More than 50 Lasallians came together for the first session of the Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice (JJI) at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois in mid-July. Focused on the founding story and vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the Regional meeting gave cohort VI participants an opportunity to delve into the history of the Lasallian mission and charism, network with other educators, and pray and grow as a community.
Presenters for this JJI Regional session included Kurt Schackmuth, Ph.D., vice president for student life and chief mission officer at Lewis University; Mary Catherine Fox, AFSC, Ph.D., professor emerita of interdisciplinary studies at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; and Sarah Laitinen, director of education and formation at Christian Brothers Conference.
Sessions covered topics such as the historical context of the Lasallian mission, De La Salle’s journey, women in the life of the Founder, the vocation of educators, the Second Vatican Council and the future of the mission, and more. During the four days, participants met by District twice, prayed in the mornings and evenings together, and enjoyed nightly socials.
Sara Lenish, junior high assistant principal at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, New York, said, “Learning more about the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle was incredibly eye-opening. I have always been proud to work at CBA Syracuse, but understanding more of the history behind the Lasallian mission gave me a much deeper appreciation for who we are and why we do what we do. It made me realize that De La Salle’s mission is just as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Students still need adults who believe in them, walk beside them, and remind them of their God given worth.”
Lenish added that one part of the JJI experience that particularly made an impact on her was “our discussion about the role of women during the 17th century. It pushed me to think about how far we’ve come while also recognizing the challenges that young women still face today. Working at … (a) coeducational Lasallian school has given me a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the young girls I work with every day, and that has become one of my greatest passions.”
Many participants said they left this JJI Regional meeting inspired to strengthen the mission back at their ministries.
Nick Courtney, social studies teacher at De La Salle High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, said he looked forward to enhancing the sense of mission across different parts of his ministry: “I am blessed to teach at a school with great teachers, administrators, and community — yet I believe that De La Salle would still challenge us to always be reflecting on how we should be creative in addressing the new realities that we and our students face. I want JJI to help me be more attentive, and I want to bring back from JJI those parts of the Lasallian tradition that can help me start that reflection in new corners of my school.”
With sessions exploring topics such as “Why Am I Here?” and “Our Vocation Journey,” the program sought to make a positive impact on participants professionally and personally in their vocations as Lasallian educators.
“Being part of Cohort VI of the Brother John Johnston Institute has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” said Madeline Saunders, career advisor and employer relations specialist at Lewis University. “It has given me the opportunity to reflect more deeply on our Lasallian traditions while building meaningful relationships with fellow Lasallians who are equally committed to serving students. I look forward to continuing to reflect on my own commitment to students, growing the friendships I have made through this experience, and learning more about what it means to live out creative fidelity through our Lasallian history,” Saunders said.
The cohort will meet again this fall to explore Lasallian pedagogy and best practices.