"The purpose of this Institute is to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor, according to the ministry which the Church has entrusted to it.” — Rule of the Brothers
The Christian Brothers operate over 100 Lasallian schools in the United States, with hundreds more throughout the world. A Lasallian education is characterized by schools centered on and attentive to the needs of young people; schools that are open to all and that function well; schools in which teachers see themselves as ministers of grace; schools maintained “together and by association”; and schools that celebrate and help people live in accordance with the Gospel.
Lasallian Five Core Principles
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Inclusive Community
The Lasallian school is a united community where diversity is respected, where no one is left out, and where everyone finds a place. Individuals within the school community recognize and accept another's strengths and limitations. At St. Michael's, this core principle is reflected each day through this Lasallian ideal: "The Horsemen Family."
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Faith in the Presence of God
The Lasallian school nurtures belief in the living presence of God in our world. Faith in the presence of God calls all students into a deeper awareness of their saving relationship with a caring and loving God and to see the world through the “eyes of faith”. At St. Mike’s, this core principle is reflected each day through this Lasallian expression of faith: “Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.”
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Respect for All Persons
The Lasallian school engages in a concerted effort to respect the dignity of all persons. Respect-filled relationships are at the heart of Lasallian education and are a key expression of the acknowledgement of each other’s identity as children of God. At St. Michael's, this core principle is reflected each day through this Lasallian mantra: “Live Jesus in our hearts...Forever."
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Quality Education
The Lasallian school provides an education that prepares students not only for college and career but also for life. This education advances the students’ abilities to use their talents to critically examine the world in light of the message of the Gospels and to take greater responsibility for their own education. At St. Michael's, this core principle is reflected each day through this Lasallian ideal: “Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts.”
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Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
The Lasallian school calls its members to an awareness of the poor and victims of injustice and responds to their needs through programs of community service, advocacy, and justice education. At St. Mike’s, this core principle is reflected each day through the Lasallian vision of Gospel living: “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.”
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The name Lasallian come from St. John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, educational pioneer and father of the modern classroom. While De La Salle’s main contribution to education was the establishment of the Christian Brothers teaching order, whose sole ministry is education, he is in fact the founder of popular education. He is credited with inaugurating instruction in the language of the people being taught, rather than in Latin; the simultaneous method (teaching to a group rather than individual instruction); tuition-free schools; and the first center for teacher training. In recognition of De La Salle’s contribution to Christian education, in 1950 Pope Pius XII proclaimed him the patron saint of all teachers. St. John Baptist de La Salle lives on today in the worldwide work of the Christian Brothers and the lay people dedicated to Lasallian ideals who work alongside them.
