Entering a New Phase (Day 9 – May 14, 2013)

Spring has arrived at the International Assembly! We gathered for morning prayer to celebrate with one another the hope of resurrection, new growth and our belief in things yet to be seen or realized. As we transitioned from the challenges of winter into the possibilities of new life born from our retreat stillness, we were guided by a new process. The preparatory commission revised the process as related to our Thematic Groups providing more time for work in our smaller Language Thematic Groups. This allowed for space and opportunity to cultivate new “shoots of growth.”

Each Language Thematic Group had one challenge to process in order to identify responses related to the challenge. The Assembly gathered together in the late afternoon to listen to the reports on responses presented by each Thematic Language Group. The Assembly then offered comments and asked clarifying questions regarding the response report. On Wednesday, Founder's Day, the Language Thematic Groups will continue to revise their responses for a final presentation to the Assembly.

The grace of the Holy Spirit is truly present through our conversation, discernment of ideas and the building consensus as to how we Lasallians are called to witness to our faith and the Mission through the work of this Assembly.

Evening prayer was a beautiful reflection regarding an older master potter who gives his masterpiece to his apprentice. Upon receiving the piece of pottery she smashes it into a thousand pieces, picks up the pieces and incorporates the shards into her clay. An inspiring parable for our work. The story was beautifully acted out by the eldest among us (PARC's Bro. John Pill) and the youngest among us. (RELAN's Catherine Dery)

Dr. Greg Kopra (San Francisco District) 

and Dr. Margaret McCarty 

(Office of Lasallian Education) 

show off their dance moves.

The evening ended with a great celebration from our fellow Lasallians from RELAF! Fantastic African drumming and dancing!

Maryann Donohue Lynch
District of Eastern North America