Wait, there's no answer key at the end of the Circular?

“Out beyond ideas of right and wrong, there is a field.  I’ll meet you there.”

-       Rumi, Sufi Mystic

It was fitting that Brother Charles Kitson quoted this from Circular #461 toward the beginning of his presentation this morning.  Brother Charles broke down for us the process of how the Circular was written, provided historical perspective, and challenged us with critical issues surrounding the Circular. 

In the last few days we have been challenged with serious questions from some of our presenters.  How will we be "transformational agents for mission?"  How will we "breathe life into old bones?"  How will we "live out our Lasallian vocation, associated with others, for mission?"  Part of me would like answers to all the questions.  Part of me wants everything to be cut and dry, easily explained, and fit into a neat little package of Association that I can store conveniently in the overhead space on my plane ride home.  But, I am learning that Association is a process.

The gift has been realizing that there is not one answer.  The gift has been in listening to others in the community of CIL.  We need to celebrate the diversity of Association for mission and share in the connectedness of our journeys.  A member of my language group mentioned that Lasallians she works with, “Fall in love with the Founder’s story.”  I thought this was a beautiful way of expressing one way we enter into Association for mission.  Haven’t we all fallen in love with the story?  One response to this is our call to live Association for mission today, imagine possibilities, and be bold enough transform Lasallian mission for the future.   

On a lighter note: Highlight of the day, aside from discussion of Association and dinner with DENA delegates: I did not have to mime/explain, “I’ve broken the washing machine and soapy water is flooding the room,” in Italian to anyone today.  Successfully wash clothes without flooding Motherhouse: check. 

Thanks,

Heather

Day 7 in CIL

CIL DAY 7:

 UNDERSTANDING AND LIVING LASALLIAN ASSOCIATION TODAY

We began our seventh day will a prayerful reflection and call:  “Lasallians Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Hearts and Minds”

Br. Charles Kitson then led us through the historical events and process which culminated in the publication of Circular 461:  “Associated for the Lasallian Mission:  An Act of Hope.”

We were guided to consider the essential elements of Lasallian Association:

·       A vocational call of Faith

·       Embracing of the Lasallian Story and Journey

·       Sharing in Community

·       Mission as the essential core

·       Duration of Commitment Together and By Association

Br. Charles presented three critical issues for deliberation and discussion in small group sessions: Several questions were outlined for each of the issues:

·       Is association a vocational response or an acquired status?

·       Is Everybody invited to be part of the Lasallian Family?

·       Are All Lasallians co-responsible for the Mission?

The afternoon session called for District Groups to gather to continue discussion on projects to be implemented upon completion of the CIL experience.

An evening liturgy was prepared by participants from English speaking ministries.

The cutting edge ... in the Bronx (Lois)

Whenever I attend a conference or a formation program, I experience an almost overwhelming sense of possibility.  I wonder about all the things I can / should do when I get back to Cornerstone / Campus Ministry & Social Action / Manhattan College.  Then I take a deep breath and try and discern what I might really be able to do.  

I think some of the tasks outlined by Diego Munoz yesterday (see Ray’s post) will end up on my short list.   For want thing, I want to “develop cutting-edge community projects at the service of the poor.”  I’m not sure yet what they will be but I think we have some potential at the College that needs exploring.  For one thing, we are in the Bronx – the poorest urban county in the US.  Reading the signs of our times – and our neighborhoods – should give us ample work to do. 

The key for me is to go beyond “community service” to “projects at the service of the poor.”  Say for instance, ESL classes for our Spanish speaking custodial staff.  Or the income tax preparation our students will do again this coming tax season. (It saves hundreds of Bronx residents thousands upon thousands of dollars.)  Or tenant and community organizing in buildings ravaged by the current debt and mortgage crisis.  Buildings only a few blocks south and east of our campus.   

Stay tuned!