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About Spirituality Fellows
Christian Brothers Conference is launching a Lasallian Spirituality Fellows program to begin September 2025. This program will invite Lasallians to deepen their knowledge of Lasallian Spirituality while engaging in three in-person sessions and 15 virtual sessions over 18 months. Lasallian spirituality will be presented as a ministerial journey of faith, in both a personal and a communal way. Participants will take on this journey as educators in Christ, guided by the spirit for the good of the world, particularly the young and the poor.
Download or print general program information and frequently asked questions.
Participant Qualifications
Potential participants will likely have:
- Some familiarity with the life story of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, his “Meditations,” and the “Explanation of the Method of Interior (Mental) Prayer,” with preference to those who completed the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies or another appropriate formation program.
- Some understanding of Catholic theology, with preference to those have studied theology, spirituality or other similar disciplines at the masters level or above.
- Some understanding of oneself as being a “pilgrim” on a spiritual journey, with preference to those have experience in spiritual direction or pastoral counseling.
- Willingness to help (a) with disseminating Lasallian spirituality especially on the local level or (b) with enriching Lasallian scholarship by the production, publication or preparation of new resource materials expected.
Goals and Curriculum
Participants will be expected to actively participate in discussions, which will include committing to completing all readings in advance, coming prepared for conversations, and having something to contribute to share. Participants will also submit short reflection essays after every session.
The goals of this program are personal, communal and ministerial. The individual will gain a deeper understanding of Lasallian spirituality through readings and discussion on the Gospel journey of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, redemption and salvation, the mystical vision of Saint Paul, and 17th-century French spirituality. Participants will explore the seminal writings of Brothers Michel Sauvage and Miguel Campos, and others, while considering the opportunities and challenges in articulating an understanding of Lasallian spirituality in the 21st century. The community will be formed to foster a sense of collaboration and shared ministry between and among emerging and more experienced Lasallian scholars. Participants will be expected to contribute to the Church, the Institute, and Lasallian ministries by exploring potential opportunities to serve as formators, presenters and authors, particularly in identified areas of local formation around Lasallian spirituality and contributing to Lasallian scholarship.
Key Dates
The inaugural group will be led by Brother William Mann, FSC, D.Min. Applications are due by May 15, 2025, and applicants will be notified of their status by June 2, 2025. The program will begin with an in-person session in September 2025. Subsequent in-person sessions will be in June 2026 and February 2027. Fellows will participate in a Zoom orientation that will be held in August 2025.
Cost
There will be no cost to participants. Participants or ministries will be expected to cover the travel cost to the three in-person sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m trying to decide between Buttimer and the Lasallian Spirituality Fellows. Which should I choose?
The Lasallian Spirituality Fellows program is an advanced, in-depth study in Lasallian Spirituality. The successful applicant will likely have completed the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies or another advanced formation program (CIL, Brothers’ formation, etc.), and will likely have an advanced degree or have spent significant time studying spirituality or theology.
What are the dates?
The monthly Zoom sessions will be scheduled once the cohort is set, but will likely be one evening per month, so as not to conflict with ministerial commitments. We ask you to set aside 90 minutes for each Zoom session as the conversations not go longer than that.
The four in-person dates will be as follows: Sept. 19-21, 2025, at Ocean Rest (Ocean City, New Jersey); March 2026 (TBD); Nov. 19 –21, 2026 at the Huether Conference (Minneapolis, Minnesota); and April 2027 (TBD).
I heard about the Pedagogy Fellows program. Can I do both?
In 2026, Christian Brothers Conference will launch the Lasallian Pedagogy Fellows program, which will closely parallel the Spirituality Fellows program. Each program is designed to be an immersive experience that requires time, reflection and commitment. To ensure participants can fully engage with the content of each program, we encourage applicants to choose the one that best fits your current interests and needs and consider applying to the other in a future year.
How many people will be accepted?
We anticipate a first cohort of seven to nine fellows. This small group will allow for deeper relationships, a richer learning experience and more meaningful conversations.
What if I’m not accepted? Will I have another chance in the future?
Yes. This is our inaugural cohort. We plan to run this program regularly.
How do I make sure my application is strong enough?
We want to understand your background, and your interest in the program. Why does this matter to you, and how will you use it to benefit your ministry, your District or the Lasallian educational mission? We will take your essays and your recommendation letter very seriously.
Is there actually no cost?
Christian Brothers Conference is covering the cost of the facilitator, presenters, the books that you will be read (which will be sent to you throughout the program), and the facilities and meals during the in-person sessions. You or your ministry are required to cover the cost of travel to the four in-person sessions.
Can I be a presenter on Lasallian spirituality when I complete the program?
Most likely. Our hope is that the fellows will have an expertise in Lasallian spirituality that will help them to support Lasallians, ministries and initiatives important to the Institute. They might be invited speakers at schools, they might author reflections or articles, or they might support ministry, District or Regional formation programs.
Questions?
Any questions on the program may be sent to Sarah Laitinen, director of education and formation, at slaitinen@cbconf.org.