Wonderful sharing and learning at CHoRE Gathering

The CHoRE Gathering 2024 provided another opportunity for reflection, evaluation, sharing and learning that will help strengthen the Lasallian Mission in schools across the District.

Hosted by the St Cassian’s Centre in Kintbury on February 21st and 22nd, the gathering was attended by Chaplains, Heads of RE and Animators, from across our schools in Great Britain. With a combination of enthusiastic participants and excellent presenters, it proved to be a very positive experience for all.

A wonderful opening prayer, led by Betty from the St Cassian’s team, set the tone for the remainder of the programme, with Director of Formation, Pat Walsh, welcoming all and reminding everyone of the importance of providing good examples for students in terms of how we deal with them and guide them.

Br. Aidan Kilty delivered a very informative presentation on The Leavening Project and the impact it can have in our schools and centres.

This project provides an initial starting point to realising the shared dream of the 46th General Chapter - “a Lasallian Family, with diverse vocations; leaven for a more fraternal world, sent to meet God in the poor and to promote justice.”

The project calls for us to discern the question, “Where is my brother?” (Genesis 4:9) and respond with radical inclusivity by “making the peripheries our place.” The Institute invites all Lasallians to personally act by going to the peripheries and connecting with one another intentionally.

Br. Aidan reminded everyone that this is not merely an Institute strategy but something that we can bring into our schools and be used to inspire young people. We can do this by finding those most in need and taking positive actions.

He continued to point out that teachers are already doing great work in this regard, but added that it is important to look at what more we can do. An example of this in action was provided by De La Salle College Jersey who have incorporated the project into their school.

Co-ordinator of Lasallian Vocations, Heather Ruple, followed up with a very engaging presentation on Lasallian Spirituality.

In providing an outline of some of the current thinking of Lasallian Spirituality, she reminded all that it was vital that we practised spiritual self-care, particularly at a time when there are some many pressures and challenges.

Participants then had the opportunity to read passages from the Lasallian Spirituality booklet and discuss some of the key concepts in groups.

Pat Walsh then spoke about the ‘Spirituality of Presence’ and reminded everyone that an awareness that God is with us, is central to being Lasallian, before the day concluded with evening prayer and social time.

Following morning prayer, Friday’s session commenced with a very information overview of the new Catholic Schools Inspection Framework by Stephen Horsman, with the assistance of Patricia Horsman.

He provided a very practical outline of what the inspection involves and what it means for schools today. Stephen also pointed out many of the things that inspectors are looking for, the inspection process itself and how the evaluation is determined, while both he and Patricia shared useful experiences from their time as inspectors.

One of the highlights of this gathering over recent years has been the sharing of best practice from schools and once again this proved to be of great benefit to all.

Anya Poole began by revealing the success of the new 1719 Society in St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy and the positive impact it has had on the members and the school as a whole.

Sam Cantillon, from De La Salle School St Helens, spoke on ‘Conversations with God’ and outlined how initiatives in the school are helping to promote the Lasallian Values in a practical way.

After Pat Walsh provided an outline of upcoming District events, the very successful programme concluded with closing prayer.