Lasallian Spirituality
By Mick Owens and Robert Sauerbrey
Spirituality.
Spirituality is a world view which guides our search for purpose and truth and which directs our actions. Christian spirituality sees the sacredness of all creation as given to us by God, “in whom we live and breathe and have our being.” Catholic Christian spirituality also draws on the historical traditions of the Church, the people of God, the body of Christ. The heart of this tradition is the Paschal Mystery which affirms that death leads to life, and that selfless service is the fullness of our humanity. In Jesus’ world, service to God and service to others are one and the same.
Lasallian Spirituality.
“Together and by Association”
Lasallian Spirituality receives its special emphasis from the life-story of our founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle. Lasallians work in community, much like a family, strengthened by solidarity with one another.
“Spirit of Faith"
Lasallians depend on and receive sustenance from a “Spirit of Faith,” doing everything with complete trust in God’s providence and sustained with that intimate relationship. In Lasallian tradition, at every gathering we say, “Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.”
“Touching Hearts”
Recognizing that only the Spirit can change the heart, our faith overflows into enthusiastic service. In de La Salle’s words, “Do you have the faith that is such that it is able to touch the hearts of your students and to inspire them with the Christian spirit? This is the greatest miracle that you could perform and one that God asks of you, for this is the purpose of your work.” In this
process, our students touch our hearts, too.
“Practice before Theory"
St. John Baptist de La Salle was a practical man. A person’s alone time with God is essential, but it must overflow into actual service to be Lasallian. The school must help students grow to become whole, complete persons with practical skills for life as well as human qualities to live life purposefully with other people. Our students are thus saved from superficial lives and live fully in God and for others.
Lasallian spirituality defines us and directs our decisions.
Lasallian spirituality sees our work as our mission, not a job. We strive to live Gospel values such as compassion, justice, and faith. We try to never forget that we are in God’s presence, and we stop often to recall that relationship with God. We meet God in prayer and see Him in the face of each student that we teach. Our mission calls us to serve all students, in particular those with special needs, be they financial, educational, emotional, or spiritual. Our school’s crest, “Corpus, Mens, Anima,” reminds us of our goal to prepare our students to become whole persons who live lives of dignity and integrity.
Keeping Lasallian Spirituality in Focus..
Every program in the Lasallian school embodies Jesus’ vision as expressed by St. John Baptist de La Salle. We draw on the individual talents of our students and make them conscious of their interrelation with all creation. The Lasallian community fulfills a spiritual call to service. A Lasallian school is committed to the Lasallian vocation. Our response to this vocation is our educational ministry.
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