CAMPUS MINISTRY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Campus Ministry

The Campus Ministry at La Salle Institute is devoted to bringing students closer to Christ by developing and deepening their relationships with God through a commitment to service and by providing an opportunity for students to praise and worship God each and every day.

Every morning, the campus minister shares a reflection with the entire school to spur students to think about God’s presence in their lives. The Chapel remains open every day to allow students the opportunity for prayer. Every Thursday, students may participate in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

RETREAT PROGRAM

To enhance students’ spirituality, each grade level will attend a full-day retreat. Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity to become retreat leaders and to guide fellow classmates into a deeper relationship with God.

ROSARY GROUP & BIBLE CLUB

Blessed Pope Pius IX said, “Give me one million families praying the Rosary and the world is saved.” The Rosary Group at La Salle facilitates group prayer by inviting all faculty and students to gather every Monday morning to recite the rosary. It is open to any student or faculty member who wishes to participate. The Bible Club is also available to students who wish to deepen their knowledge and love of God’s written word through the scriptures. It is open to any student who wants to learn more about God.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Seniors are eligible to become Eucharistic Ministers and to hold the extraordinary gift of delivering the Eucharist to their fellow classmates and share the real presence of Jesus. A select number of seniors will be chosen each year.

MASSES THROUGH THE ACADEMIC YEAR

The La Salle Institute Community comes together throughout the academic year to celebrate Mass with local clergy presiding. Masses take place in the gym in the mornings. Masses are celebrated during each season and are listed below.

Fall/ Early Winter: Back to School Liturgy, All Saints Day, Junior Ring Ceremony/Mass, Christmas Liturgy

Late Winter/Spring: Ash Wednesday, High School Baccalaureate Mass, High School Graduation, St. La Salle Day/Ascension Thursday Liturgy, Middle School Graduation/Mass

Community Service at La Salle Institute

La Salle Cadets enrich their own lives and help improve the lives of others through a shared commitment to community service and outreach activities. This is just a sample of how our Cadets are busy in service to others.

LASALLIAN YOUTH

The Lasallian Youth program at La Salle is dedicated to carrying on the mission of our founder St. John Baptist de La Salle by having our students act as ambassadors for Christ to the wider community. Each Tuesday and Thursday, La Salle students go to the Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home to play games and engage in activities with the elderly residents.

YOUTH MENTORING

The Youth Mentoring program at La Salle gives students in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to serve as mentors to boys living at La Salle School in Albany. La Salle students visit the boys once a week to help with homework, become positive role models and provide valuable social interaction.

CANNER FOOD WEDNESDAY

Each week, La Salle students bring canned goods or make a monetary donation to benefit the United Church of Cohoes’ Food Pantry. Students compete amongst their grade to achieve the highest donation amount. Together, La Salle is able to donate bread, fruit, vegetables, and other items to a worthy cause in our community.

HOLIDAY COLLECTION

During the holiday season, La Salle places an extra focus on helping those in our community who find themselves in need. La Salle gives back and teaches service through participation in the Thanksgiving turkey drive, providing Thanksgiving meals, collecting toys and other efforts.

ST. MARY’S KENYA PARTNERSHIP

La Salle Institute is proud to be part of a larger worldwide community. In keeping with the tradition of our founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, we have built a unique partnership with St. Mary’s, a Christian Brothers school in Kenya. Each year, La Salle students participate in inter-school “Penny Wars” and donate goods to benefit the students of St. Mary’s and to help provide important resources to the school. For example, in the past, money raised has been used to buy a new water pump and purchase new books.

Soccer team cleaning St. Michael's garden

Soccer team at the walk for breast cancer