Change is the air that Lasallian Volunteers breathe. “Changing the World” is their tagline, and a great expression of what they do for children and their parents as they discover themselves transformed in the process.

For many, the reflection on and sharing of this transformation takes place in a community of friends, co-workers and (traditionally) De La Salle Christian Brothers — the spiritual godparents and mentors of these young missionaries. This movement is the latest creative thrust in the rich 300-year history of the Brothers that has supplemented the mission and changed the face of communities from coast to coast. This creative program will soon be 25 years young; 25 amazing years of change, meeting the needs of youth from the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana to the Tenderloin District in San Francisco and to the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

Sarah Jane and Daniel Maher will act as community directors in Portland, OR.

Sarah Jane and Daniel Maher will act as community directors in Portland, OR.

On September 8, 1981, Charlie Brown arrived in New York City as the first volunteer. He served at La Salle Academy on the Lower East Side. It was Charlie and twenty De La Salle Christian Brothers praying and supporting each other—one to twenty. Since then, volunteers have blanketed the country; that is 46 men and women this year living alongside 50 plus Brothers for almost a one to one proportion—a dramatic change in just a few years.

Over the years these young women and men have gradually changed their status in community with Brothers…from welcomed guests to full participating members. Retreats and reflection weekends have complemented insights they gain in community about spirituality, De La Salle, prayer, and even cooking. The Lasallian Volunteers  (LV) program has matured. And like any soon-to-be 25 year old, it is ready to assume more responsibility—for themselves and the mission.

Change is our constant companion.

A major change has been in the works in Chicago, St. Louis, and now Memphis, where in the last few years, communities of volunteers have lived together with reduced involvement of Brothers. The traditional role of Brothers is changing. Both the call of the mission and the reduction in numbers of Brothers able to live in shared communities have led us to see the hand of God in these new communities. We have been preparing for this day for a quarter of a century. The Brothers have worked tirelessly to construct a roadway which enabled these young Lasallians to spread their model and spirit across the United States. LVs and other members of the Lasallian family are immensely grateful to the Brothers for their work, and will honor the Lasallian tradition as they continue along the path the Brothers have built.

In the coming year, almost 50 Lasallian Volunteers will live in nearly 20 different communities from the Atlantic to the Pacific while they serve in 24 ministries. Three of those communities include: Memphis, TN; St. Louis, MO; and Portland, OR. Each will have 3-5 current volunteers without a Christian Brother living in-house.

In Memphis, the LVs will live apart from the Christian Brothers University community, but will join the Brothers for meals, prayer and other community components.

In St. Louis, the LVs will live together but network with other Brothers’ communities nearby for support and the benefit of a Brother director.

In Portland, the LVs will be guided by two alumni of the program, who will act as directors of the community. These alumni—Sarah Jane and Daniel Maher—are extraordinary young Lasallians sold on the value and tradition of community life. They are ready to show the world what a small Lasallian community can do today.

Combined, all three communities are remarkable examples of Lasallian Association in action.

This experience of carrying on the mission reminds us of how the Brothers over time have shared their mission with lay partners so well, that the partners are fully vested in it today, and are involved in all levels of leadership throughout the Lasallian world. We must admit feeling like the men and women disciples after Pentecost who knew in their hearts what they had to do…but missed Jesus so much. We are ready.

Ed Phelan is a Lasallian Brother who has learned so much over the years from Charlie Brown and the hundreds of young men and women who have served in neighborhoods and lived in communities across the country. Ed believes willingness to change allowed this program to see the light of day and inspires it daily to grow in new directions. He lives with seven other Lasallians in the Community of Bedford Park in Bronx NY.