Lasallian Reflections

                                   Let us pray…

Lord Jesus,

help me to stay awake,

to look at what I have and be grateful for it.

Let me see myself

for what I really am and celebrate – or reform.

Let me be sensitive to the realities around me

so that I may live the present moment

watchful and alert

and thus be more at peace

about the unknown next moment.  Amen

Maranatha!  Come Lord Jesus

Prepared by Brother Timothy Dean, FSC

Advent, 2008

Brothers of the Christian Schools

District of Baltimore

BROTHER MICHAEL PHILLIPS, FSC

1912 - 2008

Born John Joseph Phillips, Jr. in Youngstown, OH on August 7, 1912.

Died at De La Salle Hall, Lincroft, NJ on November 3, 2008.

Entered the Ammendale Novitiate on September 2, 1930.

Received the Religious Habit and Name Festus Michael on December 7, 1930.

Pronounced perpetual vows in Ocean City, NJ in 1937.

ASSIGNMENTS:

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

                        Viewing at La Salle Hall, Ammendale: 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Thursday, November 6, 2008

                        9:30 am           Viewing at La Salle Hall, Ammendale

                      11:00 am           Mass of Christian Burial

                                                Followed by interment at the Brothers’ cemetery

SUFFRAGES FOR OUR DECEASED BROTHER:

District:  100 masses

De La Salle Hall community:  30 masses

Each community in the District:  1 mass

            Brother Michael died peacefully at De La Salle Hall, Lincroft.  For the past month he was kept comfortable by the De La Salle Hall staff and hospice personnel.  May he rest in peace.

BROTHER LEWIS MULLIN

1927 – 2008

Born John Joseph Mullin, Jr. in Philadelphia, PA on January 3, 1927.

Died at Sanctuary at Holy Cross, Burtonsville, MD on October 19, 2008

Entered the Ammendale Juniorate on June 18, 1943.

Entered the Ammendale Novitiate on June 11, 1945.

Received the Religious Habit and Name of Geffrey Lewis on September 7, 1945.

Pronounced perpetual vows at Ammendale, MD on August 29, 1952.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1946-1950       Washington, D.C.                   De La Salle College: scholasticate

1950-1962       Washington, D.C.                   St. John’s College H S: teacher, guidance

1962-1965       Miami, FL                               La Salle-Immaculata H S: teacher, guidance

1965-1966       Canton, OH                            Central Catholic H S: teacher, guidance

1966-1977       Wyndmoor, PA                       La Salle College H S: teacher, guidance

1977-1982       Philadelphia, PA                     La Salle College: admissions director

1982-1984       Jersey City, NJ                        Hudson Catholic H S: guidance

1984-1993       Radnor, PA                             Archbishop Carroll H S: guidance

1993-1994       Ammendale, MD                    Holy Family Community: retired

1994-2003       Philadelphia, PA                     La Salle University: retired

2003-2008       Ammendale, MD                    La Salle Hall: retired

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Viewing at La Salle Hall, Ammendale: 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

                        9:30 am           Viewing at La Salle Hall, Ammendale

                      11:00 am           Mass of Christian Burial

                                                followed by interment at the Brothers’ cemetery

SUFFRAGES FOR DECEASED BROTHER:

District:  50 masses

Ammendale community:  30 masses

Each community in the District:  1 mass

            Brother Lewis died peacefully in his sleep at Sanctuary at Holy Cross after a lengthy illness from complications due to diabetes.  Lew has no surviving relatives.  His brother, Frank, died exactly two weeks before Lew.  May they rest in peace.

(Mr. Christopher Barczak)

Adamstown, MD – The Baltimore District is pleased to announce Mr. Christopher Barczak of Calvert Hall College High School has been named the 2008-2009 Distinguished Lasallian Educator.  Barczak, Calvert Hall class of 1993, is an eleven year Religion Department Faculty member.  Highlights of his tenure include serving as the school Lasallian animator, chairing the Lasallian Ministry Committee, organizing a Masters culminating project called the Social Justice Forum which was attended by faculty from Calvert Hall, the Cardinal Gibbons School, St. John’s College High School and La Salle College High School, Baltimore District Council membership, Lasallian Leadership Institute graduate and a delegate to the Young Lasallians Assembly in Rome, Italy.  In addition to his numerous activities at Calvert Hall, Barczak is an active member of his community.  He serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola College in Maryland, holds certification in Youth Ministry, is a Professional Catechist in the Baltimore Archdiocese and serves in many roles at his parish, St. Ursula Roman Catholic church, from weekend sacristan to serving with his wife as a Pre-Cana team presenter.

Those who nominated Barczak noted many laudatory qualities that made him stand out as an outstanding Lasallian educator.  Mr. Louis Heidrick, Principal - Calvert Hall, made note of three distinct characteristics that made him a fine selection for this award.  "First, Chris is an excellent teacher.  Second, Chris teaches the social justice course and was instrumental in making a service component a part of that course.  Finally, Chris is an exemplary person.”  Mr. Charles Stembler, Assistant Principal - Calvert Hall, wrote “Chris has also taken a leading role in our Mission Drive.  He has moved this program from a “money drive” to an “educational and understanding” endeavor in the school.”  Mr. Walter Dobrzyki, Religion Department Chair – Calvert Hall, noted “...his model of care and concern continues to be imitated by his students as many continue their service opportunities in the future beyond the realm of the classroom.  This is mark of a true Lasallian, one who models and instills a spirit and zeal that continues for a lifetime.”

Congratulations, Christopher Barczak, for being selected from a pool of excellent educators to be chosen the Distinguished Lasallian Educator for 2008-2009!

(The participants of the workshop gather for a group photograph.)

Philadelphia, PA – The 2008 Lasallian Student Leadership Workshop once again was held at La Salle University from 16-18 June with an expanded focus.  Over its history the primary focus of the workshop was to bring members of Baltimore District ministry student councils to improve their work.  This year the focus was expanded to cover leadership on a broader level.  Schools were invited to bring leaders from across the spectrum from student council to service program leadership.  Sessions were centered on a more general view of leadership for the twenty-five students from the five district schools that attended.

The workshop kept its usual length of an evening opening followed by a full day and the following morning structure but added new themes to the workshop.  The first evening focused on how leaders are to be models of Signum Fidei or Signs of Faith with a session led by Br. Brian Henderson, FSC.  The morning workshop challenged the young leaders to examine the theory, practice and purpose of leadership under the direction of Dr. John DiLulio, Frederick Fox Leadership Professor, of the University of Pennsylvania.  After some unstructured community time in the afternoon the group gathered for a discussion led by Central Catholic High School graduate, Mr. Connor Lamb, currently of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, who guided the young leaders in conversation on Christian service and social justice.  This discussion was followed by a session led by Br. Robert Schaefer, FSC, Assistant Principal – Student Affairs at Central Catholic High School, that zeroed in on leadership that fosters Christian brotherhood and sisterhood.  The Workshop sessions were caped off with current Georgetown University student and Central Catholic High School graduate, Mr. James Kelly, giving the students a chance to hear perspectives on how to use the tools that they gathered at the workshop in their high schools. 

As usual the workshop had opportunities for sharing faith, service and community.  Each evening ended with prayer followed by a social and each morning began with prayer.  The gathering came to a close with students being challenged by Br. Ernest Miller, FSC, Director of the Office of Education and Mission Formation, to see beyond the student council or club that they are in to be in service to the whole school and the community beyond. 

Baltimore, MD – St. Mary’s University and Seminary Center for Continuing Formation, hosted the first Symposium of Campus Ministers.  The gathering brought eleven participants Br. Michael Andrekjo, FSC, Central Catholic HS, Br. Carl Clayton, FSC, Calvert Hall College HS, Mr. Gregory Derus, St John's College HS, Mr. Philip Forte, Cardinal Gibbons School, Ms. Kathleen Kernich, St. John's College HS, Mr. Marc Parisi, Calvert Hall College HS, Mr. Mario Ragghianti, La Salle Academy, Ms. Meaghan Tracey, Calvert Hall College HS, Deacon Bill Walkowiak, St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, Mr. Richard Ward, La Salle School, Mrs. Susan Yost, Cardinal Gibbons School involved in campus ministry from Lasallian ministries from the Districts of Baltimore, Midwest and New York for sharing of knowledge and discussion on campus ministry issues.  The symposium purposefully had a collegial design to encourage participants to impart their best practices and ideas with each other.

The workshop had an opening evening, followed by a full day and finished with a closing morning format.  The first evening Rev. Edward Branch, D. Min., Founding Director Lyke House, The Catholic Center at The Atlanta University Center, provided the general context of the gathering with a keynote address entitled Butchers, Bakers and Candlestick Makers:  Creating Subversives for the Jesus Movement.  The talk focused on the message of the Gospels, many times counter to the popular culture, to make our schools training grounds for the mission of Jesus.  The first session of the full day together was led by Mr. Alexander Pazuchanics, Central Catholic High School graduate, who shared his research and thoughts on celebrating liturgy in a meaningful and spiritual fashion with young people.  Br. Dennis Wermert, SC, Pastoral Associate, St. Clement Pope Parish, Jamaica, Queens, NY, spoke on designing and sustaining effective high school campus ministry and shared insights from his years of experience.  The evening session was time to examine different retreat models from Kairos to retreats in natural settings.  This dialogue was directed by Rev. Rich McCouch, SJ, Chaplin (Director of Campus Ministry at Georgetown Preparatory School, Mr. Joseph Parisi, Kairos Adult Leader at La Salle College High School and Mr. Daniel Cavoli, Campus Ministry Team member at St. Edwards High School.  The program wrapped up with a conversation on connecting Christian service and social justice education/advocacy guided by Mr. David Chiles, Director of the Wolfington Center and Director of Service at Cabrini College. 

The time together gave the attendees time to build community, to learn, to pray and reflect.  Formal opportunities to share were built into the program as Ms. Meaghan Tracy and Mr. Marc Parisi of Calvert Hall College High School imparted insights about strong campus ministry programs for Lent and social justice immersion programs respectively.  Informal opportunities to communicate were present at meals and socials.  Prayer ended and began each day and quiet setting of the Center for Continuing Formation provided time for personal prayer and reflection.  The workshop provided a myriad of thoughts and ideas for all participants to take back to their personal ministries and many contacts to help sustain the integral mission of campus ministry. 

Congratulations!  San Miguel School Camden announced that the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools, Commission on Elementary Schools, accredited the school for grades 6-8, for a seven year term ending May 1, 2015.

The San Miguel Schools are part of the NativityMiguel Network.  The mission statement of the network is:  The NativityMiguel Network leads member schools to excellence in education for underserved communities.  Adhering to nine mission effectiveness standards, our schools deliver a uniquely effective, faith-based education to the middle school students in their care.  For more on the Nativity/Miguel Network click http://www.nativitymiguelschools.org/.

2008-2009 Distinguished Lasallian Educator Nominees

Dr. Marjorie Allen and
Dr. Robert Vogel
La Salle University

Mr. Christopher Barczak
Calvert Hall College High School

Mr. Glenn Campbell
Central Catholic High School

Mr. Richard Fairley
The Cardinal Gibbons School

Mrs. Elizabeth Field
La Salle College High School

Mr. Thomas Sipowicz
St. John's College High School

Mr. Robert Todd
De La Salle in Towne

District of Baltimore

Born Rocco Andrew DiNoto in Atlantic City, NJ on April 25, 1910.
Died at De La Salle Hall, Lincroft, NJ on April 5, 2008.
Entered the Ammendale Novitiate on January 9, 1940.
Received the Religious Habit and Name Disthal Andrew on May 30, 1940.
Pronounced perpetual vows in Ammendale, MD in 1946.

                        3:00 – 5:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm
                        Calvert Hall College Student Chapel
                        8102 La Salle Road
                        Baltimore, MD 21286

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 (Mass of Christian Burial/Interment)

                        Burial around 11:30 am at Ammendale (followed by a luncheon)

District of Baltimore

Born Thomas Allen Miller in Baltimore, MD on October 19, 1947.

Died at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD on March 24, 2008.

Received the Religious Habit in Washington, D.C. on August 29, 1966.

Pronounced perpetual vows at Central Catholic H.S., Pittsburgh, PA in 1973.

                        Calvert Hall College Student Chapel

Friday, March 28, 2008 (Mass of Christian Burial/Interment)

                        Loch Raven Boulevard and Putty Hill Avenue

                        Burial around NOON at Ammendale (followed by a luncheon)

            Brother Thomas suffered a stroke while at GBMC on Monday, March 24 and the medical team was unable to revive him due to massive bleeding in his lungs. He is survived by two brothers: Reverend Edward Miller of the Baltimore Archdiocese and Brother James Miller, CSC. May he rest in peace.

Easter Sunday

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118)

An empty tomb, an earthquake, and an angel greeted Mary Magdelene when she arrived early in the morning at the place where they had buried Jesus. Unlike Peter who wanted to make three tents to commemorate the Transfiguration scene, her thoughts were far from the placing of some type of marker or plaque to memorialize this sacred space.  She and the women who accompanied her eagerly accepted the challenge of the angel to spread the good news of the Resurrection. As women of faith, they were rewarded when Jesus appeared to them and strengthened them in their mission.

Underlying the angel’s message was the risk that was involved in spreading the message.  We, as people of faith, must be willing to take risks for what we believe is the right thing to do.  Christians, through the gift of faith, have believed in Jesus and his raising from death to new life.  In this, Jesus provides a hope for meeting the challenges that confront us and can prevent us from becoming our best selves.  This challenge is a search for life’s goodness and for what unites rather than divides, heals rather than hurts and trusts rather than denies.

In his Meditation for Easter Sunday, St. La Salle tells us that “The resurrection of Jesus Christ should procure for you the benefit of making you rise spiritually by causing you to live according to grace.”  With faith, then, let us remember that whenever and wherever we serve those in need is the time and the place God has ordained for us and be grateful for God’s purpose in our lives.

                                      Let us pray . .

God of glory,
help me to rejoice in your presence within me.
Strengthen me in my desire to grow in faith
so that I may continue
to be a messenger of your good news
to all who come into my life.

This I ask through your Risen Son.  Amen.

Prepared by Brother Timothy Dean, FSC
Lent, 2008