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The Diocese of Monterey bids farewell to the Marianists
On June 1, 2008 The Newman Catholic Center hosted a Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of the Marianists who have served in the diocese since 1923. Approximately 100 people attended and participated in the celebration that took place at the UCSC Humanities Lecture Hall with a reception that followed in the courtyard outside the lecture hall.
At the Mass of Thanksgiving, Fr. Roy Shelly, Moderator of the Curia, represented Bishop Garcia and the Diocese of Monterey. He expressed the diocese's gratitude for the Marianists' ministry and used the metaphor about a symphony will now be missing a note since the Marianist Chrism will not be present. Fr. Roland Bunda, Newman Director from 1996 – 2006, shared that it has been a blessing that the Marianists have had the opportunity to serve in the Diocese of Monterey. It is also a blessing that the Marianists have been ministered to by many people we have come into contact during our tenure. The Marianists are very grateful for all the support from the diocese and the local community, especially from groups such as the Knights of Columbus, Council 971, Magnificat, the Diocesan Faith Formation Office, etc.
The first brothers came to the diocese buying property behind Dominican Hospital and used it as a retreat house. In 1930 they established a high school for boys and it was in operation until 1940. Later the property was used as a house of formation, a postulate and novitiate for young men entering the Society of Mary. When the Pacific Province of the Marianists was erected the property also served as home to the provincial administration. It was sold in 1979 and the Chaminade Conference Center opened in 1985.
The Marianists were invited to staff the Newman Catholic Center in 1965 when the University of California , Santa Cruz was established. From 1965 to 1970 Fr. Bob Hughes was the director. In 1970 the Marianists left the Newman Canter and then returned in 1987 where the community bought a house on Meder Street (later sold to the diocese in 1992) near UCSC. Over the next 21 years Marianists ministered to the students at UCSC, Cabrillo College and CSUMB. The brothers and priests who served at the Newman Catholic Center during this time have been Br. David Betz, Fr. Roland Bunda, Br. Bill Bolts, Fr. Frank Campanella, Br. John McCluskey, Fr. Bill O'Connell, Br Ed Shiras, Fr. Joseph Stefanelli and Br. Tony Young.
Marianists also worked for diocesan offices in Monterey : Br. Larry Scrivani – Diocesan Archives and Fr. Dave Schuyler for the Marriage Tribunal.
As of August 2008 the Marianists are withdrawing from the Newman Catholic Center .
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