Mr. Patrick J. Donahue, District Director of Advancement

Please join us in welcoming our newly appointed Visitor, stepped into the role on September 1, 2021.

With the four-year term of our Provincial/Visitor, Br. Dennis Lee, FSC, coming to an end on August 31, the Brothers of our District began last year the structured voting process to elect the next leader of our District. In January of this year, the Superior General of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Br. Robert Schieler, FSC, announced from Rome the appointment of Br. Robert Schaefer, FSC, as the third Visitor for the District of Eastern North America (DENA).

Br. Frank Byrne, FSC, incoming Auxiliary Visitor, stops to chat with students at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft NJ.

Our Visitor-elect is a graduate of Lasallian schools: La Salle College High School (’85) and La Salle University (B.A. ’89, M.A. ’95). Br. Robert is well qualified for the position, having served in the District as a teacher, campus minister, assistant principal, and principal.  Since 2016, he has been appointed to the worldwide Institute, Secretariat for Formation, in Rome.

Br. Jules (Bud) Knight, FSC, new Assistant Visitor, leading a memorial service with residents of De La Salle Hall, the Brothers’ nursing care Community.

In March, Br. Frank Byrne, FSC, accepted an invitation from the newly named Provincial/Visitor to serve as Auxiliary Visitor, also effective September 1st. For the last twelve years, Br. Frank has been the President of his alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft NJ. Prior to the formation of our District (DENA) in 2009, Br. Frank spent eight years in the position of Visitor for the former New York District.

Br. Robert has also created a new position of Assistant Provincial. Br. Jules ‘Bud’ Knight, FSC, has accepted his invitation to this role.  Br. Bud will be responsible for the pastoral accompaniment of senior Brothers and will work with and coordinate with all who care for their physical needs. Br. Bud’s experience in recent years as Director of our nursing home, De La Salle Hall, along with his extensive experience in formation, will be of great value in this new position.

THANK YOU TO OUR OUTGOING VISITORS

Our three Visitors had a bit of fun with their 2020 Christmas message.

I think that we, the District Office team, speak for our entire Lasallian family when we say how immeasurably grateful we are for the leadership of Br. Dennis Lee, FSC for the past four years. This goes as well for our two outgoing Auxiliary Visitors, Br. Richard Galvin, FSC, and Br. Lawrence Goyette, FSC. This trio has guided us through times that have included both the implementation of an ambitious four-year strategic plan and the safe and productive maneuvering through a pandemic.

We wish them all of God’s blessings as they move to their new communities and ministries. Br. Dennis is excited to be heading back to Kenya, training new teachers at Christ the Teacher Institute for Education. Br. Richard is moving to La Salle Academy in New York City. And, Br. Lawrence is returning to the Manhattan College Community in the Bronx. Each has truly helped Jesus to live in our hearts!