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
The Purpose of Lasallian Schools
A somewhat older 26-minute video wherein four Lasallian educators share their insights into the purpose of Lasallian schools.
(The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.)
St. John Baptist De La Salle: Journey of a Man
This one-man show by Michael Cook, now-retired professor of drama at Saint Mary’s College of California, presents the life of St. John Baptist de La Salle in an engaging, dramatic, and comprehensive fashion. No one has ever done such a depiction of this Patron Saint of Teachers, and Michael does justice to all of the story’s drama, nuances, and sets of characters involved.
The production was written by Michael, his wife Jeffra, and Dan Cauthon, along with a host of other collaborators. It is a project that came about as a project taken on while he was part of the Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies.
Actor: Michael Cook
For further credits see the RESOURCE DESCRIPTION tab below.
Length: 1 hour
(The entire 3-hour production, it is available at THIS link.)
The “Show the VIDEO” tab below lets you run the video from here.
Prayer Services for General Use
Below are some prayers services that may be used with any group – students, parents, teachers, boards, etc. They are particularly focused on dealing with the challenges of the recent pandemic but could be used in any context.
They are provided in PDF and in Powerpoint formats. For those leading the prayer, all you will need to do is to have readers for the various sections – or allow others to read an individual page in silence if there is a musical selection on the same slide.
Of course, you are welcome to edit the Powerpoint as you wish.
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NOTE: Please see the notes below the prayer services about window and sound sharing.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle: Patron Saint of Teachers
A remastered version of the 1968 movie, starring Mel Ferrer, that traces De La Salle’s vocation journey and the beginnings of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. While perhaps a bit dated, it remains popular with students and could be used beneficially with a number of audiences.
100 Short Quotes by De La Salle
This is a set of 100 short quotations from St. John Baptist de La Salle, taken from various writings during his life, and arranged according to specific themes. It is a worthwhile resource for displays or for prayer or group reflection.
Author: St. John Baptist de La Salle, Patron of Teachers
Compilation: Nicholas Hutchinson, FSC
2021 International Lasallian COVID Study
2021 International Lasallian COVID Survey
These are the results of the 2021 International Lasallian COVID Study that was sent to all Lasallian institutions in 79 countries.
The report provides a global overview of the pandemic’s impact and of the responses it evoked in the areas of pedagogical management, institutional management, school management, and financial management.
Groups of scholars from Lasallian universities in various parts of the world analyzed the data and provided their conclusions, insights, and recommendations.
Below are PDF copies of the report. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO OPEN THE PDF. The survey instrument itself is HERE.
Video INTRODUCTION below (54 min.)