Seeing Beyond CPD deepens understanding of Lasallian Ethos

The District follow-up CPD hosted by St Cassian’s Centre saw colleagues gather over Palm Sunday weekend to deepen their understanding of the Lasallian Ethos and proved to be another memorable gathering.

This programme, ‘Seeing Beyond’ is the next step for those who have previously attended Lasallian induction programmes at their school/ministry or the CPD sessions in August in Malta. Over a weekend that includes, reflection, learning, discussion and the opportunity to meet Lasallians from across the District and Region, this CPD – co-ordinated by Director of Formation Pat Walsh - offers two courses which run in parallel.

Track 1 provides the foundation as it delves deeper into the Founding story and invites participants to apply insights, circumstances and themes to our contexts in 21st Century society and education. 

Meanwhile, Track 3 centres on contextualising the story, personal reflection and ‘seeing beyond’ to the next steps of Association.

The combination of enthusiastic participants and presenters created a wonderful and positive atmosphere that will help sustain in the Mission in schools and centres across the District.

Br. Aidan Kilty and Emma Biggins led Track 1 on the Founding Story, while Heather Ruple and Jo Millea presented on Track 3.

The programme also introduced a new shared session entitled ‘Women in the Life of the Founder and Needs Assessment of Women in the Lasallian Family’. This provided a very informative addition to the life of the Founder and the challenges in terms of equality in the Lasallian Family.

It was a reminder that while we are fortunate to have come far in terms of equality in our District and Region, it is not the case in many parts of the Global Family.

The weekend, which also included prayers to reflect the themes and Mass on Saturday evening, also highlighted the camaraderie that exists in our District with social time providing the opportunity to make new friends and connect with colleagues from other schools and centres.

The weekend concluded with presentations of certificates by Director of Mission, Joe Gilson, to participants who completed all three tracks of the CPD - Sue Clague, Paul Johnson, Romina Borg, Anna Baird, Emma Forde, Nadia Mercieca and Sara Amarillas.