Marist Mentoring

Part of our Marist Mission, even from the beginning, has been to watch over those most in need with tender, loving care. St. Marcellin walked from school to school to observe the brothers, give them advice and help them with their personal and spiritual lives. He, though, "Father Champagnat", was "brother" to them. Then, he would make sure he talked to the students and even in these brief visits, would be "brother" to them. Today, what distinguishes a Marist school from other Catholic schools is the care, concern, time spent, with those in need...extra help, explanations, advice and guidance with growing up, or in a word, "brothering" that the teachers give to our students. In turn, many of our students are involved as "mentors" after school at the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, or other schools doing these same things. January is National Mentor Month and tonight the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club is "celebrating" its mentors with a dinner and words of gratitude and encouragement. Hearing the testimonies of "the mentored" is often reward enough for the time, effort and love expended by the mentors. It is good that the nation is acknowledging this time tested system of providing true education through relationship, which has so long been part of the Marist Tradition. May we ever remain faithful to it.
Bro. Rene