La Salle Newsletter - La Salle Retreat Center

La Salle Retreat Center
A Christian Brothers Retreat and Conference Center
Volume 5 Number 2
Summer 2011
A Superior Way to Celebrate!
La Salle’s 125th Anniversary Celebrated with the Superior General
La Salle welcomed a very
special visitor from Rome in
early April: Brother Alvaro
Rodriguez Echeverria FSC,
Superior General of the
Brothers of the Christian
Schools (Christian Brothers).
The visit to Glencoe was part
of his official pastoral tour
of many Christian Brother
ministries in the Midwest
District.
Bro. Larry Schatz (Auxiliary Provincial),
Gerri Schroeder, Bro. Frank Carr (Provincial), Superior
General Bro. Alvaro, Mike Sawicki (Director of La Salle).
Prayer Service on
April 9th at the
Founder’s Grotto.
From left...
Msgr. Drennan,
Superior General
Bro. Alvaro, Mike
Sawicki and CBC
students who led
the music.
Bro. Kent
Connolly
leads the
procession
following
the
Prayer
Service.
Bro. Alvaro and other
distinguished guests helped
make Saturday, April 9, a day
of celebration at La Salle.
Many of the visiting Brothers
Superior General
began the day by joining the
Bro. Alvaro and Bro. Bill
men of St. Joseph parish for
Brynda talk about their days
the celebration of Mass and
in Central America together.
healing service, as part of
that weekend’s ACTS retreat.
Afterwards, several Brothers
commented how they’d been inspired by the uplifting spirituality
expressed in the music, liturgy, and prayers of the men on retreat.
Then, to everyone’s delight, Saturday’s early morning storms
gave way to sunny skies, allowing a special outdoor prayer service
to take place as planned. Along with the Superior General, Brother
Visitor Frank Carr (Provincial), Auxiliary Brother Visitor Larry
Schatz, Brother Robert Scheiler (the General Councilor for the
U.S.), many other Brothers, administrative staff, and benefactors
all gathered at the Founder’s Grotto to commemorate the 125th
anniversary year with an 11:00 am service—themed “On This
Holy Ground.”
The assembly raised prayers in gratitude for La Salle and for all
those who have walked this “holy ground” and encountered the
holy presence of God. The service also included remarks from
Msgr. William Drennan, who had attended CBC High School as a
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teenager, and today credits the Brothers for providing a good influence
in his young life, allowing him to be open to his call to the priesthood.
Some of La Salle Board...Sr. Marion Renkens CSJ,
Bro. David Poos, Andy Wood, & Fr. Denny Schaab...
gather around the Superior General.
Brothers from the Midwest Province
with the Superior General.
After the prayer service, Brother Kent Connolly, holding high
a banner of De La Salle, led the procession to the East Wing for a
luncheon. There, Brother Alvaro addressed the guests, sharing that he
“heard stories this morning from those who speak of this place as Holy
Ground. It is a place of spirituality. To grow in spirituality is one of
the most important ministries of the Lasallian tradition,” he said. “We
have seen that, and it is good to see it today. How wondrous to know
that adults and groups from high school come here to find God. In the
past, the Brothers would work the lands. Now, we see Brothers and lay
people working together. Our mission is not for us to realize on our
own. Lasallian spirit is rooted in this cooperation.”
He said he was filled with optimism and looked forward with confidence because of Brothers and lay people working together in the
same charism, spirituality, and mission.
Brother Marvin Becker and
Citing the La sallian
charism—to always
Bro. Alvaro on a tour of La Salle.
remember that we are
in the holy presence of
God—he said, “This
is a great moment,
not just our moment,
but it’s God’s moment
to be present here.
To carry on the vision, we need to be its
heart, its memory and
its guarantee.”
Founder’s Day Celebration of the 125th!
A Prayer Service and Reception-Sunday, May 15 for Benefactors andVolunteers.
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From the Director...
Wow! LaSalle Retreat Center is normally a very busy place, but
this year, as we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we’ve been blessed
with an unusual level of activity and energy. As reported in this
newsletter, several anniversary events have already taken place—
and the grand celebration is still coming…scheduled for July 8,
when we welcome Archbishop Carlson for an anniversary Mass and
rededication ceremonies. All are invited to this festive occasion.We
hope you’ll make plans to attend!
giving energy and spirit to La Salle.
We have so much to be grateful for and—as I mentioned in my
remarks at the Founder’s Day Celebration—our tag line for the
anniversary celebration goes straight to the heart of the facility’s
mission for the past 125 years: “Service Inspired by Faith”. As
you know, LaSalle has served in many capacities during that time,
thriving on the generosity, faith and courage of many friends
and associates. LaSalle Retreat Center continues to be blessed by
not only the Brothers’ presence but by all those who support us
through volunteering, making a heartfelt financial contribution or
joining in prayer for our ministry.
In addition to our anniversary celebrations, there are many more
reminders of the positive energy around Glencoe these days. You
can step back in time by viewing a slideshow history of LaSalle
(check it out at www.lasalleretreat.org)…or read about some
of the details in our recently published history book. Both are
generating tremendous feedback, and helping us all appreciate the
role this holy ground has played in so many lives. Whether you have
spent time here in formation, been here on retreat recently, or just
stopped by for a visit, you are a vital part of the community…
Of course, good things and great events don’t just happen by
themselves—so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those
responsible for putting much of our year of celebration together.
Mrs. Jane Guenther, a member of our Board of Directors, chairs
the planning committee. She’s been working with Gerri Schroeder,
Brother Kent Connolly, Jim Eichhorst and myself to prepare and
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Benefit Concert Raises Over $2,500!
Thank you to everyone who attended the La Salle Benefit Concert
on Sunday, April 17, at Highlands Restaurant and Brewing Co. in
Kirkwood. It was a success, as it raised over $2,500 through the
door donations, shirt sales, and Highlands’ modest contribution. A
special thanks to Chris Lawhorn and his very special band called the
Lawhorn Project. We are blessed to have many talented musicians
who have come to love La Salle and we are grateful they shared their
talents with all of us!
Peace, St. Clement of Rome, Sacred Heart-Valley Park and St. Joseph-Manchester. Because of their connection to La Salle through
ACTS, Chris said it was a very easy choice to support La Salle Retreat Center. “In addition, as a CBC graduate, the Brothers are dear
to me. I count Brother Marvin as a dear friend based on getting to
know him on retreat and serving with him on the Holy Redeemer
retreat team,” he said. “La Salle itself is such a holy and calming place
that I am very happy to do whatever I can to support it.”
The Lawhorn Project is an all-star contemporary Christian band
that Chris Lawhorn started last fall. Chris said, “Creating the band
is a direct outgrowth of my faith journey, which was radically altered—in a good way—through my ACTS Retreat at La Salle. I truly
credit my retreat with turning me around as a person, husband and
father. The ACTS retreats have also been a significant part of the faith
Along with supporting La Salle, the purpose of the concert was
to give families an opportunity to come together and enjoy music
that gives them a chance to praise and worship at a family-friendly
concert.
The musicians and singers who shared their gifts as part of the
project include: Ann Marie Brown, Steve Deines, Bill Galczynski,
Gretchen Gannon, Dean Hiller, Chris Lawhorn, Chris Stephens,
Bert Schaefer, Tony Tallo, Don Tripp, and Bill Wolff. A big thank you
to this blessed group!
journey of my wife, Tracy. We have both served on multiple teams
and could not enjoy it more.”
Most of the musicians and singers have ACTS connections from
various parishes. The parishes involved include Mary Queen of
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Please Join Us...
With Your Family and Friends
For the Grand Celebration of
La Salle’s 125th Anniversary!
Gather with all of the many friends of La Salle,
as the retreat center is rededicated to the mission of
“Service Inspired by Faith.”
Mass celebrated by
Archbishop Robert J. Carlson
Friday, July 8
5:00 PM at La Salle Retreat Center.
Lawn Party Immediately Following Mass
This is a casual event to be held outdoors, weather permitting.
Please bring lawn chairs or blanket. In the case of rain, we will
move inside. So plan on celebrating the 125th, rain or shine!
Please let us know if you plan to attend, so there is
enough food for everyone!
Call 636-938-5374 at Ext. 333 and leave a message with the
number of people attending
or e-mail [email protected]. Please reply by July 3.
Thank You!
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Friday, August 12, 2011
To register, call La Salle at 636-938-5374
or return your entry form & entry fee to
La Salle Golf Classic
2101 Rue De La Salle
Glencoe, MO 63038
(Checks payable to La Salle Retreat Center)
All proceeds to benefit La Salle!
18-Hole, 4-Person Scramble
* Three Flights
* Prizes & Contests
Show your support for La Salle...
come to Pevely Farms Golf Club
for a day of fun and fellowship!
Entry Fees
$125 per Golfer
$500 per Foursome
$30 19th Hole Reception/Silent Auction (Non-golfer)
Golfer entry fee includes green fees, cart, lunch,
beverages, and 19th Hole Reception
Schedule of Activities
Golfer #1
Name
Address
City/State/ZIP
Phone
E-Mail
Golfer #2
11:00 AM-Registration Begins
11:30 AM-Lunch
1:00 PM-Shotgun Start
6:00 PM-19th Hole Reception/Silent Auction
Name
Address
City/State/ZIP
Phone
E-Mail
Sponsorship Opportunities
Corporate Sponsor-$2,500
Golfer #3
Name
Address
City/State/ZIP
Phone
E-Mail
Golf Cart Sponsor-$1,000
Hole/Foursome Sponsor-$575
Hole Sponsor-$100
If you would like more information on becoming a
sponsor or if you would like to donate items for the Silent
Auction or “freebies” for the golfer goodie bags--please
contact Mike Sawicki at La Salle (636-938-5374 x300) or
Pat Sheridan (314-378-2029)
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Golfer #4
Name
Address
City/State/ZIP
Phone
E-Mail
La Salle
Retreat
Center
providing a place of
hospitality and peace
2101 Rue De LaSalle
Glencoe, MO 63038
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Director’s Column...Continued from Page 5...
host the events. The committee has also designed banners and
created a new look for the display case across from the chapel—
adding some important extra touches to our celebrations. Another
huge part of the anniversary year is the history book, On this
Holy Ground. It was collaborative effort among many, but special
thanks go to Gerri and John Schroeder who did the writing and
editing, Donna Stephens for the graphic design and Carl Abbate
for his generous assistance in helping to underwrite the cost of
the printing. I would also like to thank Mike Foley, who donated
his time to design the anniversary logo which has been used
throughout the year.
As we continue to look forward, there are always some
challenges on the horizon for a facility that’s celebrating its 125th
birthday. We want to make improvements that can enhance the
stay of our visitors, too. Without question, all of the positive
energy generated this year has helped the center in many ways—
including an upswing in donations and an increase in volunteers
stepping forward to offer assistance. I have often thought a gazebo
would provide a place of enjoyment on our beautiful grounds, and
I am excited to announce that Bill Wolfe of Mary Queen of Peace
has agreed to chair a committee of volunteers to help make this
gazebo a reality. There will be a planning meeting in mid June
to get the ball rolling. If you are interested in helping in any way
on this project, please feel free to drop me an email and I will
get you specifics about the meeting. Bill is looking forward to the
opportunity to coordinate this community project at La Salle.
I hope you’ll mark your calendars—and help us continue
building this positive energy—by attending our special events this
summer. We look forward to seeing you at the Mass celebrated by
the Archbishop, or the third annual Links to LaSalle Golf Classic
on August 12, or both. Until then: Thanks for all you do…and as
always, please feel free to stop by for a visit!
Continued Blessings,
Mike Sawicki
LET US KNOW...If you would like to discontinue receiving our newsletter or if your name or address needs
changing, please call Gerri at 636-938-5374, Ext. 301or send an e-mail to [email protected] with
your request. Thank you for helping us keep our mailing list accurate.
La Salle Retreat Center
2101 Rue De LaSalle
Glencoe, MO 63038
636-938-5374
www.lasalleretreat.org