Winter 2025
Dear Friends,
Our District is blessed with a wide diversity of ministries that continue to embody the spirit and mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle and the first Brothers, even as they adapt and adjust to the demands of today. Some of the oldest ministries in the District are the urban high schools that have watched the demographics of the neighborhoods and profiles of the students change over the years but have remained a steady presence in some of the most challenged parts of our country.
Lasallian urban secondary education is deeply rooted in the mission and vision of St. John Baptist de La Salle, who founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1680. In response to the educational and spiritual needs of poor and marginalized youth in 17th-century France, De La Salle pioneered an innovative approach to education that emphasized accessibility, community, and holistic formation. This legacy remains alive and relevant today, particularly in urban secondary schools where challenges mirror those faced centuries ago.
With a similar spirit of faith and an ardent zeal, those Brothers and Lasallians who serve in these schools make a real impact on the lives of the students entrusted to their care and offer them solid pathways to continue to grow and develop into God’s image and likeness.
Facing many challenges from the violence of many urban neighborhoods to the financial challenges of keeping quality Catholic education accessible to low-income families, school leaders and teachers exemplify the determination of the pioneer Brothers who first opened these schools.
Urban environments often present students with significant obstacles—poverty, inequality, and instability among them. In the spirit of the early Christian Brothers, Lasallian educators respond by creating schools that are sanctuaries of hope and opportunity. They embrace the founding principle of “together and by association,” fostering strong communities where students are supported not only academically but also socially, emotionally, and spiritually. This sense of community reflects De La Salle’s belief that education is most transformative when rooted in relationships and shared purpose.
In honoring the District’s enduring history, Lasallian urban secondary education continues to be a beacon of hope, embodying the timeless Gospel values in the heart of our cities.
Thank you for your continued support in sustaining our Mission!
Live Jesus in our hearts!
Respectfully,
Br. Robert Schaefer, FSC
Provincial/Visitor
rschaefer@fscdena.org
