If you have an event that you would like to be included in De La Salle Week 2012 and on the publicity, click here, Event Proposal Form

Celebrating De La Salle and Our Lasallian Heritage
Sunday, April 22 – Sunday, April 29, 2012

For more information contact the Office of Mission at (925) 631-4406 or Denis Block in the Mission and Ministry Center at (925) 631-8154 or dmb8@stmarys-ca.edu.

De La Salle Week is a weeklong event for Saint Mary’s students, Christian Brothers, faculty and staff to increase awareness, deepen understanding, and celebrate the life of Saint John Baptist de La Salle (1651–1719), founder of the Christian Brothers and our Lasallian heritage and mission.

This annual program includes opportunities for community building, education, service, celebration and recognition. Organized by the Mission & Ministry Center, the Office of Mission and a wide coalition of programs, departments and student leaders, De La Salle Week celebrates a Lasallian identity that spans more than 350 years and currently includes 1,000,000 students, 75,000 men and women, and 6,000 Christian Brothers in 82 countries. Come join us as we proudly celebrate our Lasallian Heritage and Mission!

Together and by Association

“Together and by Association” has been chosen as this year’s theme because it is such an essential aspect of the Christian Brothers and of the Lasallian Family*.  In 1694, twelve Brothers made perpetual vows for the first time.  The central vow was “to keep together and by association gratuitous schools.”  Brother Luke Salm, FSC, tells us in his essay, “Lasallian Association and the Vow,”

            At first glance, the expression "to keep together and by association" seems [repetitive], but

            perhaps a certain progression was intended.  Not only was each school conducted by two or

            more Brothers acting in concert (i.e. together) but they did so "by association," as part of a larger

            society or network of schools.

“Together and by Association” is becoming easier to see and more important within the Saint Mary’s College community.  The Brothers are not only working with each other, but they work with all of us Lasallians to create a quality learning environment.   By association we are able to utilize our many connections within the worldwide Lasallian Family for the educational advancement of Saint Mary’s College students.

Watch and learn the story of the founder and DLS Week 2010 in review! YouTube - De La Salle Week 2010

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*As quoted in Circular 461, Associated for the Lasallian Mission…an act of HOPE, “The Lasallian Family designates all those who participate in the Lasallian educational enterprise, especially those who are moving toward a sharing of the spirit and the mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle.”