From the rectory to the halls: Lasallianism as hospitality and welcome
by Rev. Mark Thomas
I have been a diocesan priest for over 19 years now. I have been a parochial vicar at seven different parishes and pastor of one parish. For a diocesan priest, living in a community setting, where priests pray together and eat meals together, is almost unheard of (it takes a lot of planning to make it work). When first assigned to Central Catholic as chaplain, I was intrigued by the Christian Brothers and the community in which they lived, worked and prayed. How could a diocesan priest, whose living situation, working environment and spiritual life can be somewhat solitary (arguably, even individualistic), fit into the Lasallian lifestyle and effectively minister to high school students?
For me it has been an awesome learning experience and a wonderful reminder (read: wake-up call) of what our mission as Christians really is. I have been warmly welcomed and feel very much at home with the Brothers and at Central in general. I have celebrated with the Brothers at the Eucharistic table and the dining room table (as well as the cafeteria table). In my short time at Central, I have been fed spiritually, physically, intellectually, and emotionally! Observing the Brothers at prayer, work, and during down time at home gives this diocesan priest a better perspective of how to live the Gospel message of being available for others, going that extra mile to help a student or another teacher, building up God’s kingdom one person at a time. The Lasallian commitment to community life, learning and educating others encourages me in my faith commitment as a man and a priest. I have come to better understand the power of “being there” for others in good time and in bad. Remembering that someone is there, on my side, has helped renew my faith life and more deeply appreciate the dedication the Brothers have for their charges.
All I’ve just said may seem a little too general, so here’s a concrete example of the Lasallian spirit. Last school year, my “freshman” year at Central, I was nervous. I had been chaplain only briefly at Bishop Canevin High School, so I was very new to high school chaplaincy. There were not only students to meet but the faculty and staff to meet as well. There were many new names to learn – let alone finding my way around the building! (Who was it that tried to sell me an elevator pass, anyway?) I was very new and very “green”! Soon after that new school year started, I received an invitation to the Brother’s house for dinner on a Friday night, a ticket to the football game and even a ride to the game! That act of kindness and hospitality to a new guy (not even a Central graduate!) went a long way toward making me feel relaxed and at home. Extending a hand of hospitality and welcome went a long way!
When first asked what the Lasallian spirit means, many people may right away think about education. Others may think about tradition or loyalty or dedication. All that is part of it. For me, though, it will always first and foremost mean hospitality and a welcoming spirit.
Saint John Baptiste De La Salle… pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts… forever.
Fr. Mark Thomas is senior parochial vicar at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Pittsburgh. He holds part-time chaplaincy at Central Catholic and at its sister school, Oakland Catholic High School.