The Lasallian Social Justice Institute (LSJI) aims to facilitate a transformative journey towards solidarity with those in poverty and a genuine response to the Gospel and Lasallian values. It is a practical and reflective educational experience that encourages participants to connect with and learn from the impoverished, in line with the Lasallian commitment to serving the educational needs of the underprivileged and advocating for children’s rights.
The Lasallian Social Justice Institute (LSJI) is a formation program for the Partners and Brothers in the Region based on the Gospel and our Lasallian vocation to the promotion of social justice and service to the poor.
Developed by Partners and Brothers, it is a response to the call from both grassroots Lasallians and General Chapters of the Brothers for programs that strengthen “association for educational services of the poor.”
Started in 2004, the purpose of LSJI is to promote the continuing process of conversion to solidarity with persons in poverty and to provide an authentic response to the Gospel and our Lasallian vocation. It is designed to be experiential, educational, creatively practical, and reflective. LSJI seeks to help participants draw closer to the world of the poor in order to be evangelized by them. LSJI embodies the Lasallian commitment to association for the educational service of the poor and the rights of children.
This summer, LSJI will return to the Br. David Darst Center in Chicago for the first time since 2015. The Darst Center provides transformative social justice retreats and immersion experiences grounded in the Lasallian tradition and Catholic Social Teaching. Through partnerships with local community organizations, participants of Darst Center programs gain a deeper understanding of the complex realities of injustice and obtain tools to take action.
This summer’s LSJI program entitled “Urban Intersections of Injustice” will explore several of the interconnected social justice issues facing the Chicagoland area including homelessness, food insecurity, the criminal justice system, the immigration system and the education system.
Participants will live together in community at the Darst Center (an old monastery turned retreat center near Midway Airport), preparing meals together, venturing to different neighborhoods in the city together and reflecting together. The Darst Center seeks to inspire an active and engaged faith, a commitment to serve and a passion for social change.
A face-to-face encounter with persons living in poverty
An examination of the Lasallian tradition and the Church teachings on poverty and social justice, as well as sociological and economic commentaries on these issues
A community of Lasallians who will pray together and further discern their Lasallian vocation
An exploration of their roles in creating programs of social justice as catalysts for influence and change in their local ministries.
Past locations and topics have been environmental justice in New Orleans, Louisiana; urban challenges in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; human trafficking in Minneapolis, Minnesota; immigration in Tucson, Arizona, and El Paso, Texas; gang violence in Chicago, Illinois; homelessness in San Francisco, California; and civil rights in Memphis, Tennessee.
Want to learn more about LSJI? Contact Sarah Laitinen, director of education and formation, at slaitinen@cbconf.org or 202-529-0047 x109.
“LSJI reinforced our continued work for social justice.”
— Shawn Ladda, Ed.D., Manhattan College, Riverdale, New York
We are Lasallians: De La Salle Christian Brothers, educators, staff, students, parents, alumni and supporters following the vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.
The Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) includes ministries in the United States and Canada. The Lasallian mission is present in 80 countries.
High-level mission formation programs are available, designed to strengthen Lasallian identity and mission in the hearts and minds of those who serve.
The Brothers of the Christian Schools
District of Eastern North America
444-A Route 35 South
Eatontown, NJ 07724
732-380-7926
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