Tinton, NJ — Representatives from across the District of Eastern North America (DENA) gathered in Tinton on April 11–12 for the 2025 District Representatives Conference, held at the DoubleTree Hotel. The annual event brings together leaders from Lasallian ministries to reflect on governance, deepen their understanding of the District’s mission, and collaborate on shared goals.

The conference opened Friday afternoon with a prayer service led by Brother Jules “Bud” Knight, FSC, followed by a keynote address delivered by Brother John Crawford, FSC. The evening continued with an opening session facilitated by Greg Shea, a former member of the DENA Mission Council and current District Member Representative at La Salle Insititute in Troy, NY, who introduced key themes and invited participants into a iinteractive weekend of dialogue and discernment.

Saturday’s program began with morning prayer and welcoming remarks from Benjamin Ventresca, the Provincial Delegate for Ministry Governing Boards. The day featured several working sessions focused on reflection, critical topics in board leadership and District representation. Greg Shea led the morning’s first two sessions, guiding participants through an open forum review of Friday’s conversations and facilitating a table discussion. Justin Martineau, Associate Director of the Office of Mission and Ministry, followed with an innovative approach to table discussions, encouraging participants to explore practical applications within their own ministries and seeing the cumulative responses in real time. The day concluded with a wrap-up session led by Benjamin Ventresca.

This Conference set the groundwork for a series of individual Ministry Team meetings in August and September to review new objectives and protocols for the 2025-2026 Board Year.

The DENA District Representatives Conference serves as an opportunity for Lasallian leaders to strengthen their commitment to the mission and return to their communities equipped with new insights and renewed purpose. Reps should mark their calendars for the 2026 Conference on March 27th and 28th.