NAPA – USA - THREE YOUNG LASALLIANS BEGIN THEIR NOVITIATE YEAR IN CALIFORNIA: On Sunday September 2, the chapel at Mont La Salle in Napa, California, was filled with smiles, songs, and solemn prayers, as De La Salle Christian Brothers, lay Partners, families and friends, gathered to celebrate the beginning of a novitiate year for three young men. Young they may be, but the three novices, who now embark upon an intensive communal year of study, work, prayer, and discernment, are already deeply experienced in Lasallian education and mission.

Brother John Luczkowski, 26, a native of Philadelphia, holds degrees from La Salle University in Philadelphia and has taught in two Lasallian schools in Philadelphia, La Salle High and West Catholic High. Brother Peter Nguyen, 29, who grew up in Maryland, earned degrees from the University of Maryland and La Salle University in Philadelphia, and has taught at La Salle High in Philadelphia and Hudson Catholic High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Brother Christopher Patiño, who is 23, graduated from Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, then from the University of Arizona; both during college and after graduation he worked on the staff of San Miguel High School in Tucson, Arizona, serving most recently as Director of Admissions.

Brother John and Brother Peter, members of the Baltimore District of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, had already gone through a robing ceremony in their home district, entitling them to wear the black robe and white rabat (collar) of the Christian Brother and to append to their names the letters “FSC” (for Fratres Scholarum Christianarum). On Sunday it was Chris Patiño of the District of San Francisco who received the robe and other symbols of the Brothers’ life – a Bible, a copy of the Brothers’ Rule, a crucifix, and a rosary.

Congratulations To All !
^{(District of San Francisco – www.delasalle.org)}

QUEENSLAND - AUTRALIA - QUEENSLAND YOUNG VOLUNTEER AWARD: As a Share the Mission Volunteer, nineteen year-old Matthew Ross recently received a Queensland Young Volunteer Award, recognising his significant contribution to young people through his work at BoysTown.

BoysTown, a service established by the De La Salle Brothers, helps children, young people and families to overcome the most severe disadvantages - problems such as abuse, homelessness, long-term unemployment and mental illness. Services include employment and training programs, parenting programs and counselling though Kids Help Line and Parentline.

Matthew’s volunteer experience began in 2006 when he joined Share the Mission, the De La Salle Brothers Volunteer Program which offers the opportunity to work at a Lasallian school or organisation for 10 months while living in community with the Brothers.

“I never dreamed that helping others would be so rewarding,” Matthew said.

At BoysTown, Matthew assisted with everything from youth work to administrative duties.

“Working on programs to help young offenders prepare for life back in the community and unemployed young people gain employment skills was meaningful work that I found very satisfying.

Putting your faith into action and developing an increased sense of service was something I gained from the Share the Mission experience,” Matthew said.

Upon completing the volunteer program, Matthew did a training course with Kids Help Line and was employed as a counsellor.

For now, however, he has taken leave to volunteer as a Media Officer to film the journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon around Australia.

For information about the Share the Mission volunteer program www.delasalle.org.au

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