BringingtheMissiontoLife

BRINGING THE MISSION TO LIFE

The Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) is delighted to share the history and current realities in our Region. As with the other four Regions of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, RELAN was commissioned to publish a Bulletin following the Superior General’s pastoral visit.

Brother Superior General Robert Schieler and I had completed our visits to the Districts of Francophone Canada (October – November 2019) and Eastern North America (November 2019) prior to the pandemic. We returned to RELAN in early March 2020 to begin our visit to the District of San Francisco New Orleans, to be followed by a visit to the Midwest District. However, as concerns over COVID-19 began to intensify, we decided to postpone—and eventually cancel—the remainder of the pastoral visit.

This Bulletin tells the story of RELAN as we live into the realities of a world altered by the pandemic. We provide insight into its history, strengths, innovations and challenges, along with a snapshot of life at the complicated moment in time during which this Bulletin was written. We highlight the Region’s vitality, sustainability and resilience through exploring a variety of themes that bring the mission to life, including association for mission, shared leadership, evangelization, beyond the borders, culture of vocation, formation, Brothers, Young Lasallians and vitality and sustainability.

BrotherRobertvisitedtwo Districtsbeforecanceling theremainderofhispastoral visittoRELANduetoCOVID-19. (Pictured:ChristianBrothers Academy,Syracuse,NewYork)

It is our hope that this text will stimulate your conversations, reflections and discernment as together we move with energy and creativity into a future God is inviting us to “come and see.”

Brother Timothy Coldwell General Councilor Lasallian Region of North America