Strengthening the Lasallian Community: DLS-CAN Launch Event on 14 June 2024

The great genius of our Founder was not the creation of the Christian School, as it had already been invented.  His great success was that each school should be animated by a community “Together and by association” was the soul, the essential piece that ensured the success of those original communities. – Circular 475 – From Hope to Commitment

Animation of the Lasallian Charism is still vitality important in 2024.  Creation of the newly formed De La Salle Community Association Network (DLS-CAN) intends to strengthen the vitality of association by sowing, encouraging, and caring for those Lasallians who have a strong sense and commitment to the Lasallian mission.  We know that the impact of Lasallian schools and works continues to contribute to the education and welfare of tens of thousands of students and young adults proudly and significantly across our District, as it has for nearly 120 years in Australia.

DLS-CAN was born then, with the aim of further developing intentions for increased association and commitment opportunities by bringing together Brothers, Sisters, Affiliates, benefactors, alumni, staff, teachers, parents and community members and friends of the De La Salle Institute.  DLS-CAN will enable closer connection to our works and ministries through spiritual retreats, promotion of student and adult Formation programs, and partnership opportunities and networking events.  

The first network event will be held on 14 June 2024, and will be hosted by old boy of St John’s College, Lakema (now Holy Spirit College, Lakemba), Paul Signorelli, owner of the award- winning events and conference facility, Doltone House. Distinguished Old Boy and former NSW Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney, AO, APM, will attend and provide a short keynote, while De La Salle Cronulla Old Boy Bishop Emeritus Terry Brady will also attend. Former PM Paul Keating (now 80 years of age) has sent his apologies.  

Supported by corporate partners Carroll & O’Dea; Watson Erskine & Co; AON; and Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, representatives from our Lasallian and Catholic ministries; yourtown; the Lasallian Foundation; Sydney Catholic Schools and Catholic Mission will be attending.  The network evening will showcase the extraordinary professional careers of former students who have made significant contributions to the Australian community and indeed across the world.

We will also be welcoming past and present Principals, Religious Education Coordinators and Alumni including a special live “cross-Tasman” connection with our schools in New Zealand which will round out the night. Our friends from New Zealand are excited to ‘virtually’ join us.

Tickets may be accessed at: DLS-CAN LAUNCH EVENT. The DLS-CAN Committee looks forward to welcoming you to this exciting and significant inaugural event.

Source: Julie Alibrandi, Director of Operations, Lasallian Mission Services