Over 250 gather, and four young Brothers deepen their commitment to The Brothers of the Christian Schools
Sister Mary Dacey, SSJ, Co-Chair of the US Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, shares her experiences of association with the Christian Brothers as a Sister.
Michael French, FSC, of the Christian Brothers Midwest District talks about the concept of Association during his presentation entitled “A Journey of Hope.”
Accompanied by their sponsors, Brothers (from left to right) Anthony Baginski, Kenneth Kalinowski, Anwar Martinez, and Michael Miller profess First Vows, solidifying their commitment to the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
7/31 – 8/5/2011 – Philadelphia, PA – From July 31st through August 5th, over 250 Brothers of the Christian Schools gathered for The Called to be Brothers Retreat at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. This was an opportunity for the Brothers of the entire District of Eastern Northern America to gather, reflect upon, and celebrate their vocations as religious Brothers and educators.
The first formal gathering for all Brothers of DENA since its formation in 2009, the retreat was designed to provide Brothers the opportunity to get to know one another, become more passionate about their religious vocation, and share time in prayer, reflection, and conversation about responding to God’s educational call.
Presentations focused on consecrated religious life, vows, and how Brothers can work more closely with lay partners and other religious congregations to continue to reach those in poverty. Presenters included: Sister Mary Dacey, SSJ, Co-Chair of the US Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph; Brothers Robert Schieler, FSC, General Counselor; Robert Berger, FSC, Professor of Religious Studies at Manhattan College (Riverdale, NY); William Mann, FSC, President of St. Mary’s University (Winona, MN); Michael French, FSC, Christian Brothers Midwest District.
A special Mass was also held, in which four Brothers professed First Vows, solidifying their commitment to The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Now canonicially recognized by Rome, Anthony Baginski, Kenneth Kalinowski, Anwar Martinez, and Michael Miller are officially Brothers of the Christian Schools.
Meet the Newly Professed
(L to R) Brothers Anwar Martinez, Kenneth Kalinowski, Anthony Baginski, and Michael Miller.
Before he made first promises in September of 2009, Anthony Baginski spent 15 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, receiving three Commendation Medals for Outstanding Achievement. After his service, Brother Anthony spent seven years at Saint Bernard’s High School in Uncansville, Connecticut as a teacher and in administration, including two years as Principal. Since entering the Brothers of the Christian Schools Formation Program, Brother Anthony has served at La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, and The San Miguel School of Camden, New Jersey, while pursuing a Masters Degree in Theology at La Salle University. Brother Anthony will now be teaching at Central Catholic High School, in Pittsburgh, PA
Kenneth Kalinowski knew the Christian Brothers as a high school student, and graduate of De La Salle Collegiate in Warren, Michigan. After earning his B.A. in Social Studies and History at Villanova, Ken taught in a number of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Kalinowski would reconnect with the Brothers, teaching at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, New York. Joining the Brothers as a postulant in 2008, Ken taught at St. Raymond’s Elementary in the Bronx, followed by Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, New York. Completing his Masters at Marygrove College, Brother Ken will teach at La Salle Academy, in New York City.
Introduced to the Brothers while serving as a Lasallian Volunteer, Anwar Martinez was drawn to the Institute while educating students at the San Miguel School of Camden, New Jersey. Anwar joined the Brothers’ postulancy program, and taught at La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania. A native of Mexico, Anwar holds a B.A. from the University of Guadalahara, and earned his Masters from La Salle University. Brother Anwar will join Brother Ken, teaching at La Salle Academy, on 6th Street in New York City.
A graduate of Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, Maryland, Michael Miller made his first promises as a Brother in September of 2007. After graduating from Towson State with a Bachelors in History, and a minor in Spanish, Michael volunteered with AmeriCorps for two years; first at a Native American Reservation in Colorado, followed by teaching in a school in Little Rock, Arkansas. Since joining the Brothers’ Formation Program, Brother Michael has served the students of San Miguel School in Washington, DC. As a newly vowed Brother, Michael will serve at the San Miguel School in Providence, Rhode Island.