On October 21, 2000, I published a letter on the Generalate web site, with the authorization of Brother Alvaro, Superior General, concerning the Lasallian International Children's Fund. It is a pleasure for me to address you for the second time on the same subject.

You are well aware that the 43rd General Chapter decreed that the Defense of the Rights of Children be "a major focus for the Lasallian mission of education during the next seven years." Every District, Sub-District, and Delegation is to include this theme in its plan of action. Moreover, it is to name at least one Brother or partner to provide leadership in this area and to foster cooperation with local organizations that promote the rights of the child. I am very encouraged that many Regions and Districts have already taken significant initiatives and are organizing more activities and programs for the year 2001-2002. Brother Superior and the General Council have asked Lasallians to dedicate that year in a particular way to the "Rights of the Child."

In my last letter I informed you that toward the end of the 43rd General Chapter, the Regions of the Institute announced their decision to create a fund called the Brother John Johnston Fund for the Protection and Welfare of Children. For personal reasons I decided to change the name to the Lasallian International Children's Fund.

As of today the fund has a total of $ 272,124.40, an increase of $ 56,705.57 since my last letter. Donors include Regions, Districts, Sub-Districts, Delegations, and some individuals. I express to all who have contributed my sincere gratitude. I hope that gifts from the Lasallian world will bring the fund to at least $350,000, and that ways will be found to receive further contributions from private and corporate donors.

The fund is managed by Christian Brothers Investment Services. The Lasallian Partners for the Economically Poor, of which I am a member, serves as the Lasallian International Children's Fund Council. At our next meeting, in the month of October, we will formulate a statement of purpose for the fund and the criteria that will govern eventual disbursements. In due time the fund will award grants from income it has generated. For a yet-to-be determined number of years, however, we will continue to re-invest the interest and dividends.

For your information checks can be sent directly to me or can be deposited directly by wire. Your commercial bank can wire transfer funds through

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK-CHICAGO BRANCH TO:
The Northern Trust-Chicago
ABA# 071000152
Credit: Religious Communities Trust
Account # 30283380
Final credit: Lasallian International Children's Fund
RCT# 3741-001-00

After June 1, 2001, my address will be Christian Brothers Conference, 4351 Garden City Drive, Suite 200, Landover, MD 20785. On that date I will begin my duties as Regional Director of Education. I am very grateful to the Conference of Visitors for this appointment. It will give me the opportunity to help promote Lasallian Mission in all its aspects and to participate in the Lasallian formation of Brothers, Associates, and Partners. It will also provide me the opportunity to help Lasallians in the Region as they strive to implement the General Chapter directives on the rights of children. I ask your prayers as I begin this new Lasallian ministry.

Once again, I want to thank the Regions for establishing this fund and all those who have already contributed. I join you in praying that the fund will further the promotion and protection of the rights of children everywhere and help Lasallians live today our founding story in a new and creative way.

My prayers and best wishes, Lasallians.

Fraternally in St. John Baptist de La Salle