District of Eastern North America
District Council
Dennis Malloy, Visitor
Charles Kitson, Auxiliary Visitor
Edward Phelan, Auxiliary Visitor
Thomas Scanlan, Auxiliary Visitor
Anthony Baginski
Richard Buccina
Frank Byrne
Dennis Cronin
Richard Galvin
Michael McGinniss
Robert Schaefer
Joseph Schafer
Jerome Sullivan
Domenic Viggiani
Joseph Willard
Alternates:
Michael Andrejko
Carl Malacalza
District Council Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2015
Christian Brothers Academy – Fleming Hall
Lincroft, NJ
Invited Guests: Brother Timothy Froehlich, Brother James Martino, and Mr. Alan
Weyland
Brother Thomas Scanlan led the opening prayer.
The minutes of the December 8, 2014 meeting were reviewed and approved.
1. Finance Report Brother Timothy Froehlich reported:
Brother Timothy provided a written executive summary of his report in order to
provide additional time for other matters of the Council to discuss. The summary,
reflecting on the financial statements provided, included the four major District
entities: District Operations, Retirement Trust, Endowment Trust and St. John
Baptist De La Salle Fund. As of December 31, 2014, all four entities have
increased in value over the previous year. The Council was provided an
opportunity to ask any questions or seek clarifications on the written summary
report. There were no action items to consider at this time. Financial concerns of
De La Salle Hall were deferred to later in the Council’s agenda.
2. Administration Report Brother James Martino reported:
A. OCEAN REST
All permit issues were finalized during the months of January and February.
Construction is scheduled to begin on the site beginning March 2, 2015.
Emphasis will now focus on selling the remaining lots on the property.
B. DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Patrick Donahue joined the DENA Office as Director of Development on
February 26, 2015. He brings over twenty-five years of Development experience
to the position, with more than thirty years of employment history working in
Catholic educational and youth services settings. His work has involved a
concentration on major giving and campaigning, with responsibilities also
1
overseeing planned giving, events, annual appeals, research, and administration of
development programs.
C. DISTRICT CHAPTER PLANNING
In late February updates from some of the District Chapter 2015 Committees were
sent to the Brothers. We are well into the process of getting ready for the Chapter
in August 2015. A Pre-Chapter meeting of all delegates with Brother Craig
Franz, facilitator, is scheduled for the weekend of April 18-19 in
Eatontown/Lincroft.
3. Regional Planning Brothers James Martino and Dennis Malloy reported:
In the fall of 2014, the District leadership, recognizing the reality of our declining
numbers and our aging, entered into conversations with the Brothers in
communities through a series of meetings in six geographic areas of the District
where there was more than one community. Conversations were also facilitated
with Brothers in other locations throughout the District to hear the ideas and
concerns of these Brothers for the future of community and ministry. The
purpose for doing so was to initiate a process of working together to develop
strategies that would strengthen our communities and support our continued
presence and engagement in local ministries consistent with our reality and in
keeping with five guiding principles:
 The vitality and viability of our community life
 A visible, dynamic, and fraternal presence in ministry
 Appropriate levels of care for each Brother’s needs
 Our purpose “to give a human and Christian education to the young,
especially the poor”
 Openness to the successive calls of the Church, the world, and the poor
Based on the input from the six area meetings, Brother James Martino presented a
Power Point three-year horizon and framework for action to Council members:
Accompaniment and Dialogue to Maintain Community Vitality and Viability.
Brother Dennis stressed that the plan is a roadmap providing guidelines for us. It
is not hard and fast, and we cannot let ourselves become locked into the plan. The
plan will need to be reviewed each year because we are not static. Our own
personnel issues and decisions in (arch)dioceses where we minister sometimes
cause us to make quick, unplanned moves. So continuing conversation and dialog
are needed as the three-year plan unfolds.
A few common areas that surfaced at the regional meetings:
 Brothers recognize the reality of our aging
 Most Brothers would prefer to stay in ministry where they are, but they
realize this may not be possible
 Communities in proximity to ministries are preferred
 A “home” community environment versus an “institutional” setting is
preferred
 A Lasallian presence in communities does not always mean a community
of all Brothers
2
A motion was made and seconded for the Council to endorse the proposed threeyear plan, Accompaniment and Dialogue to Maintain Community Vitality and
Viability, for action and recommendations for community mergers, closures, and
ongoing planning conversations in order to maintain viable, vital, healthy
communities for Brothers throughout the District.
[Yes = 14; Abstentions = 0; No = 0]
The Accompaniment and Dialogue to Maintain Community Vitality and Viability
plan will be submitted to the members of District Chapter 2015 for consideration
and endorsement.
4. Mission and Ministry Report Alan Weyland reported:
A. MISSION ASSEMBLY 2015
Preparations continue as we look forward to the District’s second Mission
Assembly. Approximately 70 delegates will gather March 12-14, 2015 at Ocean
Place in Long Branch, NJ. The overarching theme is “Moving Beyond our
Borders – Sent in Hope by the Spirit.” This will develop from three perspectives:
Living the Charism in Association for Mission, Service with the Poor through
Education, and Evangelization and Catechesis. Directional statements for each of
these three areas will be developed; two or three actions items for each statement
will also be formulated. Alan will present a general review of the past four years
and Brother Dennis will give an overview of the next four years in light of the
directives of the recent 45th General Chapter in Rome.
B. BROTHER RICHARD KESTLER, FSC
Brother will be honored at the NCEA Secondary School luncheon in April for his
work at West Catholic Preparatory High School and for his contributions to
Catholic education. Alan and Maryann Donohue-Lynch will attend the luncheon.
C. ASSOCIATION GATHERINGS
The Youth and Family Services agencies will gather approximately 100
Lasallians for a Lasallian formation and professional development program at La
Salle School, Albany, NY, on March 26-27, 2015. Thursday will be the Lasallian
formation piece. Friday will consist of a professional development conference
hosted by La Salle School in conjunction with several local entities for nearly 500
participants.
D. COVENANT AGREEMENTS
We continue to work with our individual ministries to put covenants in place,
hoping to continue on track to have almost all of them in place by the end of
August 2015.
E. LASALLIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL (LEC)
The LEC met prior to the Lasallian Association of Secondary School Chief
Administrators meeting on February 21-22, 2015. Primary agenda items
included: a review of the current Charter; planning for the Executive Director
search; a self-evaluation of the Council; and a joint meeting with the Regional
Conference of Christian Brothers.
3
F. INQUIRIES BY MINISTRIES TO JOIN THE DISTRICT NETWORK
Pope John Paul II High School (Florida): The Mission Executive Council and the
District leadership approved Pope John Paul II High School to begin their 3-4
year discernment process for joining the Lasallian network of DENA.
Trinity High School (New Hampshire): School officials informed Alan that they
will submit an application for consideration to begin their discernment process.
Alan anticipates receiving the application prior to the June 15-16, 2015 Mission
Executive Council meeting.
G. LEADERSHIP SEARCHES – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S
INVOLVEMENT
De La Salle Collegiate: The Presidential search has been completed and the new
President is under contract. During the last week of February Mr. John Knight
was announced as the new President. He will begin transitioning May 1with his
official starting date set as July 1, 2015. John will begin the Buttimer Institute
this summer.
The De La Salle School: The process is underway in the search for an Associate
Executive Director. To date there are seven viable candidates (on paper). The
deadline for submitting an application is March 18. The intent is to have someone
in place by early May.
Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, Principal Search: Seventeen applications
have been received. The Search Committee, acting on behalf of Brother Frank
Byrne, has narrowed the field to five candidates, four of whom have Lasallian
connections. The Search Committee is interviewing on March 2-3. Following
this and site visits by the candidates, the search Committee will make
recommendations to Brother Frank, who will make the final decision. It is hoped
that someone will be in place by the end of March.
St. Vincent Strambi: Alan visited the school in February and found the program
going well. Financial challenges remain as does the leadership question for next
year. The leadership transition is in process at present.
H. LASALLIAN MISSION ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (LMAP)
Central Catholic High School and St. Raphael Academy had their LMAPs
conducted in the first week of February. Coming up are San Miguel, Providence
(March 26-27), West Catholic Preparatory High School (April 13-15), and Tides
Family Services (June 10-12). Earlier in the year an LMAP was conducted at St.
Peter’s Boys High School.
I. JOHN JOHNSTON INSTITUTE
The March session for DENA participants will take place March 19-22 at the Inn
at Pocono Manor. The focus of the session will be the Lasallian Mission at the
District and Local levels. Maryann Donohue-Lynch, Brother Brian Henderson,
and Alan will be the presenters. An important area that will be explored in depth
will be the results of the March 12-14, 2015 Mission Assembly.
4
J. DISTRICT/REGIONAL EDUCATION AND FORMATION EVENTS
FOR 2014-2015 (CURENTLY SCHEDULED)
 DENA Mission Assembly: March 12-14 at Ocean Place, Long Branch, NJ
(delegates will be invited)
 John Johnston Institute Spring Session: March 19-22 at Pocono Manor
 Spring Gathering for Lasallian Association for Youth and Family
Services: March 26-27 at La Salle School, Albany
 Spring Workshop: March 30-31 in Eatontown. This year’s workshop will
be for Development/Advancement Office and Communications/Public
Relations personnel
 DENA Women’s Retreat: April 17-19 at CBC, Narragansett
 Animators’ Workshop: April 27-28 in Eatontown
 “Come and See” Twinning Program: June 20-July 3 in Kenya
 Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies: June 28-July 10 at St. Mary’s
College, Moraga, CA
 Lasallian Youth Assembly: July 12-17 at Manhattan College
 John Johnston Institute Summer Session: July 12-17 @ Lewis University
 Lasallian Social Justice Institute: July 19-24 in Chicago
 New Chief Administrators Workshop: July 27-29 location TBD
 VEGA 2015: August 3-7 at La Salle University
 District Chapter: August 12-14 at Bon Secours Spirituality Center,
Marriottsville, MD
 Board Chairs of Canonical High Schools: August 24-25 at CBC,
Narragansett
5. Formation, Vocation Promotion, and Community Life Report Brother
Charles Kitson reported:
A. DISTRICT RETREATS
The four annual Summer 2015 District Retreats have been scheduled and forms
for registration will be sent out in April:
 June 7-12
Presenter: Mr. Martin Helldorfer, “Stop, Look and Listen”
 July 5-10
Presenter: Bro. Joseph Schmidt, “Year of Consecrated Life:
45th General Chapter”
 July 27-31
Organizing Committee: Brothers in Mid-Years
 August 2-7
Directors: TBA, Directed/Silent Retreats
B. VOCATION PROMOTION/CONTACT PROGRAM
The long weekend of January 8-11 saw eighteen of our District Contacts gather at
the Cranalieth Spirituality Center in Philadelphia for their annual winter retreat.
Brothers Edward Shields and Francis Eells led the experience which focused on
vocation discernment, preparation of a one-day retreat experience that the
Contacts will give our DENA San Miguel Schools, and a full day visiting St.
Gabriel’s Hall, La Salle Academy, West Catholic Preparatory High School, and
La Salle College High School. It was a very successful formation experience.
5
C. ASSOCIATON COMMITTEE
The DENA Association Committee met on January 12 at Manhattan College for
its second meeting of the year. The Committee reported on associative
developments throughout the District and then approved its letter to the DENA
Mission Assembly. Work began on a similar letter to be sent to the Brothers’
Chapter in August. This letter will be approved at the next meeting in April. The
committee members will have a joint meeting with DENA local Lasallian
Animators at the next meeting.
D. INITIAL FORMATION
Jeremy House: Brother Richard Buccina announced in January that Ernesto
Dominguez (DENA) and Armando Carvalho (SFNO) have officially withdrawn
from the Postulancy program.
Postulant Daniel Monroe (Midwest) is temporarily at home due to his father’s
serious illness. Daniel plans on returning to Jeremy House when possible.
Postulants Joseph Wright (SFNO), Javier Hanson (SFNO), and Ryan Anderson
(Midwest), along with Apostolic Postulants Jonathon Emanuelson (Midwest) and
Michael Phipps (Midwest) will apply for the 2015-2016 novitiate in Chicago.
March 15 is the deadline for DENA Contacts requesting entrance to Jeremy
House for 2015-2016. We are hoping that one, perhaps more, will write to the
Visitor and thus begin the application process.
Annual/Perpetual Vows: Brothers Anthony Baginski, David Deradoorian,
Kenneth Kalinowski and Anwar Martinez are eligible to renew their annual vows.
Brother Peter Nguyen will request permission to make his perpetual vows this
year.
E. SECOND SEMESTER COMMUNITY VISITS
January 20-23
St. Gabriel’s Hall, Audubon, PA
January 26-30
Calvert Hall, Baltimore, MD
April 20-24
Manhattan College, Bronx, NY
April 29-May 1
La Salle Institute, Troy, NY
May 4-7
La Salle Academy, Providence, RI
F. OTHER MEETINGS
February 20-25
RCCB, San Diego, CA
March 12-14
District Mission Assembly, Long Branch, NJ
March 19-21
Directors’ Workshop, Pocono Manor, PA
March 26-31
Brothers in Initial Formation/Regional Vocation Formation
Conference, Winona, MN
6. Senior Brothers and Community Life Report Brother Edward Phelan reported:
A. DE LA SALLE HALL, LINCROFT, NJ
The census has been down consistently during the past year causing budgetary
problems. Although this has been a cyclic problem in the past, the current
6
situation indicates a need to restructure and move from the present advisory board
and committee to a governing board, combining expertise on nursing home care
with the experience of the religious/community life of the Brothers.
Some factors contributing to the low census: Medicaid criteria for nursing home
admission has tightened over the past two years; Brothers stay in communities
longer with the assistance of DENA nurses and community members caring for
them; and Brothers tend to remain more active volunteering in ministries well
beyond their entrance into Senior Brother status.
The governing board will have bylaws, an organization chart, and specific job
descriptions. Work has already begun on this and Council requested a report at
the next Council meeting with updates on the restructuring of the board and
management policies to be put into place in the future.
Some immediate steps that are being taken to solve the census problem:
 Other religious orders (Holy Cross, Franciscan, Edmund Rice Christian
Brothers, Marists, Vincentians) have been contacted to let them know we
have space at present for any of their members who may be in need of
nursing care in a religious community setting
 “Come and See” days have been held to have the above come and see our
facility
 Brothers in need of short-term rehabilitation after hospital stays are
coming to De La Salle Hall for their rehab programs
 Former Brothers and family members of Brothers are welcome to use the
De La Salle Hall facility for nursing care
A problem arises when Brothers have significant money in personal accounts.
Medicaid does a five-year look-back before it approves individuals for Medicaid
payments for nursing care.
The following motion was made and seconded:
In order to address the current budget shortfall, it is recommended that the trustees
of the Christian Brothers Retirement and Continuing Care Trust offer a $1.5
million grant to De La Salle Hall.
[Yes = 14; Abstentions = 0; No = 0]
B. DRIVING EVALUATION FOR SENIOR BROTHERS
The details for the mandatory driving evaluation for all DENA Brothers age 75+
will be given to Directors at the upcoming workshop. The driver evaluations will
be handled through Christian Brothers Risk Management Services.
C. PILGRIMAGE TO BETHLEHEM
The pilgrimage is scheduled for September 29 through October 9, 2015 and it is
fully subscribed at present.
D. SENIOR BROTHERS WINTER GETAWAY WEEKEND
The Annual Presidents’ Day Winter Getaway Weekend took place at Ocean Place
in Long Branch, NJ from February 12-15, 2015. The evaluations from the
7
twenty-three Brothers in attendance indicate that it was another very successful
event.
E. STUDY GRANT PROGRAM FOR SENIORS
Each senior Brother received a personal mailing describing study grants now
available for them. The program, “Retirement Without Borders”, is targeted for
those Brothers who are “active, engaged, insatiably curious, and involved with
Community, District, Region, and Institute.” Instructions for applying for the
grants are indicated and there are two submission dates: April 2, 2015 and June 1,
2015.
7. Visitor’s Report Brother Dennis Malloy reported:
Brother Dennis updated the Council on personnel issues, upcoming developments
regarding community residences, and upcoming changes in ministry leadership.
Brother Dennis informed Council that the Generalate announced that the revised
Rule (45th General Chapter) has now moved to the Holy See for consideration and
approval.
The search for the new Executive Director of the Office of Lasallian Education
has begun.
Five novices are scheduled to begin the Regional Novitiate program in Chicago
on August 1, 2015. Brother Thomas Johnson will be the Director of Novices.
There is no movement on the sale of the property/building at Sangre de Cristo in
Santa Fe, NM. There is not much of a market for this property and building at
present.
The Hecker Center in Washington, D.C. is to be sold. So the RCCB authorized
the move of the Christian Brothers Conference. The Conference has made a bid
for space nearby at the Theological College.
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
District Council Secretary
8