If you are new to the Lasallian world, and even perhaps to the educational world, the whole thing may seem a be a bit daunting. But don’t despair! That’s exactly how De La Salle and the first Brothers began. You’re in good company.
Here are some things you can check out quickly to become a bit more familiar with it all. For further recommendations, look further down the page.
1. The “Inspiration” video will give you an overview of how one videographer, without past experience or agendas, came to understand what the Lasallian world was all about, simply by going around Lasallian sites, filming and asking questions. Also check out the “Reflections” video, where Br. Gerard Rummery talks simply and directly about St. John Baptist de La Salle and the Brothers, and why he has been so captivated by their experience over the years.
2. If you just want to have a written overview of basics, then start with the booklet “ John Baptist de La Salle: Founder, Educator, Saint.” You can also take a virtual tour of De La Salle's world and life on the DLSFootsteps website and/or read the Footsteps booklet that accompanied the DVD version of the website.
3. There are also resources about Prayer, the SFNO Website, or Regional Website, or International Website, and a Lasallian Glossary that is helpful in knowing the unique terms, acronyms, and names associated with the organization.
If you want a really readable introduction to St. John Baptist de La Salle and the characteristic "Lasallian" aspects of education, then Touching the Hearts of Students is an accessible, enjoyable weekend read.
Below is a slider with a dozen different resources that may feed your "newcomers" interest and provide just enough information to allow you walk the talk, as it were.
FURTHER RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS
Praying with John Baptist de La Salle
A Lasallian prayer resource with specifically themed meditations for use with groups or private prayer and reflection.
Let Us Remember: Stories of the Holy Presence of God
This publication by the Lasallian Publications Committee of the Region of North America provides 52 stories from Lasallian school ministries, child and family youth service ministries, and retreat ministries. Each story focuses on how the “holy presence of God” has been experienced or seen through the eyes of personal witnesses.
An introduction gives an overview of how the holy presence of God has permeated the spirituality of St. John Baptist de La Salle.
The Fratelli Project – Lebanon
The Solidarity and Development Secretariat at the Casa Generalizia in Rome has been involved in the Fratelli Project for some years, where the Marist Brothers and the De La Salle Christian Brothers have joined in Lebanon to accompany Syrian, Iraqi and Lebanese children who have difficulties to study due to the armed conflicts in their countries.
This is a recent video of their ongoing ministry. More information and links in the longer description below.
Length: 4:40 min.
The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle: His Life and Spirituality
Pamphlet introducing St. John Baptist de La Salle and his educational legacy.
A Library Guide Celebrating De La Salle
Intended as a resource for an introductory set of lessons about St. John Baptist de La Salle, this library guide collects online resources from various parts of the internet.
It was put together as a commemoration of the life and legacy of De La Salle and the tricentenary of his death in 2019.
PODCAST – Brothers Banter
Here is a recently launched podcast that was created and developed by two religious brothers looking to invite everyone into a conversation about religion, spirituality, current events and all things Lasallian.