Volunteers, Brothers, LV Alums, and many other friends gathered at La Salle Manor Retreat Center in Plano, IL for the 2007 Debriefing Retreat. Brother Brian Henderson (Baltimore), Director of St. Gabriel’s Hall in Audubon, PA, served as the retreat facilitator.

The theme of Gone Fishing was an opportunity for Volunteers to reflect on their Fishing Expedition or LV service year. What caught them and what did they hook or net and how did they do it were initial questions that kicked off the weekend. During the first morning reflection, Volunteers shared fishing experiences and were asked to share poignant moments from their year of service. These moments were anything from a funny story to a touching experience.

Regardless of their seriousness, all of the experiences had common themes of faith, service, and community. Later, Volunteers shared their adventures and stories in small groups. Groups created a way to demonstrate their common experiences. Many groups focused on the diversity of the experience they had —from teaching, to counseling, to family and friends, Volunteers agreed that the life of a LV abounds with opportunities and responsibilities.

La Salle Manor Retreat Center was an ideal venue for the retreat. Hiking trails, canoe rides, tennis courts, basketball hoops, and a swimming pool fostered community among the participants and also the personal time needed for the retreat. All of this, paired with friendly company, allowed everyone to relax, share experiences, and reflect on the year.

For most Volunteers, the most powerful moment of the retreat came during Friday night’s evening prayer, led by Jolleen Wagner (San Miguel Comer, IL) and Mollie Otto (San Juan Diego Middle School, WI). Each LV received a package overflowing with letters from students, clients, family, and friends. Messages were of thanksgiving, appreciation, and love. Their affirming words touched the hearts of everyone.

Another highlight and growing aspect of LV retreats was the involvement of LV Alums, in both planning and leading. LV Alum Heather Ruple (San Miguel Providence, 00-02) led a workshop on transitions, while Maureen Krause (Bishop Loughlin, 04-06), Claire Petroski (La Salle Academy, NYC, 04-05), Courtney Nelson (DLS Blessed Sacrament, Centro La Salle, 03-05), Chrissy Hu (San Miguel Providence, 04-06) & Ernest Fernandez (LEO Center, 04-06) assisted as small group facilitators and overall retreat support staff throughout the weekend. Volunteers also benefited from the presence of Brother Ed Phelan (New York) and Brother Mike Kadow (Midwest). Both were available to the LVs as needed and enjoyed participating in the activities.

After beginning the last morning thanking Brother Brian for his hard work, everyone gathered in the chapel for a closing recommissioning service. Renewing and returning LVs and newly commissioned LV Alums renewed their commitment to the Lasallian Mission of service to the poor. They also read affirmation letters from fellow volunteers.

The service ended with a power point of pictures reflecting their service year, in part to the hard work of LV Jolleen Wagner. Some more tears were shed and laughs were shared.

The Volunteers and other Chicagoland Lasallians were invited to the Harvey House Community in Oak Park, IL for a surprise BBQ in honor of Dave Kasievich, Director of Lasallian Volunteers, who will end his seven year commitment to the LV Program this July.

The Volunteers said goodbye, but only until the next Lasallian Volunteer gathering!