Coming from the Lasallian school of Bethlehem…A Story of Shared Bread: From the 7-18 of December 2005, eight of the Lasallian schools of Moribhan-France shared bread with 15 young Palestinians students and two teachers from the Lasallian School of Bethlehem. The following is an adaptation of an article written about that experience by Brother François Kerdoncuf, who is a member of the pastoral team of the Agriculture school of Kerplouz-France.

After an S.O.S call launched in April 2003 by the school of Bethlehem to Br. Francois, some of the school projects of Kerplouz were dedicated to helping the Palestinian youth of Bethlehem. The youth of Kerplouz were eager to know more about Bethlehem (which means ‘house of bread’ in Hebrew) and about the young students there. Since the famous Intifada there has been no more tourism in Bethlehem, no more work, and the olive plains were devastated by the construction of the famous Separation Barrier.

Everyone in Kerplouz was mobilized to participate in solidarity projects, emails and letters to and from Bethlehem. An amount of 10,000 Euro was sent there. The idea of inviting those from Palestine to come to Moribhan was eventually presented. The French consulate paid for the travel, the General Council of Moribhan paid for the transports, and the students were accommodated for free in the houses of the Moribhan families. Maher, the French language coordinator of the Bethlehem school continually repeated “we are in an open air prison, under the heat of the sun.”

It was a sign of Brotherhood and community life to see all of the young Palestinians, Catholics, Orthodox and Muslims sharing the stairs of the church to sing the John Baptist De La Salle hymn together. “Coming to this place is a sign of brotherhood”, said Maher, “Muslims and Christians sharing the Lasallian values.”
^{(Br. François)}

Lasallian Volunteers gather for “like-minded” Midyear Retreat: From January 13-15, 2006, the 2005-2006 Lasallian Volunteers of the United States/Toronto Region gathered in Goshen, New York, for a retreat weekend. They shared stories of challenge and success, fellowship and fun, reflection and prayer and rededication to the ministry for the second semester. Br. Jim Zullo, Midwest District, helped the volunteers process their experiences using Br. Michael French’s categories of Feet First, Hands On, Eyes Opened, Heart Aroused and Mind Expanded. He also helped them look at making needed adjustments for community and ministry.

Lasallian Volunteers Clare Petroski and Jolleen Wagner facilitated a discussion for a statement they will write expressing how the volunteers are part of the Lasallian mission and how they see themselves associated for the mission.

Most volunteers enjoyed the hospitality of the New York City communities for an evening in the city before returning to their ministries.

Quotes from the Volunteers:
“Honestly, I just think that every time our group comes together, it’s beautiful.”
“It was the perfect time to connect with like-minded people.”
“It was really great hearing everyone’s experiences and seeing that we have a lot of the same problems.”
^{(Jim Ruck, Lasallian Volunteers Staff)}

If you have news notes that you would like us to consider publishing, please email us:lasallew@lasalle.org