September 2018

New Directors were appointed

In August Brother Larry Schatz appointed three Directors for the Brothers’ communities. Brother Michael

Rivers was appointed for three years as Director of the Cretin-Derham Hall Community in St. Paul, MN. In

Memphis Brother Philip Jones was re-appointed Director of the Christian Brothers H.S. Community for a

three year term. In Chicago Brother Michael Flaherty was given a three year appointment as Director of the

Resurrection Community. Congratulations, Brothers!

Mission Congress was held in July

Lewis University hosted the Midwest District’s Lasallian Mission Congress III from July 18-20.

Representatives from each of the District’s ministries, along with the members of the District and Lasallian

Mission Councils, met to create directional statements for the incoming new Visitor and his Leadership Team.

The fifty-two delegates, of which fourteen were Brothers, were welcomed on Wednesday evening by Brother

Robert Schieler, Superior General (via a video), Dr. David Livingston, President of Lewis University,

Brother Larry Schatz, Visitor, Dr. Sue Skinner, Chair of Lasallian Mission Council, Dr. Scott Kier,

Superintendent of Lasallian Education and Mr. Charlie Legendre, AFSC, who served as the facilitator of the

Congress. Thursday morning, Brother Tim Coldwell, RELAN General Councilor, offered a keynote address to

the delegates, about the “Lasallian movement because it captures the dynamism of what we are living…The

Brothers and the District used to be more or less synonymous; now the District is everyone contributing to this

mission. It’s encouraging and challenging at the same time.”

Brothers’ jubilees were celebrated

On August 19th

the Brothers in the Twin Cities celebrated

the 60th

Jubilees of Brothers Kevin Brutcher and Thomas

Geraghty, both in residence at Catholic Eldercare in

Minneapolis. The ceremony was held in the St. Anthony of

Padua Chapel connected to Catholic Eldercare. Many

people from Totino-Grace H.S. were present along with

Brother Kevin's brother and sister-in-law. Brother Kevin

organized the service and the reception, and Brother

Milton Barker led the prayer service, which was enhanced

by a liturgical dance. In addition to twenty Brothers, LVs

Jumari Callaway and Joe Rogers from DeLaSalle, Julie

Michels, AFSC, and Twin Cities Nurse, Becky Running,

attended the event. Congratulations, Brothers!

Midwest District Provincialate named for Dr. Jon and Betty Kabara

On August 24th the Midwest District Provincialate was dedicated to Dr. Jon and Betty Kabara. Brother Larry Schatz welcomed Brothers, guests, and staff to the Burr Ridge, IL, office for the dedication ceremony. Ms. Betty Kabara and some of her family and friends were in attendance. Brother Thomas Johnson, Novitiate Director, offered the opening prayer followed by remarks from Brother Larry and Ms. Kabara. Brother Larry revealed a bronze plaque with an embossed image of Ms. Kabara and her late husband, Jon, which will be placed in the entrance of the building. Brother Larry expressed his profound appreciation for Ms. Kabara’s continued support and commitment to

the Brothers. The dedication celebrated a $1 million gift from Ms. Kabara. The majority of the gift, the largest ever by a living individual to the Midwest District, has endowed her gift to the Kabara Challenge, an annual matching gift challenge to support care of Senior Brothers. In her remarks she noted that the gift was to honor the Brothers who do so much for so many. Her late husband Jon attended both high school and college sponsored by the Brothers and held them in the highest regard.

Spots available for Lasallian Pilgrimage in 2019 Brother Larry Schatz and Brother Michael French will offer a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage in the footsteps of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. The Pilgrimage will take place September 22 to September 29, 2019. During the trip participants will visit locations in Reims, Brouillet, Liesse, Rouen, and Paris, including the home of the Founder, Reims Cathedral, the Church of Joan of Arc, and other Lasallian sites. This pilgrimage will require the ability to walk for at least a half a mile and use stairs. The cost for this experience per person is $4,000 for a double occupancy room or $5,300 single occupancy room. Airfare is not included. This includes 7 nights of hotel accommodations at Holiday Inn Reims City Centre and the Westin Paris Vendome, daily buffet breakfast, 2 group lunches, and 6 group dinners, group tours, guide, and transportation (except leisure day), opportunities for reflection and half-day retreat, free time to explore independently, plus pre-trip preparation and background materials. For questions or to register, contact Samantha VenHuizen at (630) 323-3725 ext. 218 or svenhuizen@cbmidwest.org . All Brothers are invited to the annual Alumni Golf Outing The District Office is gearing up for the Annual Alumni Golf Outing on September 10th at the Old Orchard Country Club, 700 W Rand Road, Mt. Prospect, IL 600656. Since its beginning, the outing has generated over $300,000 for the care of Senior Brothers. Alumni from St. George and St. Mel, as well as friends of the Brothers, are invited to participate. Brothers who would like to play golf, attend dinner, help out with registration, or simply be present may contact Joanna Wagner at 630-323-3725, ext. 220 or email at jwagner@cbmidwest.org. Rain Date: September 17th.

Lasallian Days for Peace are scheduled

Abby Michels, Young Lasallian Coordinator of the Midwest District, reported that the annual Lasallian Days

for Peace will be September 21st to October 21

st this year. This year’s theme, “Ignite our Hearts of Peace,”

invites all Lasallians to reflect on the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Lewis University received $5 million gift

At the Lewis University annual fall convocation for faculty and staff on August 21st Dr. David Livingston,

President, announced that Lewis had received a $5 million gift. The former Chair of the Board of Trustees,

Russ Smyth, and his wife Dawn, recently made an historic investment in Lewis University. They pledged to

give $5 million to the new College of Aviation, Science and Technology. This largest gift from a living

individual in school history will serve the growing number of students in STEM programs and enhance Lewis

University’s national impact in these fields. This $5 million gift, however, will do more than fund vital

initiatives at the University; it also clearly displays a belief in the present and future of Lewis University as a

leader in the sciences. The gift will further enhance student experiences and opportunities as Lewis University

expands its leadership role in the areas of cyber security, unmanned systems, data science, nano-technology,

aviation and STEM. More than $20 million already has been invested in recent years in building the state-of-

the-art Science Center and the renovation of teaching and lab spaces for the sciences in the academic building.

Launching in fall 2019, the newly formed Lewis University College of Aviation, Science and Technology will

better connect students, faculty and alumni to research, career and graduate school opportunities.

Lasallian Companions leaders met

The leaders of the Lasallian Companions met on

August 7-8 at the Carmelite Retreat Center in Darien,

IL, to move the new Lasallian program along. The

group is "piloting" several projects and making

individual contacts with the Midwest District

ministries. The program is for those retired Lasallians

who want to remain connected to the mission. There

will be a presentation at Heuther about this new

program. (l to r: Bob Ortbal, Marianne Stich, Jan

Mines, David Hotek, Mary Catherine Fox, Brother

Michael Kadow, Paul Kraus)

Midwest District was accredited by Praesidium for five years

On August 21st Brother Joseph Martin received word from Kiran Rupani of Praesidium that the Midwest

District has met all the requirements to be re-accredited. The Christian Brothers were found to be in compliance

with the highest current national standards for protecting children, having acted upon the call for more

accountability and transparency in how to protect the young. Praesidium Accreditation™ confirms that an

individual order or congregation has been found by an independent team of specialists to meet or exceed all

standards for accreditation. This followed a thorough review by Praesidium representatives in May 2018 of the

files and procedures of the Midwest District, which included some personal interviews and online educational

programs for all the Brothers. The process also involved a review and revision of the Midwest District’s

booklet, “Policies for Maintaining Ethical Ministry with Minors.” This is a 5-year Accreditation, since the

District completed two successful rounds of 3-year Accreditation cycles in 2012 and 2015. A special thanks to

Brother Joseph for shepherding this entire process.

Happy Birthday Brother!

This feature supports a Brother in Skilled Care. Send a card or letter; make a visit or a phone call.

Brother John Wozniak will celebrate his 74th

birthday on September 18. Lasata Senior Living Campus,

Room 143B, W76N677 Wauwatosa Rd., Cedarburg, WI 53012. Residence: (262) 307-5060. Cell: (563)

580-4832.

Symposium broadened vocation conversation

A new initiative of the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN), the Lasallian Vocation Symposium

brought together representatives from each of the four Districts from a variety of ministry types and lived

experiences within the Lasallian family to dialogue on the topic of Lasallian vocations and develop ways to

further invite reflection, conversation and resource development to foster a culture of vocations in RELAN. The

in-person gathering of the symposium, held at La Salle Manor in Plano, IL, August 9-12, was preceded by three

online sessions that provided a framework and laid the foundation for the in-person gathering. The online

sessions explored shared understandings about vocation, practical strategies for fostering a culture of vocations

in local ministries, and the invitation to all in the educational communities (adults and young people alike) to

deepen and discern their Lasallian vocation. In particular, the upcoming Year of Lasallian Vocations will

provide the members of the Lasallian family a unique opportunity to reflect on their personal journeys, their

collective journey as part of the Lasallian charism and mission, and the opportunity to share that call with

others, especially those entrusted to their care. Representatives from the Midwest District included Emily

Vogel, P.J. Thompson, Joey Preston, and Brother Michael Kadow.

Christian Brothers Conference announced changes

Christian Brothers Conference (CBC) in Washington, D.C. announced staffing changes to the events team.

Michele Beauboeuf, who has served as CBC event planner for 12 years, stepped into the role of director of

events on August 27th

. Katie Christensen, who served for three years as recruitment coordinator for Lasallian

Volunteers (LV), joined the team as event planner on August 23rd

. Beauboeuf succeeded Carol Loughney in

the role, who announced her departure from CBC in August after three years of service. Before joining the LV

staff, Christensen served for two years as an LV at Serviam Gardens, a low-income senior housing facility in

the Bronx, New York. Congratulations to both!

LSJI examined urban challenges

Lasallians gathered together July 23-27 at La Salle University in Philadelphia for the 2018 Lasallian Social

Justice Institute (LSJI). Themed “Community Responses to Urban Challenges,” LSJI focused on poverty, food

and racial injustices through presentations and by immersing participants into urban communities and providing

time to reflect on how Lasallians are called to become advocates in our urban communities. LSJI included visits

to number of agencies that serve people in urban neighborhoods. It started with a mural arts “pilgrimage”

through Philadelphia to highlight the beauty of the urban community. Also in Philadelphia, participants visited

La Salle Academy, a San Miguel-model school, and the Aquinas Center, where they received a tour and saw the

summer camp that serves the residents of south Philadelphia.

Religious Brothers Conference met

The 47th

annual Assembly of the Religious Brothers Conference (RBC) took place July 20-23 at the Bolger

Center in Potomac, MD. More than fifty Brothers from various religious communities gathered for reflection,

prayer and celebration. Brother John Mark Falkenhain, OSB, was the keynote speaker and addressed the

assembly’s theme of “The Zealous Brother.” The assembly included a Washington, D.C., outing with a

celebratory mass and banquet that honored the contributions of various board members. Fr. John Pavlik, OFM

CAP, executive director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, was honored with the Pillar of the RBC

award. Two Christian Brothers participated in the assembly: Brother Chris Patiño and Brother Peter Tripp,

both from the District of San Francisco New Orleans. Christian Brothers Services and Christian Brothers

Conference both served as major sponsors of the 2018 Assembly. Brother Chris currently serves on the board of

the RBC. Brother Ernest Miller, from the District of Eastern North America, had most recently served on the

board until his term expired in 2017.

Rest in Peace

Brother Charles (Kilian Amedy) Kelly, 81, died suddenly at home on August 3,

2018 in Chicago. A De La Salle Christian Brother for 63 years, he was born in

Chicago, son of Joseph and Evelyn (Fletcher) Kelly. He attended St. George H.S.

in Evanston and then graduated from La Salle Institute in Glencoe, MO. He

entered the novitiate of the Brothers in Glencoe in 1955 and professed his first

vows the following year. He professed his final vows in 1961. Brother Charles

earned a BA degree from St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN, and pursued

graduate studies at Loyola University Chicago and St. Louis University. During

his years as an educator he taught at schools in Vincennes and Hammond, IN, and

Addison and Chicago, IL. He also taught in Chiquimula and Huehuetenango,

Guatemala. From 1979 to 1988 he was a counselor at La Salle Manor Retreat

Center in Plano, IL, and from 1991 to 1998 he was the administrator at Dunrovin

Retreat Center in Marine-on-St. Croix, MN. He retired in 2002 and recently lived

in the Brothers’ Community in Chicago. Survivors include his sister Patricia

Moretti of Florida and his sister-in-law Catherine Kelly of Ontario and the De La Salle Christian Brothers. A

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on August 8th

at Holy Trinity Church in Westmont, IL. Interment was

at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville. Memorials may be made to the De La Salle Christian Brothers

Retirement Fund, 7650 S. County Line Rd., Burr Ridge, IL 60527.

LeRoy Jacobson, 81, brother of Brother Andrew, died on July 1st in Battle Lake, MN. He gave over

60 years to the Roofers Local 96 Union. Other survivors include his daughter Tammie Jacobson and son

Alan Jacobson, and grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Memorial Service was conducted on July

7th

at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service in Pelham, MN.

Fred Marvin Gardner, 95, former Brother Hilarion Gerard, of Islesboro, ME died on October 31,

2017 in Rockport, ME. He entered the novitiate in Glencoe in 1942 and taught at CBCHS in St. Louis

and St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN. He withdrew from the Institute in August 1962. Survivors

include his wife Judith, five children and five brothers. Interment was at Maple Grove Cemetery,

Islesboro.

Henry E. Jarosz, 85, brother of Brother Roman, died in Park Ridge, IL, on August 21st. Other survivors

include his wife Barbara, two daughters and others. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St.

Paul of the Cross Church on August 27th

, and interment was in All Saint’s Cemetery.

Prescription drug subsidy verification may be coming

Brothers who have the prescription drug subsidy (reduced prescription costs) under Medicare Part D may be

receiving the annual verification of eligibility to complete for the Social Security Administration. It often

arrives in September or October. Brothers should follow the instructions carefully and submit by the due date.

Those who might have questions after receiving the form should contact Brother Joe Saurbier at the

Provincialate Office.

Directory Changes

Brother Frederick Oberrieder – Phone (773) 596-2023. No cell phone.

Brother Bernard Brungardt – Cell Phone (636) 399-9973

Brother George Fowley – New email gfow1820@gmail.com

Brother Mark Engelmeyer – New email mengelmeyer@cbhs.org

Brother Martin Sellner – New cell phone - (63) 917-836-3390

Brother Dennis Galvin – New cell phone – (612) 297-1462

Balloting continues for the next Visitor

The Brothers of the Midwest District continue in the nomination process for the next Visitor. The current term

for Brother Larry Schatz ends on June 30, 2019, and he is not eligible for another term. On September 1st the

final ballot will be mailed to all the Brothers with the names of the three finalists: Brothers Thomas Johnson,

Michael Fehrenbach, and Michael O’Hern. The final ballots must be returned to the Burr Ridge Office by

September 28th

in sealed envelopes. Then all the sealed ballots will be mailed to Brother Robert Schieler,

Superior General, and they will be counted in Rome. Brother Robert will then appoint the next Visitor.

District office staff attended a retreat

On August 16th

the staff of the Midwest District Provincial Office attended a retreat program at Our Lady of the

Angels Retreat Center in Lemont IL. The presenters were Brothers Michael Fehrenbach, Dennis Galvin and

Chuck Gregor who introduced the participants to the new online Formation Program they created called

“Formation for Mission.” It is designed to create basic Lasallian Formation for all Lasallians in the Midwest

District, and the first module is operative on “Call” is operative this fall semester. The new program can be

accessed on the front page of the Midwest District web page at http://www.cbmidwest.org/WP1/ under Online

Formation. Missing from the photo are Wally Toldness and Brother Thomas Dominic Vance.

Save the dates for fall 2018 Lasallian Days Lasallian Day Manitowoc, September 26th: Lasallian Day Memphis, October 12th: Lasallian Day Winona, October 18th; Lasallian Day Twin Cities, October 19th. Invitations will be mailed to Lasallians in those areas. For more information or to receive an invitation, contact Joanna Wagner at the Burr Ridge office – (630) 323-3725 ext. 220 or jwagner@cbmidwest.org .