Eubank, Merchlewitz and Fox serve as delegates to Midwest District Congress

Dr. Roxanne Eubank (professor, Ed.D. in Leadership, Twin Cities campus), Ann Merchlewitz (vice president and general counsel) and Dr. Mary Fox (professor of Interdisciplinary Studies) participated as delegates to the Midwest District Congress of the Brothers of the Christian Schools April 16-19 at the Techny Towers Conference Center near Northbrook, Ill.

The Congress, a gathering of 44 elected delegates from Lasallian ministries throughout the Midwest District, was the final element in a three-part chapter process that began with a convocation at Lewis University last summer. The convocation provided a forum to present and study the issues facing the district. Last fall, a Brothers’ Congress at Mundelein, Ill., was convened to focus on district issues relevant to the Brothers and the recently completed study titled “Being Brothers Today.” Both meetings also reviewed the work of 44th General Chapter which concluded in Rome, Italy, last spring.

The uniting theme of all three components of this year's Midwest Chapter was “Community Carries Charism.” At its most basic level, the chapter emphasizes areas of focus for the district for the next five years. The chapter is part of the governance structure of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and therefore linked to all Lasallians.

Brother Frank Carr, FSC, Visitor of the Midwest District (and Saint Mary's University trustee) addressed the congress regarding the need for a clear identity. He reminded the delegates that, “We need to connect Lasallian to Catholic, the context out of which we come, so as not to drift from our roots.” Brother Robert Schieler, FSC, General Councilor for the United States/Toronto Region, also attended and updated delegates on the work of the General Chapter held in Rome, Italy, last spring.

The congress passed a resolution of interest to our university community which states:

“Be it resolved that the Midwest District encourages its universities (Christian Brothers University, Memphis, Tenn.; Lewis University, Romeoville, Ill.; and Saint Mary’s University, Winona) to imbed a Lasallian formation component in graduate/professional programs to aid ministries in planning for leadership, succession, and emerging needs of the ministries.”