“It is gratifying and life-giving experience to be with young men in all stages of formation who are earnestly discerning God’s plan,” said Brother Anthony Baginski, FSC, who serves at Central Catholic High School, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
16 Brothers in various stages of initial formation in the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) gathered for retreat together October 15-18, at Mont La Salle, in Napa California. The gatherings, which happen twice a year, are opportunities for Brothers to connect across the Region to share in formative experiences together, as well as build community together.
“As a first year postulant, I was ecstatic to participate in the retreat held at Mont La Salle,” said Brother Steven Barbaro, a postulant from the District of Eastern North America living at the Regional Postulancy at Jeremy House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“It gave me the chance to make bonds and get closer to my Brothers from across RELAN. The value that I’m taking away from this retreat is listening to God’s call and the love of God’s healing grace.”
The reflective retreat, facilitated by Sr. Joann Heinritz, CSJ, was an opportunity for those in initial formation a space for personal and shared reflection, as well as the opportunity to deepen relationships with fellow Brothers from across North America.
“It is always a blessing to come together and share our new experiences of ministry and community,” said Brother Johnathon Emanuelson, a novice, living in Chicago where the Regional Novitiate is located. “There are always changes in our lives, and I find it very meaningful when we have the opportunity to share and process them. It is a chance to begin new friendships and rekindle older ones. It gives joy to my experience as a Brother and contributes to my sense of my role in the future of the Institute.”