ENGAGING DIVERSE STAKEHOLDERS IN OUR SHARED MISSION

Involving people of goodwill for the transformation of society

REALITY: How Things Stand

Traditionally, governing bodies and appointed officials manage and operate educational institutions, leaving little room, if at all, to both internal and external stakeholders. The latter which includes parents, alumni, industry partners, government and non-government organizations have a stake towards making the institution a venue for collaboration and mutual sharing of ideas and practices. Forging strategic partnerships with them, and actively engaging them through their inputs and creative abilities will go a long way towards effecting change in the larger society.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

Union in community is a precious gem. If we lose this, we lose everything. Preserve it with care, therefore, if you want your community to survive. (Meditations 91)

Inspirations from our Catholic & Lasallian Tradition

Building community is an essential part of the Christian vocation. Through the fellowship and ministry of the first Christians, many came to believe in Jesus. This witness challenges Lasallians to likewise build communities that are founded on shared values; and nurture commitment in others. As educators, we allow the life of our community to be shaped by the needs of the young people we serve.

Our Response

SMALL COMMUNITIES OF FAITH & SERVICE. Lasallian partners experience being known, welcomed and supported in their growth as persons and committed educators of young people.

PRAY

Building a Community of Lifelong Learners

God’s Word
Acts 2:42-47

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Reflection
How would you describe the relationship among the first Christians? What were the concrete signs that their relationships were fruitful? Where in the school would you go to see the Christian spirit – so alive in the first Christian community – at work?

De La Salle’s Word

Meditations
It is not possible for many persons to live together without being a source of mutual suffering. One will have a capricious temper, another will be combative; one will have disagreeable manners, another will be haughty; one will be naughty, another will be too obliging, another will speak his mind too freely; others will be reserved or too critical. It is rare that such varied dispositions do not lead to difficulties. And if grace did not come to rescue, it would be almost impossible for them to be mutually forbearing.

Reflection
What is De La Salle’s attitude towards diversity in a group? How would you translate the phrase “source of mutual suffering” in your own language? What kept this diverse community together? What is your own attitude towards people who are different from you? What gift would you ask from God to help you live in communion with others?

Creating a Culture of Vocations

De La Salle’s Word
Meditation 195.3

All your care for the children entrusted to you would be useless if Jesus Christ did not give the quality, the power, and the efficacy needed to make your care useful. Because the branch of the vine cannot bear fruit of itself (our Lord says) unless it remains attached to the main stem, neither can you bear fruit if you do not remain in me. This will be the glory of my Father, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Reflection
In the midst of so much absorbing activity, how do you keep in touch with God? With who or what gives spirit to what you do?