Pictured – DENA and Midwest participants. Courtesy Brother Chuck Gregor
Cohort III of the Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice concluded in October with two in-person gatherings. Participants from the District of Eastern North America (DENA) and the Midwest District gathered October 21-23, 2021.
The gatherings were themed “Evangelization & Capstone.” During the three days, Maryann Donohue-Lynch presented on evangelization, and participants shared their capstone projects. In addition, participants had opportunities to reflect on their journey in this formation program and discern where God is leading them in their Lasallian vocation.
Donohue-Lynch reflected on her time as a presenter, sharing, “It was inspiring to be among Lasallians who are so deeply committed to living God’s mission. Each one of them is filled with joy and zeal for their vocational call to be a Lasallian educator. May God continue to bless their good works.”
Reflecting on her Johnston experience, participant Luzviminda Prado Morales from La Salle Academy in New York, New York, shared, “I will continue to do all my actions all for the love of God. This is the leading I got from the inspiration of Saint John Baptist de La Salle gave us. Enter to learn, leave to serve.”
“Because I’m new to my Lasallian ministry, the knowledge gained during my John Johnston experience brought me to a place in my 30+ year career that was never imagined,” said Steven Garraffo, Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs at Christian Brothers Academy. “As our Founder encourages us, I intend ‘to inspire and lead others by encouraging them’ and to lead by example, putting into practice at CBA my past experiences and now a deep understanding of Lasallian spirituality and pedagogy. Lastly, I cherish the relationships formed at Johnston. We are called to the same work; my new friends are a gift.”
Johnston is a two-year Regional formation program that focuses on deepening participants’ understanding of Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s story and vision, Lasallian pedagogy, the Lasallian promotion of justice and Lasallian spirituality while utilizing contemporary texts to inform and influence current and future Lasallian practice. The program takes place in a mix of online and in-person sessions. Registration for Cohort IV will open in February 2022 with the program set to begin in July 2022 in District gatherings.