Lasallians in Louisiana came together at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie to learn more about the Lasallian heritage. Rummel hosted its first Five Core Meal December 10, 2012 which focuses on the Five Lasallian Core Principles. To show Lasallian unity, Rummel invited faculty members from De La Salle High School in New Orleans, Christian Brothers School in New Orleans and Saint Paul’s School in Covington.
Rummel President Brother Gale Condit brought the idea to the school from his time at St. Paul’s which held its first Five Core Meal in 2010. The event stems from an 
initiative the New Orleans-Santa Fe District created for its ministries as “a culinary reflection on the Five Lasallian Core Principles” in which each course of the meal is accompanied by presentations, discussion, and prayer.
“I think this event is important because it is one of the creative ways for our parents and faculty to learn more about the Lasallian world,” said Bro. Gale. “Hearing about the Five Core Principles and discussing them is an exciting way to share the Good News.”
Approximately 50 parents and alumni participated in the meal, which was served by students and donated by an alumnus restaurant owner. Ten faculty members presented each of the Five Core Principles along with each course using a combination of passages from Scripture and writings of or about St. John Baptist de La Salle. Following each presentation, diners reflected and then discussed each principle: Faith in the Presence of God, Respect for All Persons, Inclusive Community, Quality Education, and Concern for the Poor and Social Justice.
Parents were very impressed with the event and described it as an educational night of bonding that will create Lasallian families at home. Faculty members left the evening feeling more connected to the Lasallian mission. “In the holy presence of God, we shared not only great food for the body, but also, great ‘food’ for the soul,” said teacher Anna Lee.
The evening concluded with a video presentation highlighting the Five Core Principles in action in Lasallian schools around the world.
Bro. Gale called the event a “most positive experience.” He hopes to hold a Five Core Meal in the spring for students which will be organized by faculty members and parents to help develop the Lasallian culture Rummel.
Want to plan your own Five Core Meal? Use these resources:
• Meal Plan from Rummel
• Meal Outline from Rummel
• Meal Plan in Detail from Saint Paul’s
• Information and Poster on Five Core Principles