Young Lasallians and Brothers Meet to Discuss Community Living:Vocations are plentiful across the United States of America. Graduates of Lasallian colleges and many other institutions of higher education are joining communities of the De La Salle Christian Brothers for an extended period of time. It is a remarkable change from just 10-years ago when a commitment of more than one year was exceptional.

These young Lasallians often have had contact with the FSC mission in secondary school. They usually volunteered at something in college. After college they become Lasallian Volunteers and are assigned to serve the poor and live in community with other young Lasallians and De La Salle Christian Brothers.

Recently 21 former and current Lasallian Volunteers came together from across the United States with 10 Brothers for a weekend of reflection on community living. They shared all the different variations of community they have experienced and they called for creativity in developing new forms of community life for the mission. Some are raising families, others are in professional university programs but all want to continue to live Lasallian community for the mission. They are excellent examples of what Bro Robert Conte calls “Narrative Identity” in MEL#25. In other words, their life experience over many years has formed their Lasallian identity.

Little by little and in various ways, they have developed their Lasallian Vocation for communion, consecration, and mission. At the end of their meeting in Minneapolis, MN, which coincided with the mid-point of the special CIL session in Rome entitled “Being Brother Today” one Brother summarized the weekend discussion about identity with the phrase: “Being Brother Today Ain’t Just About Brothers”. For more information write to David Kasievich, Director of Lasallian Volunteers at dkasievich@cbconf.org.
^{(David Kasievich)}

Young Lasallian Appointed by District as Part-Time Youth Minister: Tom McIlroy – who in 2004 served as a pioneer in the one-year Share the Mission Residential Volunteer Program in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea – has recently been appointed part-time Youth Minister at De La Salle Malvern (Melbourne), Australia.

He spends two days each week at the school, in addition to pursuing his university studies. His role includes all aspects of Youth Ministry (retreat programs, social justice, service projects, community building) and Lasallian Heritage at the school, as well as supporting La Salle Melbourne, the network of former students which runs Camp La Salle, “Fish La Salle,” and other regular events in service of youngsters in need. Lasallian Youth Ministry aims at empowering young people – either current or former students of Lasallian schools – to work to bring about De La Salle’s vision in their own lives.

The District of Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea has long held Youth Ministry as a high priority. Until the beginning of 2006, one full-time Lasallian Youth Minister had been based at the District Offices. This year the position was expanded to include three part-time Youth Ministers, each attached to a specific school in the District.

Concerning his appointment, Tom has stated: “It is a real privilege for me to be able to continue to be involved with the Brothers and the school that I love, continuing the work of John Baptist de La Salle in a modern context.”
^{( In the Know: Lasallian Newsletter )}

Lasallian Heritage Program: Thirty-five participants gathered at Narooma, Australia, from 14 to 19 May for the District of Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea’s second Introduction to the Lasallian Heritage program in 2006. The participants were representative of the wide range of Lasallian works. Three excerpts from the program evaluations of the participants capture the very positive experience in Lasallian Formation for Mission that the District is committed to providing.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting this ‘extended family,’ getting to further develop relationships with known workers, and I leave feeling more informed about our Lasallian heritage. It truly has given me a sense of community and pride, and has deepened my own commitment to my work.”

“As a relatively new teacher to the Lasallian (and Catholic) education system, I really appreciated the opportunity to gain so much knowledge about what being ‘Lasallian’ means.”

“I came to Narooma with mixed feelings. Part of me was looking forward to the rest from every day activities. The other part was anticipating dull religious indoctrination. I had planned to use that time for personal meditation! What surprised me was how interesting I found the history of the man John Baptist de La Salle. Also unexpected was the wonderful group of people. Overall, I have had a wonderful experience; and I have enjoyed and felt privileged to have had the time to reflect on my spiritual and personal issues. It’s been a program that has been informative, fun, and nourishing for the soul.”
^{( In the Know: Lasallian Newsletter )}

Recollection for Principals and Teachers of Catholic Education Foundation – Manado - Indonesia: After two months of preparation, last Saturday, members of Signum Fidei, Manado successfully facilitated a Recollection for principals and teachers of Catholic Education Foundation chaired by Fr. Fred Tawaluyan, pr. Held at Queen of Holy Rosary Parish’s Hall on June 3, 2006 from 9.30 am – 3.30 pm., this event aimed to introduce the principals and teachers to Lasallian Spirituality and the life of the Patron of Christian Teachers.

The number of participants attended was approximately 180 teachers and Principals . These delegates from 110 Catholic schools were presented with presentations of Lasallian Spirituality, Faith & Zeal, Presence of God and Touching Hearts. During the group discussions, every participant was encouraged to share his/her experiences in life related to their call as teachers.

The recollection was a great success, and left the delegates with
inspirations to do more for their students. This fruitful activity wouldn’t
have come easily without the effort of aspirants of Signum Fidei, Manado. Thanks go especially to Brother Owen Mason who initiated the event, the enthusiasm of the delegates, and the immeasurable help from some of our Young Lasallian Corps members. Hopefully this event will be followed by other similar or related events to further promote the Lasallian Spirituality.
^{(Mimi Taher)}

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