Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can participate?
The program is open to all members of the Marianist Family, lay and religious. Although the choice of topic is responsive to current discussions within the lay branch, the perspectives of members of the SM and FMI are most welcome.
What happens during the program?
There will be brief gathering times via Zoom for prayer, logistics, and sharing your work-in-progress with other participants. The rest of the time is writing time for you.
What is the schedule?
The program has a Friday component and a Saturday component. There are two options for each to accommodate participants across different time zones. Participants must choose both one Friday and one Saturday option. (Note well: The schedule is based on Eastern Standard Time. Please adjust accordingly for your local time zone.)
Friday Schedule – Choose Option 1 or Option 2
Option 1
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EST – Group Activity
Option 2
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM EST – Group Activity
Saturday Schedule – Choose option 1 or Option 2
Option 1
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM EST – Group Activity
10:15 AM – 1:30 PM EST – Individual Writing Time
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM EST – Group Activity
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM EST – Individual Writing Time
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM EST – Group Activity
Option 2
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM EST – Group Activity
2:15 PM – 5:30 PM EST – Individual Writing Time
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM EST – Group Activity
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST – Individual Writing Time
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST – Group Activity
What is the cost?
There is no fee for the program. However, if you sign up, we expect you to participate fully throughout the scheduled time, Friday evening and Saturday morning and afternoon. There is always a temptation during virtual programs, especially those that allow for considerable private time, for participants to engage in nonprogram activities. We ask that you respect the program, the NACMS staff who are presenting it, and fellow participants by treating the time as you would if you were away from home in a setting devoted completely to the program. So, the cost is your time, focused attention, and complete participation.
Why this program?
NACMS is always on the lookout for opportunities to promote authentic interpretation of the Marianist charism. We believe thoughtful reflection by lay and religious Marianists on their lived experiences can generate these.
How was the past topics chosen?
The Marianist Lay Community of North America (MLC-NA) is conducting a Year of Shared Discernment involving individual and community consideration of topics designed to foster that discernment. For us at NACMS, it makes sense to support MLC-NA’s process while addressing our own goals for this program.
Will there be other sessions covering additional topics?
NACMS plans to offer additional sessions. We will announce future topics at a later date.