Reflecting on the 44 th General Chapter Stage 3: Activity 7 Association The Ad Hoc Committee on Pedagogy Miguel Campos, FSC Timothy Coldwell, FSC Michael French, FSC Frederick Mueller, FSC Thomas Jones, FSC Robert Schieler, FSC
Association for the Educational Service of the Poor Introduction We Brothers live out our consecration today in the new context of the People of God. Together with many other who also participate in the Lasallian charism and who feel called to associate in the mission, although with different vocations or states of life (R 146). (Introduction to document). Song: One Bread, One Body Reading: Romans 12: 3-13 For by the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned. For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Reading: Introduction of Document 2-4 The Second Vatican Council in the Constitution Lumen Gentium, chapter 2, uses the image People of God as the foundation for understanding the composition of the Church. From this image can be understood the concept of Communion developed by ecclesial documents in the post-conciliar period. The ecclesiology of communion is the central and fundamental idea of the documents of the Council. (Christifideles laici 19, John Paul II, 1987). From her gospel roots, the church today presents her identity as mystery of communion (Christifideles laici 8) where the communion is missionary and the mission is for communion (Christifideles laici 32, Vita Consecrata 46). The Church-People-of-God has recovered for all people the charisms that were were traditionally considered reserved for religious institutes. Given the new situations, a large number of institutes have come to see that their charism can be shared by lay people. As a consequence, they are invited to participate in a different way in the spirituality and the mission of the institute. One could say that a new chapter in the history of relationships between consecrated persons and the laity has begun that is rich in hope. (Vita Consecrata 54 para 2) Cf. Congregation for institutes of Consecrated Life, Starting Afresh from Christ, 2002, No. 312). 3
Association for the Educational Service of the Poor Conversation and Discernment Guide Preparation Prior to the community discussion, each member is asked to spend time reflecting on the following two questions. Space is provided to write down words or phrases that capture your thoughts about Association for the Educational Service of the Poor in preparation for discussing them with your community. What are the first three words or phrases that come to mind when you hear the words association for the educational service of the poor? What has been your most powerful experience of association among ourselves as Brothers/with lay colleagues? Community Discussion on the above questions Having read the Report of the 44 th General Chapter on Association for the Educational Service of the Poor, each member of the community is asked to share his responses to the questions on the next page. (Individuals may be given time to reflect on these silently and to write some key words or phrases in the spaces provided.) 4
What are the challenges identified by the 44 th General Chapter regarding this theme? Which of these challenges are most applicable or best speak to our challenges as a community? Are there other challenges specific to our community situation? What are the horizons (dreams, hopes, and visions) identified by the 44 th General Chapter regarding this theme? Which aspects of these horizons generate the most hope in our community? Are there other horizons that might generate hope in our community as regards this theme? Which lines of action identified by the 44 th General Chapter regarding this theme apply to this community? Which one can we agree to as a community as a line of action that we will take as our own to be accomplished during this year? The reason for the suggested change in the vow formula in 1.3.2.2 is to highlight the centrality of association in our foundational identity. What meaning do you attribute to this change?
Intercession R/ Lord, make us one in you. May we be a constant reminder in the Lasallian family of the love of God which unites and of God s special interest for the children of the artisans and the poor we pray. R/ Make us discover new aspects of our identity as consecrated Christians as well as the complementarity in our common mission with different kinds of vocations. May we work as mediators to help them in their journey as Lasallian educators, we pray. R/ Help us to seek structures of animation and government where the mission is carried by all those associated for the mission and where Lasallian spirituality is shared and enriched by all, we pray. R/ Your intentions Final Prayer We thank you Lord for the gift of Lasallian Association in the Church. Give us the grace to develop the structures that will be most adaptable in order to incarnate today, with a creative fidelity, the Lasallian charism within the Church, People of God. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Saint John Baptist de La Salle Pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts Forever.
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