The Lasallian Institute has extensive experience of working
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“The Lasallian Institute has extensive experience of working with young people and educators who profess other faiths. ” “We ask that more serious thought be given in the Institute to the way in which we share the Lasallian charism with educators and young people who are of other faiths. ”
“Among Lasallian institutions, the school is an ideal place for interreligious and ecumenical dialogue which will bear witness to the values of all forms of faith. ”
The Lasallian school: “Becomes the place where educators and young people experience the message of the Good News in a way that touches their hearts, their needs and their concerns. ” “Everyday life and faith is understood in the light of Scripture- and for persons of other religions, in the light of their own sacred texts. ”
The Lasallian school: “Is a place where Brothers, partners and young people build friendly relations which transcend religious differences. ” “Has the child as the focus of concern, whatever his or her religious beliefs. It is a place where human and religious education is given, and the educational service of those most in need is a priority. ”
Given the variety of situations in which our Lasallian mission is exercised today, in what way can our schools- or should our schools- be Catholic? We have young people and staff who: Are “living” the Catholic faith and those who are not; n Are Christian, but not Catholic; n Are not Christian; n Are indifferent or even hostile towards any form of “organized” religion. n
Our Rule insists that young people have the right to hear about Jesus Christ, and that we educators in a Catholic school have the duty to respond to that right. We must PROPOSE but never IMPOSE Jesus Christ. We must find the “right moment” and the “appropriate language” to speak of Jesus Christ. We are required to “provide opportunities for religious education, whatever the level and whatever the nature of the school. ”
How do we balance a faithfulness to our Catholic heritage and nature, and an openness and respect for staff and students of other faiths and cultures?
To go and teach all nations…. All different types of kids…. In our Lasallian/Catholic schoolwith our diversity of studentswhat do we think are some important experiences/ideas we would like our young people to be exposed to while they are in our care?
