(L-R) Brothers Kevin Slate (Novitiate Director), Tony Baginski, Michael Miller,
Superior General Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría, Anwar Martinez,
Ken Kalinowski, Lewis Harwood, Robert Hazard (Novitiate Sub-director)
Five novices are preparing to complete their novitiate year in Napa, CA. Brothers Tony Baginski, Lewis Harwood, Ken Kalinowski, Anwar Martinez, and Michael Miller began the year of study and prayer together in August 2010. All are from the District of Eastern North America, with the exception of Lewis who is from Australia.
They are completing a journey of transformation during which they are deepening their relationships with God and aligning their journeys with St. John Baptist de La Salle and Jesus.
The novices have participated in a variety of activities outside of their classes and workshops, including a Vocation Retreat for the District of San Francisco at the Russian River and the District’s annual convocation. They also participated in a retreat for Brothers in initial formation in Philadelphia, PA and met with Superior General Brother Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría when he visited the District of San Francisco. On April 30, the 360th anniversary of the birth of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the novices hosted a seminar on Lasallian themes for the communities at Mont La Salle, Brothers and Lasallian teachers in northern California.
The Brothers also visited Lasallian schools in California to promote religious vocation, which include Cathedral High School in Los Angeles and Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. Additionally, they worked with students and teachers once a week at Justin-Siena High School in Napa.
Their summer started by helping with a Discernment Retreat for young men considering the Brother’s vocation. The novices will complete their studies in June and July, and prepare for the profession of their First Vows at the District of Eastern North America District Retreat in Philadelphia before transitioning into their apostolate.