De La Salle Institute Mission of Service By: Tom Dufficy, Chicago

Introduction  The two big questions teachers and students discuss about doing service hours for school are “What constitutes community service?” “Why do I have to do it?”  The following slides are an attempt to aid us in our understanding of what service is and how it is an important component of our Catholic Christian and Lasallian traditions.

Introduction   As part of our religious education, we are taught not only to learn about, but to live out the Gospel values in our daily lives.   As Christians, these teachings lead us to experiences that help shape our hearts.   Due to the people and circumstances around him, John Baptist de La Salle was led to form an identity and empathy with those less fortunate.

Introduction  Besides knowing our school is named after him, that his portrait is in every classroom, and we recite a phrase he wrote, “ what else do you know about de La Salle? (pause)  Besides knowing our school is named after him, that his portrait is in every classroom, and we recite a phrase he wrote, “let us remember we are living in the holy presence of God,” what else do you know about de La Salle? (pause)  So as to help you identify with his mission, it is important to understand the man and his vision that led to his life of service to the poor.

St. John Baptist de La Salle Who was this man?

History-Early Years  He was born in 1651 in France, in the city of Rheims, near Paris.  He grew up in a wealthy part of this city, living a sheltered life of social privilege and affluence.  As a young man, he took the necessary steps to become a priest.  At age 11, he became a cleric, a member of the clergy, by receiving a tonsure. This special hair cut symbolizes his desire to be a priest.  At 15, he was named a Canon in the Church. A canon is a paid position in which a person carries out various liturgical duties for the Church.  In 1678, at the age of 27, de La Salle was ordained a priest,  During his years of study in the seminary, his parents died. At the age of 20, de La Salle must take on the duty of raising his ten brothers and sisters.

The Beginning  Led by his trust in God’s Providence and after many hours of prayer and meditation, de La Salle took a great risk in  He ventured from his comfort zone of social privilege and wealth to serve the needs of the poor children around him.  These very people he chose to serve were the same that as a young man, he would rarely have any contact with.  In de La Salle’s own words, “…one involvement led me to another without my having foreseen it in the beginning.” [Memoir on the Beginning]

The First Schools  Asked by Adrian Nyel and Madame Maillefer, de La Salle begins his first school for the poor boys of Rheims. It failed because the teachers lacked proper skills and methods. He took up the challenge to improve them.  In 1681, to aid in their training, he moves the teachers into his home. His family is embarrassed by these people and their manners, so they leave.  In 1683, to become more like his teachers, now called Brothers, he resigns his canonry in the Church.  In 1691, with two other Brothers, he takes the “Heroic Vow” to continue to educate the poor and establish a society of Brothers, “…even if we are to beg for alms and live on bread alone” (Salm p 71)

The Mission Expands  Schools flourished. de La Salle and the Brothers would be invited to begin more schools throughout France  He continued to train them and work with them, writing a document entitled The Rule for he and the brothers to follow.  At his death, there are 22 schools and 99 brothers.  John Baptist de La Salle died on Good Friday, 1719  He was canonized a saint in Rome in 1900  He became the patron saint of educators May 15, 1950.

The First Schools  Asked by Adrian Nyel and Madame Maillefer, de La Salle begins his first school for the poor boys of Rheims. It failed because the teachers lacked proper skills and methods. He took up the challenge to improve them.  In 1681, to aid in their training, he moves the teachers into his home. His family is embarrassed by these people and their manners, so they leave.  In 1683, to become more like his teachers, now called Brothers, he resigns his canonry in the Church.  In 1691, with two other Brothers, he takes the “Heroic Vow” to continue to educate the poor and establish a society of Brothers, “…even if we are to beg for alms and live on bread alone” (Salm p 71)

The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools  Fueled by the success of the schools, and the methods of the Brothers, the commitment to educating the poor continues. Today, the 5600 Brothers of the Christian Schools can be found in 85 countries serving over 900,000 students.  TheLasallianWorld

The Lasallian United States  De La Salle Institute is one of over 54 secondary schools in the US/Toronto Region.  There are over 61,881 students in Lasallian schools in this region.

Closer to Home  Illinois is a part of the Midwest District.  We are one of 30 ministries in this district.  Illinois is home to five Lasallian high schools, two San Miguel Schools, one university, and one retreat center. Other High schools: Driscoll, St. Patrick’s, Montini, St. Joseph’s Montini, St. Joseph’s College: Lewis University Retreat Center: Lasalle Manor

What does it mean to be Lasallian? Service FaithCommunity  As members of a Lasallian community, we are called to serve the needs of the poor.  de La Salle states, ”..you are the ambassadors and ministers of Christ.”  We try to live the Lasaliian charism “together and by association.”

Why we serve?   Giving back to others helps us appreciate our own blessings.   As Lasallians,“…We understand that it is in small acts that we can make a difference.”   “We consider each individual valuable.”   “We promote working ardently for the young, especially the poor.” (Young Lasallian Creed)

Who are the Poor?  Most people typically define poor in economic terms. They do not have the means by which to provide clothes, food, etc.., but there are many people who are poor in others ways.  People may be spiritually and morally poor, lacking the direction and faith for their future.  People may be poor emotionally. They are lonely and so seek out companionship.  And yes, people perform poorly in school and need a hand feeling more confident in their abilities.

Rationale for Doing Service  Christ has called each of us to serve our brothers and sisters.  We are expected as believers and followers of Christ to love and respect ourselves and our neighbor.  Our neighbor is a person regardless of creed, age, sex, economic status, or race.  de La Salle wrote, “… may faith lead you to do this affection and zeal because these children are members of Jesus Christ.” meditation on the feast of Epiphany

Christ is our Model  …But it shall not be so among you. Rather whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant, whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve… MT 20:26-28  After Jesus washed the Apostles feet, he said, “ If I therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. JN 13:14-15  …Amen I say to you, whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me. MT 25:40

What are Service Sites?  There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit, there are different forms of service, but the same Lord… 1 COR 12:5 Examples of Service sites Churches Hospitals Nursing homes Soup kitchens Food pantries Schools After school programs Tutoring Mentoring or Coaching at local park districts, and Community centers

How to find a site?  DLS can help you find a service site.  There is a list of preferred sites available through Campus Ministry.  You may join Lasallian Youth. The group meets every other Thursday morning.  You may contact any of the places in your parish/community that need volunteers.

Breakdown of Form  Requirements: * The student must complete ____service hours between_______ and ___________  * Service sites are Hospitals, Churches, Schools and other organizations that serve people.  * This contract is to be signed by the student and the organization’s contact person.  * The student will complete a reflection form after completion of all service hours.  Contact Person: Please fill out this form when the student comes for his first day, and return it to them with the evaluation completed, when they leave your site for the last time. Feel free to keep track of his days and hours on the back of this form or use your own format. Thank you for your assistance in this program.  STUDENT Name___________________  Class Period____  CLASSROOM TEACHER:_____________  SUPERVISOR/CONTACT PERSON:___________________________  SITE NAME_________________________  PHONE:________________ ADDRESS:_________________________  START DATE ____ TOTAL HOURS  COMPLETED__ END DATE _____  BRIEFLY DESCRIBE DUTIES:_____________________  ____________________________

Supervisor Evaluation  Did the student perform duties satisfactorily? Yes No  Was the student punctual? Yes No  Was their behavior and dress APPROPRIATE? Yes No  Would you ask them to return to your facility at a later date? Yes No  Would other DLS students be able to serve at this facility? Yes No  Comments:  Signature of Supervisor:_____________ Signature of Student:________________  If at any time the student presents himself in a disrespectful way, please feel free to send him home for that day or terminate him. Also feel free to call the school to speak with the student’s teacher with any questions or concerns.  Thank you. Date of service Time in and time out Duties/Activities for the day

Service Reflection  After you complete your required hours, you then fill out a reflection based on the following questions.  1. Briefly describe your experience  2. What insights did you gain about others from your experience?  3. What insight did you gain about yourself?  4. What gifts and talents did you use while doing this service?  5. What was one thing you found difficult about this experience?  6. What was one thing you found rewarding about this experience?  7. Would you recommend other students participate in this service experience?

Challenge to Serve Others  We challenge you to reach out to the needs of others in your parish or community.  We challenge you to move out of your comfort zone as de La Salle once did and allow God to move through you.  We challenge you to remember that you are always in God’s presence.

Are you in the picture?

 St. John Baptist de La Salle… …Pray for us …Pray for us Our Lady of Lourdes… …Pray for us …Pray for us  Live Jesus in our hearts… …Forever

Sources  The Work is Yours: Luke Salm  Memoir on the Beginning; St. John Baptist de La Salle  Touching the Hearts of Students; George Van Grieken   Lasallian Creed