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THE LASALLIAN FAMILY
David L. Hotek
In 1986 the Regional Education Committee of the Christian Brothers published a document entitled "Characteristics of Lasallian Schools." For many of us this was the first time that we had heard the phrase "Lasallian Schools" used as it applied to Christian Brother educational institutions. For years these institutions had been known as "Brothers' Schools" and now they were being identified as "Lasallian Schools." Was there a difference? Why the change of name?
There was a time in the history of Catholic education in the United States when the life of the school depended solely upon the religious congregation who owned/sponsored the institution. There was a time in Lasallian education when the life of the "Brothers' Schools" depended solely upon the Christian Brothers. This is no longer the case! We are all responsible for the life of the Lasallian school. De La Salle believed that the Christian educator was called by God, through his/her baptismal commitment, to see his/her role in the life of the school as a ministry, not just a job, but a means of touching the hearts and minds of those children entrusted to his/her care. Ministering in a Lasallian school requires commitment, a commitment to the ideals and goals of John Baptist de La Salle and a commitment to the heritage of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Why the change from "Brothers' Schools" to "Lasallian Schools?" Because we, the members of the Lasallian Family, are responsible for the life of the school, not just the Christian Brothers. Is there a difference? You can be sure there is!
In the Lasallian school the teacher (counselor, coach, administrator) is the core of the school. He/she sees him/herself as God's "minister of grace" to the students and as called to play a special role in the lives of young people. Faith is the essential element here. Touching hearts and minds cannot be accomplished without the help of God. This ministry is not accomplished alone. In the Lasallian school it is accomplished in association with others. All members of the Lasallian school must work together for the sake of the students and "look upon this work entrusted to them by pastors, by fathers and mothers as one of the most important and necessary services in the Church." (De La Salle Meditations) In the Lasallian school there is a special concern for the poor and neglected as well as for the religious education of the students. All of this is accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual trust and concern. Of course, this makes sense only when understood in light of the vision of John Baptist de La Salle and when incorporated into the personal faith life of the Lasallian educator.
I am convinced, after 20 years of working in Lasallian schools, that there are many men and women, brothers, religious and lay alike, who choose to minister (teach, counsel, coach, administer) in a Lasallian school because they believe in the educational philosophy and spirituality of St. John Baptist de La Salle. These men and women not only give of their talent to educate the minds of the children in their classroom but also give of who they are to "touch the hearts" of the youth they meet each day. These men and women are members of the "Lasallian Family."
I know that the term Lasallian Family is confusing to many. It is not a term with which we are familiar. Yet to me it expresses what we are all about -- persons, groups and movements who have found meaning and purpose in the educational approach and spirituality of St. John Baptist de La Salle, and who seek support from each other for the fulfillment of our ministry. Simply because I happen to be employed in a Lasallian School does not automatically make me a member of the Lasallian Family. Members of the Lasallian Family are persons who are willing to make a personal commitment to the embodiment of the Lasallian mission. This takes preparation, time and discernment.
As of the 1991-1992 school year I have assumed the responsibility for coordinating the Lasallian Family for the Christian Brothers’ Districts of Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Toronto. As the Lasallian Family Coordinator it is my responsibility to promote the goals of the Lasallian Family as well as to devise strategies to facilitate further understanding and involvement in this movement. As I mentioned above, involvement in the Lasallian Family takes preparation, time and discernment. It is my hope that we can work together to make the preparations, take the time and prayerfully discern our roles in the Lasallian Family. Workshops, retreat experiences, prayer groups, educational discussions, faculty in-service programs, etc. are only some of the ways that this can be done. I do look for your help and support. Please do not hesitate to let me know if there are ways that I can be of assistance to you, of lending support to your ministry, or of providing opportunities for growth in your understanding of John Baptist de La Salle and his educational spirituality. I am excited about the potential that the Lasallian Family has for providing leadership and direction, not only for Lasallian schools but also for the Church. The future of the Lasallian schools, as well as the future of the Church, depends on the commitment and generosity of all its members.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
- What is your understanding of the Lasallian Family Movement? Where do you see it existing today?
- What is it about the charism of John Baptist de La Salle that excites you?
- In what ways do you share this excitement with your colleagues and students?
- What kinds of experiences would be helpful to you in fostering your understanding of the Lasallian Family Movement?
- In what ways does the Lasallian Family movement echo the lay ministry movement that is taking form in the Church today?
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