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
Study Guide – “Saint John Baptist de La Salle” Booklet
This guide accompanies the SFNO introductory booklet about De La Salle and his charism “John Baptist de La Salle: Founder, Educator, Saint.”
Lasallian Glossary, Acronym, & Style Guide – 2018 (RELAN)
A guide published by the Lasallian Region of North America that provides the standards for the use of specific terms, phrases, and spellings within the Lasallian educational network.
De La Salle Christian Brothers share their COVID Experience – VIDEOS
In celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life, here are some videos of Brothers around the world responding to “what it’s like to be a Brother in the time of COVID19.
For the text versions and for translations of videos in other languages, see below the video on Facebook.
Reflection on De La Salle
Excellent introduction to St. John Baptist de La Salle, his spiritual foundations, and his ongoing impact on the Institute he founded.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
One Year In Mission Together
Produced for the tricentenary celebrations in 2019, this booklet highlights 52 ministries from across our Lasallian community and provides a brief explanation of their services, geographically maps their location. It’s a great resource for teachers, administrators, and all Lasallians.
Source: De La Salle International Solidarity Foundation (Rome)
Lasallian World Maps
Here are two maps of the worldwide Lasallian educational community. The statistics are from 2020.
The blue map simply shows the locations and statistics. The tan map includes hand-drawn images of Brothers involved in a variety of scenes in their ministries.
Either map may be downloaded as a PDF file, which allows you to print it in whatever size you wish. You are free to print and share it without any additional permissions.