Fifty Lasallian educators in the fifth cohort of the Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice attended their second Regional session of the program July 14-18, at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. Throughout the five days, participants attended presentations and discussions on vocation, spirituality and association, prayed in community, and met twice by District.
The gathering began with a welcome from Sarah Laitinen, director of education and formation at Christian Brothers Conference, and then continued with an Opening Mass celebrated by Father Paul Novak, OSM. Monday and Tuesday sessions centered on vocation and were led by Brother David Caretti, FSC, director of vocation ministry for the District of San Francisco New Orleans (SFNO) and Janell Kloosterman, AFSC, director of leadership formation for SFNO.
Participants had the opportunity to share their personal vocation stories with one another. Jen Finney, assistant principal at Christian Brothers School’s Canal Street campus in New Orleans, Louisiana, said, “Though our vocation journeys are quite different, it’s remarkable that we all find ourselves in Lasallian schools — whether by choice or by chance. We have all been entrusted with the gift of Lasallian education.”
Finney continued, “Our table discussions lead into reflections on the culture of vocation in our schools — exploring how programs, practices and people shape this culture. I was inspired by the thoughtful approaches shared by each school. While every school has its own unique approaches, one powerful thread unites us all: our shared Lasallian mission.”
On Wednesday, Brother John Crawford, FSC, presented on Lasallian spirituality and introduced a context for Lasallian spirituality by examining the French school of spirituality and its influences on Saint John Baptist de La Salle and by reviewing the document, “Lasallian Spirituality Today.” Dr. Tom Southard, executive director at Christian Brothers Conference, discussed the topic of association on Thursday, looking at its historical foundations and its contemporary, lived experience.
Randi Butler, a French instructor at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., spoke of the impact of this Johnston Regional session and said, “As educators committed to the Lasallian tradition, we carry forward not only a mission of academic excellence but also a shared spirituality that nourishes our hearts and minds. … I find myself rejuvenated, reminded of why we embarked on this journey together.”
“One of the most powerful takeaways from this session was the insight that association emerges from a shared mission but is sustained by a shared spirituality. It’s one thing to learn about De La Salle’s vision; it’s another to live it daily in our classrooms and communities,” Butler added. “This fall, I’m resolved to see each student for who they are in the present moment — embracing their strengths, acknowledging their struggles and extending grace to them (and to myself) when needed. In doing so, we honor not only the intellect of our students but also their hearts, minds and souls.”
During the week, participants also met by District twice with their District accompaniers, first to discuss their capstone projects and finally, to discuss Institute, Regional and District structures. Scheduled evening socials and free time allowed participants the chance to reconnect with their cohort colleagues and form a Regional community.
“I have felt so whole and welcomed learning more about our Lasallian world. We have this great international network of thinkers, believers and do-ers that are here to continue the work of John Baptist De La Salle,” said Erin Lithgow, admissions manager at Sacred Heart Preparatory in San Francisco, California. “My biggest takeaway is how important it is for us to continue educating our Lasallian community members about the Lasallian mission.”
“Over the past year, my journey with the Johnston cohort has been a constant affirmation of my place within the Lasallian world. Unlike other conferences or trainings I’ve attended, the connections here run deep — from shared challenges to collective triumphs. Talking with fellow Lasallians about how they bring Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s mission to life in their own ministries has inspired me to continually refine my own practice. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve discovered a support system that extends beyond my school’s walls — a network of educators who share my values and stand ready to uplift one another in service of our students,” said Butler.
The cohort will meet again by District in October to explore the promotion of justice and education service of the poor.
Learn more about the Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice.