District of Eastern North America District Council Dennis Malloy, Visitor Charles Kitson, Auxiliary Visitor Edward Phelan, Auxiliary Visitor Thomas Scanlan, Auxiliary Visitor Robert Berger Richard Buccina James Butler Frank Byrne Dennis Cronin Richard Galvin Carl Malacalza Michael McGinniss Joseph Schafer Jerome Sullivan Domenic Viggiani Alternates: Michael Andrejko Thomas Zoppo District Council Meeting Minutes June 30, 2014 Christian Brothers Academy – Fleming Hall Lincroft, NJ Invited Guests: Brothers Timothy Froehlich and James Martino Absent and Excused: Brothers James Butler, Dennis Cronin, Edward Phelan and Thomas Zoppo The Vow Chapter opened with a prayer led by Brother Charles Mrozinski. The House Chapter notes and memos from Brother Joseph Mahon, Formation Counselor, for Brothers Anthony Baginski, Kenneth Kalinowski, Anwar Martino and Peter Nguyen were reviewed. After discussion, voting followed and was in the affirmative. The notes for Brother David Deradoorian, novice, requesting first vows were reviewed. After discussion, voting followed and was in the affirmative. The results of the Chapter will be sent to the Superior General. Notes of special thanks were given to Brothers Kevin Slate and Joseph Mahon for their extraordinary accompaniment of these young men in our formation program. The minutes of the March 7, 2014 meeting were reviewed and approved. Brother Dennis Malloy spoke briefly regarding copies of a book distributed to members of the Council: The Fragile Hope of a Witness: The Itinerary of Brother Michel Sauvage (1923-2001). Lasallian Studies No. 18 Brother Raymond Blixt resigned from his Council position just after the March 2014 meeting. After discussion, Council members decided not to replace him for his final year (2014-2015). Alternates will fill-in during that time period. 1 1. Senior Brothers/Community Life Report: In the absence of Brother Edward Phelan, Brother Dennis distributed information sent by Brother Edward: “Formation continues beyond retirement to a new availability for service in the Mission. The Mission does not end at the age of retirement. Those in charge of formation invite those retiring to continue to share their experience and their witness.” Mel Bulletin #51 Formation for the Lasallian Mission Brother Edward has extended an invitation to senior Brothers to assist in Jamaica for three months or more. Brother Edward has also personally invited senior Brothers to attend Sister Colette Hanlon’s retreat on Continual Growth in the Spirit. Each month profiles appear in the DENA Dispatch featuring senior Lasallians who “do the Mission” and are “men of the Spirit”. A brochure featuring articles that have appeared to date was distributed. “Who Dunnit” is featured in the Living Lasallian e-mail blast that comes out at the middle of each month. This feature describes some aspect in the life of a senior Brother. All readers are then invited to guess the name of the Brother described. 2. Finance Report: Brother Timothy Froehlich reported: A. FSC DENA Brother Timothy reviewed the Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activities for the nine months ending May 30, 2014. The District continues to maintain a healthy financial position. A short term loan of $75,000 that was made to La Salle Academy, NYC, Inc will be repaid in June of 2014. A significant amount of the cash held on hand, $1.6 million, is related to funds held in exchange accounts. Variances on income and expense accounts were explained to the satisfaction of Council. B. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS RETIREMENT & CONTINUING CARE TRUST The Statement of Financial Position as of May 30, 2014 reflected a market value of $93.9 million, a $6.59 million increase over last year at this point in time. Income is expected to exceed budget due to gains on our investments. On the expense side, all accounts are well within budget. C. FSC DENA ENDOWMENT TRUST The Statement of Financial Position (SOFP) as of May 30, 2014 reflects over $35 million in Net Assets, most of which is unrestricted. The FSC Endowment Trust is expected to transfer $971,450 to FSC DENA over the next few months to pay off a liability owed for support of District operations. 2 In anticipation of this liability, recent liquidations were made to generate the cash needed for this transfer as well as reserves needed for cash calls on the loan to Brothers of the Christian Schools of New Jersey (Ocean Rest). Council was reminded that, with the merger of San Francisco and New Orleans-Santa Fe Districts, we may be offered additional shares of CBIS (Christian Brothers Investment Services). The finance committee recommends we purchase such shares via this trust, which currently holds 1,998 shares of CBIS, should we be presented with an offer to buy. D. ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE FUND Brother Timothy reviewed the Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activities for the nine months ending May 30, 2014. In comparison to last year at this time, the fund collected the entire balance due, $848,519, from the FSC DENA Real Estate Holding Corporation. The fund’s assets now consist of only marketable investments and totals approximately $11.8 million dollars. It is the intention of the Visitor to see this fund grow with additional donations from District operating excess and development efforts. The Board has distributed its scheduled donations for the year as it looks to expand its philanthropic activity to other ministries of the District for next year. The Board has imposed a distribution policy of 5% on its 3-year trailing market value average of the fund, using the audited end of year valuations. E. FY 2015 BUDGETS Brother Timothy provided the Council with an update on the budget assumptions for FY2015. He distributed an assumptions page which highlights the major drivers. (See attached) A summary of the $4.7 million budget for FSC DENA (the District), in comparison to fiscal year 2014, was shared and comments made on areas of significant variance. The finance committee reviewed in detail the budget at its June 18, 2014 meeting and recommends Council’s approval. Brother Timothy suggests a few minor changes are anticipated in light of changes in process; however, the total for both expenses and income were not expected to be significant or note worthy. It was agreed that distributions from year-end operating excess would be brought before Council for their consent. The budget was moved and seconded; it was unanimously approved. [Yes = 11; Abstentions = 0; No = 0] A summary of the proposed FY 2015 budget for Christian Brothers Retirement and Continuing Care Trust (our retirement fund) was shared with the Council. Brother Timothy highlighted for Council major variances from the current year’s budget of $8.3 million against next year’s budget of $7.1 million. Most note worthy in explaining the decrease was the completion of the CBA Lincroft house renovations. The proposed budget was reviewed and endorsed by the finance committee; it will now go to the trustees for their approval. 3 A budget for FY2015 totaling $974,591 from our Narragansett Office was shared with Council. This budget, already approved by the CB-LINE Board at its June 12, 2014 meeting, was reviewed by the finance committee. The budget reflects a $193,221 request from the District to fund operations in Narragansett. F. NATIONAL RELIGIOUS RETIREMENT OFFICE (NRRO) REPORT Brother Timothy presented the National Religious Retirement Office Retirement Needs Analysis for 2014. The report reflects that we are more than adequately funded for retirement due to the increased market value of our investments over the past year. He also reported that our cost of care is lower than the national average for religious. The Council was reminded that this report, based upon current numbers and investment returns, can change radically with sudden changes in the markets and our cost of care. The Council was appreciative of the report and the good news it reflected about our ability to meet future retirement needs. Brother Timothy expressed appreciation to Ed Meehan and John Patzwall for their work on this project. G. OTHER BUSINESS With a recent vacancy on the finance committee, it was the recommendation of the finance committee, with the consent of the Visitor, to invite the chair of our investment committee, Mr. William Phillips, to be a member of the finance committee. Mr. Phillips has accepted the invitation and will begin his service at our next meeting. 3. Boards and Ministries: Brother Thomas Scanlan reported: A very comprehensive set of financial data for the ten Boards on which Brother Thomas serves was distributed. The data showed for each institution: Total Investments – Debit = Net Investments Fund Raising Income Financial Aid Distributed Projected New Freshman Enrollment (2014-2015) Projected Total Enrollment (2014-2015) It is difficult to compare institutions because each one is unique. Brother Thomas listed notes specific to each institution under the above data entries for each of the institutions. He answered questions regarding debt, admissions and investments for specific institutions to the satisfaction of the Council. 4 4. Vocation Formation/Community Life Report: Brother Charles Kitson was called out of the meeting because of a family emergency. Brother Charles Mrozinski reported for him. A. DIRECTORS’ WORKSHOP 30 DENA Directors met at Pocono Manor, PA (March 20-22) for the annual workshop. Main presenter was Sister Rose Clarisse, SSA, AFSC, on Circular 466: They Shall Call Themselves Brothers. The evaluations were overwhelming positive. This workshop was held in conjunction with the first DENA cohort of the new John Johnston Institute program. B. VOCATION SUMMIT II Dates are October 5-6, 2014 at Ocean Place in Long Branch, NJ. This summit will be attended by a Brother and Lay Partner from most of the DENA ministries and will move from the place Vocation Ministry has within Lasallian Association, and promotion of a District Culture of Vocation, to practical strategies specific to the Brothers’ vocation that will be implemented in the District this coming year and beyond. Our Lay Partners are being invited to assist us on all levels of vocation ministry that pertain to Brothers’ vocation promotion. C. ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE/DENA ANIMATORS March 31- April 1, 2014: the District Association Committee met at CBA, Lincroft to share reports from the various associative groups within the District. This was the first time that Jim Casey attended and presented to the committee on the SIGNUM FIDE – an associative network of former Brothers mainly from legacy New York and LINE. Jim will continue to be a part of our meetings. The Committee also prepared the details for the ensuing Animators’ Workshop. Over 20 Lasallian Animators participated in a 24-hour orientation program. This annual formation session was geared to build up both a face-to-face and a virtual support system, sounding board and forum for sharing best practices on Lasallian animation in our institutions. D. DENA ASSOCIATIVE GROUPS All groups (RILAG, PALM, LAMM) report doing well and are growing in scope and numbers. The newest group, LAAST (Lasallian Association of Albany, Syracuse and Troy) had its inaugural meeting in April and looks forward to its first full year of operation as of September. E. ASSOCIATIVE RETREATS Maryann Donohue-Lynch has provided the District with a diverse variety of retreats/workshops to enhance Lasallian Association: Lasallian Women’s Retreat - March 28-30, 2014 Lasallian Couples’ Retreat – April 4-6, 2014 Lasallian Athletic Directors’ Workshop – June 11-13, 2014 Legacy Lasallians’ Retreat – July 2014 5 F. INITIAL FORMATION As noted in the Vow Chapter Report (above), all Brothers in annual vows will renew. Brothers Peter Nguyen and Anwar Martinez will work in the La Salle Academy, NYC summer program. Brother Ken Kalinowski will return to ministry in Papua New Guinea, and Brother Anthony Baginski will continue doctoral studies during the summer. Brother David Deradoorian will profess first vows on September 2, 2014 during the DENA District celebration at St. Mary’s Church, Colts Neck, NJ. He is assigned to St. Raymond Community and High School for the 20142015 academic year. Ernesto Dominguez, from Queens, NY, will enter the Jeremy House Postulancy in August. Nine young men have left the Contact program and nine additional men have been accepted into the program. DENA will have a total of 36 men in the Contact program this fall. Summer 2014 Community Ministries: The De La Salle School, Freeport, NY, May 26-June 30 (2 Contacts) La Salle Academy, NYC, July 7 – August 1 (4 Contacts) Ocean Tides, Narragansett, RI, June 30 – August 8 (2 or 3 Contacts) G. VOCATION MINISTRY Retreats for new Contacts are very difficult to organize due to the varied schedules of these young men. “Come and See” retreats at La Salle University and Manhattan College were unsuccessful this year, but attempts will again be made to run these programs in the fall. “Discovery Days” have been run geographically with varied success. A team meeting in August, and the Vocation Summit II in October, may set new priorities and directions. H. DISTRICT RETREATS In addition to the successful Sangre Retreat (April 16-25, 2014) with 14 participants, the following four summer 2014 retreats are scheduled: June 8-13 “Therese of Lisieux” Br Joseph Schmidt (18 registered) July 6-11 “Discovering New Treasures” Sr Colette Hanlon (14 registered) July 28-Aug 1 “They Will Call themselves Brothers” Br Michael French (18 registered) Aug 3-8 “Directed/Private Retreat” (7 Directed/24 Private Retreatants) 6 5. Mission and Ministry Report: Alan Weyland was attending the Buttimer Institute. He submitted a written report to Council members. A. MISSION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (MEC) The MEC recently met in mid-June in Narragansett, RI. The Council first focused on the reports from the Young Lasallians and Young Brothers international assemblies. The Council heard from Sarah Laitinen, a delegate to the International Symposium of Young Lasallians and Maggie Naughton, Co-Chair of the District’s Young Lasallians Committee, as part of this process. In its March meeting the Council had already reviewed the International Assembly 2013 Report as well as the Report Toward the 45th General Chapter. During the June meeting we also discussed Br. Alvaro’s opening address to the General Council and Br. Robert’s closing address to the General Council. Brother Dennis Malloy also shared his insights from the General Council. All of these materials and discussions were designed to educate and inform Council Members as we prepare for our next Mission Assembly in March 2015. The other major focus of the meeting was spent in planning for the Mission Assembly. The next meeting will be September 1516, a week prior to the next District Council. The primary focus will be the planning for the Mission Assembly. B. LASALLIAN MISSION ASSESSMENT PROCESS (LMAP) 2013-2014 The Office for Mission and Ministry completed six LMAPs: La Salle College High School Calvert Hall College High School De La Salle Collegiate High School San Miguel Washington Ocean Tides Martin de Porres Group Homes At the last meeting Alan specifically reported on the process at De La Salle Collegiate HS. Since mid-March the Administration and faculty undertook a review and a reworking of their self-assessment. Maryann Donohue-Lynch, as Chair of the Visiting Team, worked closely with school officials to accomplish the needed changes. The report has been written and accepted by the school and approved by the Mission Executive Council at its June meeting. C. SUMMER 2014 EDUCATION/FORMATION PROGRAMS Lasallian Youth Assembly July 13-18, 2014: Our 20th Assembly (Legacy Districts and DENA) will take place at La Salle University. A group from San Giuseppe in Rome will join us adding to our groups from Toronto and the various States making this an assembly with an international flair. Buttimer Institute: The Institute is taking place June 29-July 11. There are 32 DENA participants this year. There is a little downturn in the numbers because of a few non-returners this year (pregnancies, marriages, and left the ministry). Additionally, the beginning of the John Johnston Institute had an impact on Buttimer numbers. 7 John Johnston Institute: This Institute will have a Regional gathering from July 13-18 at Lewis University. The first one was in mid-March and was District-based. DENA has 51 participants representing almost every ministry in the District. Lasallian Social Justice Institute: This year LSJI returns to Tucson from July 6-11 for “El Otro Lado” focusing on the topic of immigration. Half of the participants are from DENA. Twinning Summit-Kenya: The Summit is already underway and is being led by Br. Dennis Lee and Maryann Donohue-Lynch. The primary goal of the trip is to raise awareness of our Twinning program with the Lwanga District, provide a deeper understanding of their needs, and to build stronger relationships with some of our twinned schools. D. LASALLIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL The Regional Council will have met June 24-25, 2014 in Washington, D.C. Besides the regular reports, the primary goal is to further refine and delineate elements of the strategic visioning process and hear from Dr. Margaret McCarty her plans for implementing these elements. E. MISSION ASSEMBLY 2015 The District will conduct its second Mission Assembly in March 2015. This will precede the August 2015 District Chapter. The overarching theme for the Mission Assembly has been tentatively set as “Beyond the Borders” with three areas of focus: Service with the Poor, Evangelization and Catechesis, and Living the Charism. Approximately 70 delegates will come together for three days to develop these focus areas for the next 5-7 years. F. LASALLIAN ASSOCIATION OF YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES GATHERING 2014 In May 2010 the various Youth and Family Agencies in DENA came together (between 100-150 people) for professional development, Lasallian education/formation, and community building. A second gathering will occur in late September 2014 for the same purposes. G. MISCELLANEOUS San Giuseppe Rome: A group of 20 students and two chaperones will be in our District for 2-3 weeks in July. They will spend their first week volunteering with our San Miguel School in Washington. D.C. (they start their new year on July 7). Half will stay there for the second week and the other half will spend their second week in Philadelphia at the Lasallian Youth Assembly. The two groups will meet up for a few days of touring in NYC before heading back to Rome. This came about as a result of contacts made at this past year’s CIL programs (November and January). 8 VEGA 2015: DENA and the District Young Lasallian Committee will again host a VEGA program in August 2015. Tentative dates are August 2-5, 2015, with the site still to be determined. There will be two tracks—one for YL’s with minimal experience in the Lasallian Mission and one for those who have some experience and previous Lasallian education/formation. Athletic Directors’ Workshop: The recently held (early June) Athletic Director’s Workshop was held at CBC, Narragansett. While the numbers were not what we hoped, the reviews were excellent. 6. Administration Report: Brother James Martino reported: A. OCEAN REST A meeting is scheduled for early July with the construction manager to conduct a full review and finalization of plans for bidding on contracts and developing a schedule of construction for the new facility. Current plans are for a year-round facility with 14 bedrooms, 2 television rooms and several other common spaces. B. LA SALLE MANOR A mid-July meeting with Plante Moran is scheduled to identify a placement for Brothers once the Manor is closed. At present, there is a focus on plans for current employees as the Manor is closed. C. DE LA SALLE “OAKLANDS” The Board is working on a plan to sell approximately one acre of property for the construction of 30 townhouses. Brother Domenic Viggiani distributed a brochure providing details of the proposal. The remuneration received as a result of the sale would be used for purposes of upgrading and expanding current facilities of De La Salle College. Alienation of the property is the next step required by canon law. A time line was given as approximately one year for all approvals needed; then 2-5 years before completion of the project. The following resolution was made and seconded: Be it resolved that the District Council approves the recommendation of the Board of De La Salle College “Oaklands” and the Brothers of the Christian Schools of Toronto to sell 1.05 acres of land on the lower campus at De La Salle College “Oaklands” for $20 million (Canadian) to reinvest in the ministry and mission of the Brothers in Toronto. The Council supports progressing with the alienation of this asset. [Yes = 11; Abstentions = 0; No = 0] D. BARRYTOWN WINDOWS PROJECT Fundraising efforts have begun for the purchase, restoration and transfer of the St. La Salle windows in Barrytown. The windows are expected to be removed from the Barrytown facility around October 2014. Restoration will be 9 followed through by Manhattan College. The windows will be installed in the Chapel of De La Salle and his Brothers at Manhattan College. E. ARCHIVES The Midwest District Archives and the Christian Brothers Conference Archives have been moved to Manhattan College. Agreements with the entities involved are being finalized. F. ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE FUND This fund was in existence in the legacy Long Island-New England District and it continues to move forward. Its Board meets regularly to determine policies and promote assistance to DENA students most in need using the Mission Executive Council’s priority ministry listing. Brother Joseph Schafer requested that it be noted in the Council minutes that Brother Dennis Malloy’s support of this fund has provided financial assistance to the neediest students in all DENA ministries. 7. Visitor’s Report Brother Dennis Malloy reported: A. GENERAL INFORMATION A brief overview of the 45th General Chapter was provided. 1. Three parts: a. Evaluation of progress since the last Chapter (2007), planning for the next 7 years, remote planning suggestions for the Chapter of 2021 b. Election of new Superior General, Vicar, and General Council c. Revision of our Rule of Life in view of the changes in the Church and our Institute 2. Chapter informed and energized by: a. International Mission Assembly b. Young Brothers Assembly c. Young Lasallians Assembly d. The notes and recommendations of the Brothers e. Pope Francis: Evangelii Gaudium – vision of a more missionary and merciful Church! 3. Emerging Lines of Action: a. A deepened commitment to a human and Christian education for the poor b. A recommitment to evangelization and catechesis c. A greater call to “go beyond our borders” geographically and metaphorically d. The “internationality” of our vocation to be called and sent to “the frontier” 10 e. The invitation to Lasallian Higher Education to: preserve and promote Lasallian studies and research; lead the way in global outreach in educational innovation; create access to tertiary education in “the frontier”; foster and promulgate formation f. Courage to be open to the Spirit in recognizing/promoting Partner’s Vocation Where are we needed for Mission? What are our needs for the Life-Giving Community? 1. Current Reality: 35 Communities and 310 Brothers 2. 78% of the Brothers returned the August 2013 survey (258/330). The results from this and a report from the ad hoc Committee on Community Life and Signs of Vitality of February 2011 (providing a two-page set of guidelines on implications for planning for the future) will be used at the September/October Regional Meetings to give feedback to District Leadership, the District Council, and the upcoming District Chapter. Significant Meetings for the Coming Year 1. 2. 3. 4. September/October – Five “Regional” Meetings October – Vocation Summit with Partners March 2015 – DENA Mission Assembly August 2015 – District Chapter B. LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUEST Brother Dennis presented the Council with Brother Patrick Cassidy’s request for a leave of absence. Consent of Council is needed to be sent to the Superior General along with Brother Patrick’s request and Brother Dennis’ endorsement letter. After discussion, a vote was taken by the Council consenting to Brother Patrick Cassidy’s request for a one-year leave of absence. (August 1, 2014 through July 31, 2015) [Yes = 11; Abstentions = 0; No = 0] C. MARTIN DE PORRES SCHOOLS (MdPS) REQUEST A request was made by MdPS to renew the up to $1.3 million line of credit from the District of Eastern North America. Last year, a one-time loan was given because MdPS experienced an annual cash flow shortage as a result of end of school year costs and the processing of receivables from the various agencies with whom they contract for services. The bank requests an additional year of positive financial reports in order for it to issue a line of credit. MdPS did repay the loan with interest from DENA issued last year. After questions and discussion, a proposal was made and seconded: 11 The District of Eastern North America will renew a short-term line of credit to be made available to Martin de Porres Schools from June through October 2014 for up to $1.3 million at an agreed upon interest rate of prime plus 1%. [Yes = 11; Abstentions = 0; No = 0] It was suggested that a strong letter clarifying the District’s expectations regarding this renewal be sent to MdPS. D. DE LA SALLE ACADEMY, NYC: TWO REQUESTS A request for the benefaction of Mr. John Archer by Brother Brian Carty, President, De La Salle Academy, NYC, was discussed and unanimously approved. [Yes = 11; Abstentions = 0; No = 0] It was discussed and proposed that the District of Eastern North America make a one-time $50,000 gift to De La Salle Academy, NYC, to support them in their relocation expenses resulting from the closure and sale of their current building. [Yes = 11; Abstentions = 0; No = 0] E. UPDATES Brother Dennis updated Council on personnel, community, and ministry issues that have evolved since the March 2014 meeting. The Council expresses its appreciation to Brother Frank Byrne for his hospitality in hosting the meeting in Fleming Hall of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft. Respectfully submitted, Brother Charles Mrozinski, FSC Brother Charles Mrozinski, FSC Secretary 12 GENERAL BUDGET ASSUMPTIONS FOR FY2015: SUPPORT CHECKS: $24,100 Base Amount (+2.50%)* (FY 2014 Base = $23,500; FY 2013 Base = $22,700; a 3.52% increase.) (Additional amount can be requested by the community due to higher operating expenses) FICA ASSESSMENT: Charge $1,200 (no change from FY2014) ASSESSMENTS: Less than 3% increase in District Assessment No increase in Retirement Assessment Classification Brothers in Secondary and Middle Schools Brothers in Higher Ed or who serve as Chief Administrators (President/Principals) District Assessment Retirement Assessment $13,200 $6,100 (from $12,900 in FY 2014) 2.30% increase (2.38% in 2013) $24,000 $6,100 (from $23,500 in FY 2014) 2.10% increase (2.62% in 2013) (with salary less than $100K) Brothers with salaries greater than $100K, regardless of their ministry. Negotiated with Community Director $6,100 DISTRICT MEDICAL PLAN PREMIUMS: Brothers w/Medicare: $5,300.00 (LY = $5,000) +6% Brothers w/o Medicare: $14,500.00 (LY = $14,000) +4% SALARY INCREASE OF 2.5% ACROSS THE BOARD (CPI-2013+1%)* FY 2014 = 2.7% (CPI-2012+1%); FY 2013 = 4% (CPI-2011+1%); FY 2012 = 3% (CPI-2010+1.5%) TRANSFER FROM ENDOWMENT: 5% (*) Cost of Living Index (CPI): 2013 = 1.5%; 2012 = 1.7%; 2011 = 3.0%; 2010 = 1.5% 13