Catch up here on all the latest news around the District, including online copies of our Touching Hearts and In the Know newsletters and our events calendar!

NEWS

New De La Salle Brothers website
May 13, 2008
Anticipating an influx of interest in faith and related vocations around World Youth Day, the De La Salle Brothers have launched a website to raise awareness about the life and work of the De La Salle Brothers. The site uses technology and evocative imagery to speak directly to youth, raising awareness of the extraordinary work done by the Brothers, whilst offering insight and inspiration to those who may consider it as a life choice.

"With a new generation of Brothers deciding to take on this challenge, we’re very excited about a future that will see them maintaining the tradition of the Order, whilst continuing the vital work that the we currently carry out in communities far and wide,” says Brother Mark, Director of Vocations and Youth Ministry in the District of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

In the De La Salle Brothers 328 year history, thousands of men have accepted the challenge to support and work with underprivileged youth and the marginalised. Today, there are over 5,000 Brothers across the globe actively working in 80 countries in education and welfare. Visit the new site www.delasallebrothers.com

Brothers celebrate 50 year milestone
March 11, 2008
On March 11, Brothers Vincent Keating and Martin Blattman celebrated 50th Jubilees, measured from the time when they were first given the Brothers’ robe to wear.

Br Martin Blattman grew up in Bathurst. He was one of the first group of Brothers to study full time at NSW University. Early teaching appointments were De La Salle, Revesby , Benilde Senior College Bankstown and Oakhill College, Castle Hill. For some years he assisted at a “Drop-in” centre at Paddington, Sydney and in recent years at San Miguel Family Crisis Centre, North Richmond, where he is the Director of the Community.

Br Vincent Keating comes from Marrickville. Early teaching appointments were Coogee and Caringbah. For some years he was Principal at Holy Trinity School, Inverell. He was in charge of Novices for many years in Australia, PNG and for a short time in USA. In recent years he supervised the care of the elderly Brothers and is presently the Auxiliary Provincial. He resides at Kensington,NSW, where he is the Director of the Community.

Rice shortage impacts student food supply in P.N.G
May 7, 2008
The switch to bio-fuel production has been reported as the reason for huge rises in food prices and a world–wide shortage of rice. This has hit home at the De La Salle Brothers Catholic High School in Mainohana where Br Robert McLaughlin (Principal) reports that P.N.G. is running short of rice and that he will have to stop rice as the staple food for his 600 boarders in about two months.

“It’s not an ideal situation to be in, but fortunately we are looking at an alternate food supply”, said Br Robert.

To address the situation, Brother Robert plans to reinstate crops such as sweet potato and bananas on the Mainohana school property.

“ We are fortunate in that Aus-Aid is providing assistance in the form of a three year farm manager and the purchase of necessary machinery, including a tractor”, said Brother Robert.

In Mainohana, three hours northwest of Port Moresby, the Brothers run a secondary school in an area where there is no government schooling available

Brothers celebrate 70 year milestone
March 18, 2008
On March 18, Brothers Julian Watson, Christian Moe and Finian Allman celebrated 70th Jubilees, measured from the time when they were first given the Brothers’ robe to wear. A celebration highlight was a commemoration prayer service during which the Jubilarians renewed their vows.

Praise for De La Salle College Mangere
February 11 , 2008
Helen Clarke, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, was effusive in her praise of what has been achieved educationally at De La Salle College, Mangere East. The school was held up as a model of what schools could achieve. Brother Steve Hogan, the College principal, saw the school as a proud place where students formed strong bonds and were responsible for their own learning. For more search for "School's secret of success revealed" at www.nzherald.co.nz

New facilities for De La Salle College Mangere
February 3 , 2008
The Multi-Purpose Centre at De La Salle College, Mangere was officially opened by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark on Sunday 3 February. The Centre includes an Assembly Hall, Gymnasium, two basketball courts, toilets and change room, Drama facility, canteen and six classrooms.

Lasallian International Youth Gathering 2008
www.ilyg08.org.au
Young Lasallians from around the world are invited to attend the International Lasallian Youth Gathering in Melbourne on 9 -12 July 2008 prior to World Youth Day in Sydney on 15 – 20July. It is expected that 600 participants will attend the gathering, the format of which will include keynote speakers on Lasallian youth spirituality and mission, workshops, liturgies and social activities. Contact Br Adrian Watson (Coordinator)
adrianwatson@delasalle.org.au