, NY

St. Joseph’s Academy Brownsville, Texas

St. Joseph’s Parish Kingston, NY

Saint Joseph Regional H.S. Montvale, NJ

St. Mary’s High School Manhasset, NY

St. Luke’s School West Village, NY

Unidos por Jesus Manhattan, NY

Young Women’s Leadership East Harlem, NY

- Saint Marcellin Champagnat

The MBCE outdoor chapel, a representation of the chapel that St. Marcellin Champagnat created

with the early Marist Brothers during the building of the Hermitage, was constructed in October

2012. The project was so well received that this past year an addition was added: a meditation trail.

A joint effort of the MBCE and the USA Provincial Offices of Evangelization and Vocations, the project

was the work of many hands, generous hearts and talented individuals.

Marist Youth from Archbishop Molloy and Mount St. Michael Academy in New York, Roselle Catholic

and Saint Joseph’s Regional High School in New Jersey, as well as, Central Catholic High School in

Lawrence, Massachusetts and Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, worked together

with Marist Young Adults, Laity, MBCE staff and Brothers in the spirit of Father Champagnat and the

first Brothers.

Community, hard work and prayer marked the experience. Together the group constructed a path

adjacent to the outdoor chapel which depicts significant moments and events in the life of Saint

Marcellin and offers a short reflection and prayer at each of the “stations.”

Meditation Path added to Chapel in the Woods

Formation in the Footsteps of Champagnat

The Outdoor Chapel in the Woods

Page 2 MBCE Newsletter

In this sacred space,

On this holy ground,

God’s grace

touches people in many

different ways.”

Vision Statement

Strategic Plan

for Esopus 2017

A Sacred Place by Br. Jack O’Sullivan, FMS

Esopus has always enjoyed a rich history in religious formation and this past year was no different.

Marist spirituality took place in a variety of different venues.

We welcomed three new novices. Brothers Sam Amos, James Hodge and Jack O’Sullivan spent

time during their postulancy at the Center. Br. Jack continues to participate in Center activities

during his novitiate ministry formation, while Br. James and Br. Sam work in local area agencies.

Men and women from our Marist apostolates took part in programs offered by the Marist Broth-

ers Office of Evangelization. Together they continued to explore Marist spirituality and deepen

their understanding of living Marist life during Sharing Our Call I & II, Sharing our Mission and The

Evangelization Liaisons programs.

Throughout the year, Marist Young Adults gathered for days of recollection, planning, hiking and

service retreats.

Young men interested in exploring the life of the Brothers spent time on the property during a

winter retreat and a week-long Foundation Stones workshop.

How can one come ‘home’,

to a place they’ve never been?

How can many share an insight,

when there’s one that hasn’t seen?

Thirteen men in three homes,

living on one holy property,

with hundreds and thousands of youth

sharing in their Marist family.

Seemingly worlds away,

from the city that has never slept,

Here sanctuary is sought,

from the world of confusion and pace,

Listen! Love’s calling you ‘home’

replacing stars for skyscrapers

and nature for noise,

here your true Self is met.

The walls and halls tell tales,

of many special kids,

and the serenity encountered at

encounters,

couldn’t be brought for quids.

These grounds have been an escape,

for so many before us,

decades of self-less service

to the space called ESOPUS.

Come return to our sacred place.

The MBCE calendar of events fills very quickly. During the past year time was spent on the planning,

implementation and evaluation of new and revitalized program offerings.

The Marist Outdoor Adventure course is composed of 16 elements including high ropes, low

ropes and an indoor rock climbing wall. After re-inspection and repair of the elements early this

year, ten new people were trained as facilitators and the “challenge by choice” philosophy

which is at the heart of our program. Groups hosted by the MBCE during the course of the year

included Marist Youth groups, parish youth groups and confirmation classes.

Nearly sixty counselors from the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp returned home for a weekend of

reflection and renewal of spirit. Led by a group of twenty MHVC veterans, their weekend was

filled with inspirational talks on community , living in the moment and faith, as well as discus-

sions and new prayer experiences including the labyrinth.

During Holy Week more than 35 people, Brothers and laypeople, journeyed together through

a prayerful and uplifting Triduum celebration.

New MBCE Website

Launched to Rave Reviews!

Check it out :

www.maristbrotherscenter.org

Often enough, when returning guests appear on property, they ask “what’s new?”

During the course of the past year much work has been done to improve our facilities so that we might

better serve our guests. We have made many improvements to our kitchen and scullery facilities, in-

cluding the replacement of shelves and the installation of a new fire suppression system over the

stove area. Volunteers helped us to paint the loft dormitories, which were then carpeted. We have

painted the chapel and created a new “internet café” complete with laptop computers. We also refin-

ished the gymnasium floor and installed protective padding along the cinder block walls.

All of these improvements were made possible by outside funds received from private foundations and

benefactors. All of these improvements were made with our guests in mind, trying to balance the

needs of both summer and winter programs. It is, indeed, a challenge to maintain the characteristic

welcoming charm of Esopus while continuing to offer versatility in the use of our facilities.

There is still much to do and improvements will continue to be made as additional funding is procured.

So stay tuned….for future developments.

“Home Improvements”

The newly remodeled Loft Dormitories

Page 3 Volume 2, Issue 1

The internet café offers online access to all

The Kitchen Scullery

The MBCE Chapel

Program Revitalization and Expansion Underway

Foundations and Benefactors We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following foundations and major benefactors:

Brady-Cashill Foundation EJ Grassmann Trust Hyde and Watson Foundation

JaniceMichelle Foundation Marist Brothers USA Province Mullin Foundation

Palisades Foundation Sr. Pat’s Camp/St. Helen’s Parish, Doris Reischach

Westfield, NJ

A Note of Gratitude

There is a palpable culture of giving in Esopus. It is very strong and very deep. It is a culture which

has grown over time. A culture for which Esopus is renown. As we near the end of our first year

working together as an administrative team, we are very aware that what we strive to do, we cannot

do alone. And we haven’t.

Throughout the year, in a myriad of ways, we have found strength and support in the generous

donation of time, talent and treasure that so many have given, so freely. Each of you, and all of you,

are essential to our mission. We are truly grateful for the gifts of generosity and service which are so

abundantly evident. We stand in awe of God’s grace and goodness.

We, like so many of you, strive to make a contribution that will shape not only the Esopus property,

but also the future of Marist ministry in the United States. Together, let us face the future with

audacity and hope.

Volunteer Roll 2013-2014

The mission of the MBCE greatly depends on the generosity of heart which is so vividly displayed by our volunteers. Throughout the year, MBCE volunteers contributed their time to help provide hospitality by working in the kitchen and scullery, as well as helping to maintain and improve our buildings and grounds. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the following and applaud their generosity of heart.

Laura Acciarino

Tumasi Agypong

Deanna Aliperti

Mike Amazan

Br. Sam Amos

Devante Bailey

Morgan Baker

James Barry

Luke Barlow

Alex Beato

Francesca Bello

Mia Blum

Will Bittner

Matt Boscia

Allison Brennan

Evan Brophy

Ryan Brophy

Tom Brophy

Seamus Burkert

Kathryn Brucas

Meagan Carrol

Billy Carvalho

Zachary Christian

Alexander Chowske

Mike Cianci

McKenzie Clauter

Brendan Cloonan

Amanda Cocchia

Michelle Colicchio

Rachel Colwell

Lauren Costabile

Danny Costello

Rob Costello

Corrine Crowhurst

Catarina Cruz

Tina Dantono

Christine Demitillo

Mark Demetillo

Erin Devlin

Makayla Devlin

Nia Diaz

Robert Dittus

Ed Doherty

Matt Dolan

Br. John Dunning

Christine Edme

Justin Esposito

Justine Esposito

Gabby Esteves

Erica Falco

Caitlyn Fallon

Patricia Fallon

Nicole Fanning

Daniella Fazio

John Fenner

Vincenzo Ferrara

Samantha Fiala

Felicia Fermin

Steve Foster

Alex Galvan

Br. Roy George

Sebastian Geraci

Dawn Gergich

Jennifer Glynn

Kyle Gniasdowski

Lauren Golembiewski

Tom Golden

Stephen Greene

Kelly Grogan

Charles Gualtieri

Francesco Gucciardo

Maureen Hagan

Tim Hagan

Carla Hanna

Harry Hao

Br. John Healy

Mary Kate Healy

Tim Henn

Trisha Henn

Camilla Herbin

Br. James Hodge

Ryan Hoffman

Gina Horton

Daniel Humphrey

Brian Hurley

Kamille Jacobs

Amanda Johns

Ashley Johnson

Alyssa Kania

Evan Kearney

Sean Kearney

Tom Kelly

Ed Kennedy

Sean Kipp

Joe Kohn

Athena Lago

Matt LaVanco

Adia Ledbetter

Jack LoCastro

Emmanuel Lopez

Margarita Lopez

Piotr Lukaszek

Mary Kate Luzzo

Kevin Macalos

Peter Maisano

John Mancini

Lillian Mangialino

Alyssa Manzo

Marist College

Anthony Maroutsis

Mark Martinez

Jonathan Mascis

Br. Joseph Matthews

Joe McMenamin

Chuck McMenamin

Mike McGovern

Matt McNamara

Ricardo Mendias

Felicia Mendoza

Julie Mercuro

Brendan Meyers

Isabella Mezzettone

Cooper Miqueli

Matt Mitarotonda

Marsh Monel

Jake Moran

Nicole Moura

Trevor Mulhall

Nick Muller

Michael Mulligan

Rosemarie Mulligan

Theresa Mulligan

Thomas Murphy

Andrew Muscarella

Erin Nahhaczewski

Kristen Niklaus

Katia Nobre

Chris O’Byrne

Brian O’Connor

Keith O’Hare

Chuka Okafor

Chinyere Okogeri

Kate O’Loughlin

Daniel O’Reilly

Bro. Dan O’Riordan

Jose Ortega

Maggie Ortuso

Br. Jack O’Sullivan

Taquicha Ottley

Mike Pastore

Nicholas Peralta

Kyle Perri

Jaime Peterson

Colleen Pochyly

Emily Ponczek

Br. Brian Poulin

John Paul Pucci

Ryan Quigley

Kevin Quizhpi

Damian Ramos

Isabella Ramos

Dan Regan

John Reilly

Travis Reilly

Cynthia Reibero

John Riviera

Gus Roversi

Br. Rene Roy

Kara Rusch

Sean Ryan

Pierre Sa

Daniela Salazar

Priya Samanta

Oscar Sanchez

Anthony Sarra

Hallie Sarkodie

Samantha Sattler

Gabriella Schonhawt

CheriLynn Shaw

Chris Silva

Karla Silva

Marcelo Simone

Lionel Souza

Nolan Stendor

Moria Stephens

John Stewart

Sarah Stiglianese

Joe Sullivan

Zsuzsanna Szabo

Nick Tauken

Allison Terranova

Michyah Thomas

Aerin Toskas

Conor Tuohy

Cristin Vidal

Kelsea Van Vliet

John Varsam

Henry Venturra

Deirdre Waldron

Matt Waldron

Larry Waldropt

Tiachen Wei

Kendra Williams

Adam Wouk

Natalie Zaleski

Rosalyn Zayas

Andrew Zeni

Brittney Zweibel

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