Registration is Now Open for Annual Huether Conference

Registration is Now Open for Annual Huether Conference

About Buttimer

The Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies is an intensive Lasallian education and formation program that studies the life, work and spirituality of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the origins of the Lasallian educational mission. Through an examination of the writings of De La Salle and an analysis of some modern educators, participants develop a deeper understanding of the Lasallian heritage and its influence on contemporary education and spirituality.

Founded in 1986, the Buttimer Institute is named in honor of Brother Charles Henry Buttimer, FSC (1909-1982), the first American — and the first non-French Brother — Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (1966-1976).

The Buttimer Institute is designed to inspire participants to delve more thoroughly into the Lasallian founding story and discover the basis of their vocation as educators. The program also seeks to deepen the participants’ association for the Lasallian mission and provide skills to become catalysts in their own ministries. The Buttimer Institute is a three-year program. Courses are conducted for three consecutive summers in two-week durations.

Course of Study

Year

I

The Founding Story: Participants are introduced to a detailed study of the life and person of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the historical and ecclesial context of the time in which he lived. The story of the origins of the Institute is presented through readings and discussions of original biographical and autobiographical texts, and the letters of De La Salle. The course also takes up the theme of the vocational journey of the educator through an examination of the writings of contemporary scholars.

Year

II

De La Salle’s Educational Vision: Participants can expect to examine the educational vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle through a reading of “The Conduct of the Christian Schools” and other primary texts. Participants study the pedagogical and catechetical writings of De La Salle and analyze these writings in terms of the contemporary Lasallian educational mission.

Year

III

De La Salle’s Spiritual Vision: In the final year, participants are immersed in the spiritual writings of De La Salle, particularly through an examination of the “Meditations” and “Explanation of the Method of Interior Prayer.” This session integrates Lasallian spirituality with the themes of the previous two years and invites participants to allow Lasallian spirituality to influence and enhance their own personal spirituality.

Bulletin Board

Buttimer participants can access this bulletin board for helpful information and resources.

Learn more

News

Buttimer 2026 Showcases the ‘Power of the Lasallian Family’

The Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies hosted more than 70 Lasallians, Brothers and Partners alike, from around the world for a two-week intensive formation program from June 28 – July 11. Held at Manhattan University in Riverdale, New York, the program enables educators to delve into the life, work and spirituality of Saint John Baptist […]

Questions?

To learn more about Buttimer, contact Sarah Laitinen, director of education and formation, at slaitinen@cbconf.org or 202-529-0047 x 109.

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