#LasallianLife
Attentiveness
February 09, 2024
A few years ago, a document was published called, The Brothers Of The Christian Schools In The World Today: A Declaration. The document described the teacher-student relationship:
The Lasallian school will be characterized by a concern for each student. This concern encompasses the whole person: family background, temperament, strong points, special interests, the child is more than just another student who happens to attend the school. Thus, the school will be a living community where young people coming from different social and family back-grounds educate one another by mutual understanding and respect, openness of each, growth in the spirit of service, and the practice of justice and charity. …In the words of the Founder, the Brother was “to be with the students from morning to evening.” This means that St. John Baptist de La Salle conceived of education in terms of fraternal relationship between the teacher and the student...The Lasallian teacher is totally immersed in the life of the students, sharing their interests, their worries, their hopes. The teacher is not so much a schoolmaster instilling a set of teachings as an older brother or sister who helps them to be aware of what the Spirit is speaking within themselves, of what their own abilities are and, little by little, how they may discover their true place in the world.
As we begin the Lenten Season with the celebration of Ash Wednesday this coming week, this description reminds us that to truly know someone, we must fully engage ourselves in being present to them. Technology, work, and the world can pull us in many directions but we must commit ourselves to dedicating time and attentiveness to the people in our lives. True fraternity emerges from a true encounter and presence to one another.
In much the same way, Lent reminds us that our relationship with God also requires a commitment of time and attentiveness. We can only know God if we spend time with God. Discerning God’s call in our lives and discovering our “true place in the world” requires a commitment to be in His presence in heart and mind.
Throughout Lent, our faculty and staff members have the opportunity to participate in the following Lenten Challenge. Although many of these activities relate to educators, feel free to join us by applying this to your own lives or by developing your own Lenten Challenge. May God bless you and your families during this Lenten journey! Live Jesus in our hearts!
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
CBA Lent 2024 Teacher Challenge
Throughout Lent, "give up" 10 minutes of your time each day to connect with God, and yourself...
February 14, 2024 - During the Ash Wednesday Prayer Service, make your first sacrifice the act of turning over to the Lord every anxiety and fear.
February 15, 2024 - Take a student aside to tell them how much they have improved or how proud you are of them.
February 16, 2024 - Give up your cell phone for the day by turning it off when entering the building and leaving it off throughout the entire day. Advise family to call the main office if there is an emergency. Spend the added time in reflection or in community with your colleagues.
February 19, 2024 - Strike up a conversation with a colleague that you don’t speak to very much.
February 20, 2024 - Reflect on the quote from Catherine Doherty, “Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation.”
February 21, 2024 - Take a short walk during your lunch, prep period, or after school. During the walk, think about the things in your life that make you the happiest.
February 22, 2024 - Think of a student who behaves and always works well, but they might not stand out. Call or email that student’s parent/guardian with some praise.
February 23, 2024 - Watch an inspiring Lenten reflection on YouTube.
February 26, 2024 - Send an email or a card complimenting another teacher on something they have done well for their students or the school.
February 27, 2024 - Find an inspirational quote online that you relate to in some way, write it on a post-it, and put it somewhere on your desk.
February 28, 2024 - Give a compliment to a student who often seems to be in trouble. Say it somewhere where other students might overhear.
February 29, 2024 - Start the day off by thinking of three things you are doing really well as a teacher. Say those three things out loud to yourself.
March 1, 2024 - Attend First Friday Mass.
March 4, 2024 - Do something nice for a colleague. Bring them coffee, put a little treat
in their mailbox, or do something else thoughtful.
March 5, 2024 - Sit in complete silence for 10 minutes.
March 6, 2024 - Send an email to an employee of a business thanking them for their help.
March 7, 2024 - Visit FSCDENA.org and learn something new about DENA, De La Salle, or the Christian Brothers
March 8, 2024 - Tell someone that you appreciate their friendship.
March 11, 2024 - Write a note to a student who has done something kind or thoughtful to show them that their good deed is noticed.
March 12, 2024 - Reflect on the quote from Ven. Fulton Sheen, “Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love?
March 13, 2024 - Reach out to someone in a hospital or nursing home.
March 14, 2024 - Intentionally forgive someone that you have held a grudge against.
March 15, 2024 - List 10 things you are grateful for.
March 18, 2024 - Take 10 minutes to walk through the dining center during lunch and converse with various students.
March 19, 2024 - Thank someone who has influenced your life.
March 20, 2024 - Listen to music without any other distraction/interruption and in otherwise complete silence.
March 21, 2024 - Take a walk and note signs of new life.
March 22, 2024 - Flip through old family photos and reflect with gratitude.
March 24, 2024 - PALM SUNDAY
March 28, 2024 - HOLY THURSDAY
March 29, 2024 - HOLY FRIDAY
March 31, 2024 - EASTER SUNDAY - Reflect on the impacts of giving 10 minutes per day to God, others, and yourself. Celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and your dedication to living a life in his image!
