Lasallian schools explore common roots

By Bob Carrejo, Contributing Writer
Photo | COURTESY San Francisco New Orleans District LASALLIAN SCHOOLS

The four Catholic Lasallian Schools of the San Francisco New Orleans District held their third annual educational convocation, “NOLAsallians,” Aug. 30 at St. Paul’s School. Roy Tetifils, a Catholic psychotherapist with 25 years of youth experience, was keynote speaker.

“The part of the day that stood out was the rich conversation in the breakout sessions,” said De La Salle High’s campus minister/lead religion teacher Tony Behan, who gave a session on how Lasallian educators can walk with iGen’ers in the classroom and challenge them to authentic community and well-being. “Being able to be in the same room with other Lasallians talking about real and relevant issues that impact our students and schools was invigorating.”

A key element of the breakout sessions was the inclusion of topics for those Lasallian educators who serve outside of the classroom in either full-time or part-time staff roles.

According to St. Paul’s  Mimi Monteiro, yearbook moderator and school development office assistant, “Just as all five core principles complement each other to form a perfect pathway to fulfilling our mission, so did the participants and components of the gathering work together in drawing us closer as a Lasallian family, uplifting us spiritually and renewing our zeal for our work.”

Search for knowledge

Throughout the day, veteran Lasallians noted how the gathering has evolved over six years in its local hands-on approach.

“What I love is that people are coming now with expectations of expanding their knowledge,” said Doug Joubert, Christian Brothers School technology director. “Now, it’s, ‘Let me learn more of our Lasallian charism and educational tradition.’”

The final day’s activity was a special candlelight prayer service calling participants to a deeper mindfulness as Lasallian educators and personal recommitment to their vocation.

Archbishop Rummel High School’s Charlene Wetzel, the day’s emcee, found this to be the highlight of her day.

“For me,” she said, “it was a way to take a deep breath after a long week, to be still and quiet, to reflect on my wonderful experience and to share prayer with my Lasallian family.  I was moved  by the readings and the candle ceremony/commissioning, witnessing the light growing as each group added theirs was inspirational to me.”

The impact of the NOLAsallian gathering continued to echo in conversations at a football rally but nowhere more than in their appreciation for how it strengthened their connection to Lasallian traditions.

“I would argue,” suggested Monteiro, “that the greatest value of this gathering comes in the relationships and support that we offer each other as ‘partners’ in this mission, especially from the guidance and wisdom we have received from the Brothers over the years. It struck a chord with me that most participants spoke of the long-standing relationships they’ve had with Brothers and Partners in their work within our Lasallian mission.  Together and by association – it’s how we do what we do, and it makes all the difference in the world.”

Carrejo is director of communications for the District of San Francisco New Orleans in California.