District of San Francisco New Orleans (SFNO) Visitor Brother Donald Johanson has announced the creation of a new administrative office, the District Office of Lasallian Evangelization and Catechesis. He also announced the appointment of Charles Legendre, AFSC, as its Director.
Charles Legendre, AFSC
In addition, the position of Director of Office of Education – Covington (LA), which Legendre currently holds, will be restructured into the Director of Leadership Formation, to be based at the Provincialate office in Covington.
Legendre has served as Director of Office of Education – Covington since July, 2014. Prior to that, he was Director for Lasallian Mission for the District of New Orleans-Santa Fe.
In making the announcement, Br. Donald cited as key factors in his decision both the calls of the 45th General Chapter and the priorities that emerged in the SFNO Mission Assembly and were endorsed by the SFNO District Chapter. He stated, “I view both the creation of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis and the addition of a District Leadership team member in Covington as vital steps necessary to strengthen and sustain our Lasallian Catholic educational mission into the future.”
Legendre’s responsibilities will include coordinating the Lasallian Catholic Assessment Process (LCAP), supporting SFNO school communities in their faith formation efforts, and developing an evaluative process for religious studies and campus ministry programs. He will continue to serve as a District Leadership Team member; a Trustee of the Louisiana Lasallian Education Corporation (LLEC); a liaison with dioceses with issues concerning Lasallian Catholic identity; and a District representative on the Regional Lasallian Education Council.
Regarding his appointment and the importance of the new position, Legendre said, “The Brothers’ Rule asserts that our educational ministry is an ‘integral part of the Church’s work of evangelization’, and catechesis is the Brothers ‘principal function.’ I am humbled to have the opportunity to support our schools’ crucial work of creating evangelizing and catechizing school communities, especially in today’s changing landscape of faith formation among young people.”
The District has begun the search process for the Director of Leadership Formation. The Director will serve as a member of the District Leadership Team and as a Trustee of the Louisiana Lasallian Education Corporation (LLEC); provide support to District schools’ leadership, including the District Chief Administrators Association (DCAA); and co-facilitate Policy Governance training and consultation, as well as Trustee formation and accompaniment.
Office of Education-Mont La Salle Director Michael Daniels commented on the significance of the expansion of the District’s Office of Education, stating, “We are fortunate to be able to continue to count on Charlie’s faith-filled leadership and expertise across our District. With these expanded efforts out of Covington, we also feel that we will be able to best support our schools and their leaders, in particular Presidents and Principals and Trustees, in fulfilling their calling as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for Brother Donald’s vision and support, and look forward to welcoming the newest member to our Office of Education team.”
Both the Director of Evangelization and Catechesis and Director of Leadership Formation positions are scheduled to formally commence early in the summer of 2017.
