LaSalle School January E-Newsletter

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Attn: Development Department

391 Western Avenue

Albany, NY 12203

MEET OUR DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY

Shayna Ortiz

LaSalle School - Director of Campus Ministry

Shayna Ortiz

La Salle University Graduate 2021

Lasallian Volunteer at LaSalle School

2021-2022

Shayna began her journey in Lasallian education as a student, with her formative years based on the teaching of the Dominican sisters. Shayna earned her degree in political science, leadership, and global understanding. She researched indigenous feminism, where she was exposed to the Blackfeet Reservation and the Lasallian school on the reservation. She was then encouraged to apply for a service year with Lasallian Volunteers due to the immense number of hours she'd spent in and dedication she'd given to advocacy and volunteer work. She lived on campus in the Brothers community at LaSalle and, once her service year was completed, realized she wasn't quite ready to leave LaSalle or the students. While she studied for her LSATs, she was provided the opportunity to become LaSalle's director of campus ministry after the retirement of Jim LaFlave who guided the LaSalle students for more than 10 years.

We asked Shayna to speak on her perspective on her role as campus ministry.

At LaSalle, ministry has always been looked at from a holistic and clergical perspective. While I acknowledge that ministry is very much about supporting students to become stronger in faith and find spiritual healing through the Bible and prayer, this new ministry program has allowed our boys to challenge themselves and their faith in a way that confronts their experiences, behaviors, and the person they aspire to be after LaSalle. Ministry has transformed into a program allowing our boys to choose how they practice their faith and view Lasallian spirituality. As a guide, I walk with our boys on whatever path they choose, whether exploring their Catholic faith, Christianity, or any other religious background. One of the projects our boys are the most excited about participating in is our Ministry student council, consisting of 4 appointed student positions and 3 student representatives. With the Ministry student council, our boys participate in the campus ministry programming, allowing them to become faith leaders to their peers and staff. Our boys also partake in weekly Bible studies and fun team-building activities based on Lasallian virtues. Campus Ministry has blossomed into a program that runs 24/7 and, like Lasallian pedagogy, is encompassing. The boys at LaSalle are a particular group of children from diverse backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: faith, faith in themselves, and faith in an opportunity for a brighter future.

If you are interested in participating or volunteering in ministry programs at Lasalle, contact Shayna Ortiz at SOrtiz@lasalle-school.org.

PAST EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Evening Soiree - October 18 - Normanside Country Club

To view all photos from the event visit 2022 Evening Soiree.

Special thank you to the 2022 Evening Soiree sponsors

Halloween Celebration - October 31

LaSalle students showcased their creativity this Halloween as they paraded through the halls of LaSalle. Staff members were in the halls ready to fill the students' Halloween bags.

Special thanks to the Catholic Women's Service League who, after a two-year hiatus, was able to resume their annual Halloween party for our residential students. Prizes were provided for the costume contest, games were played and lots of candy, donuts and cider were enjoyed.

We are always in need of gently used costumes for young adults. Interested in donating, contact the development office at development@lasalle-school.org.

Thanksgiving Dinner & Supervisors Night - November 22

The holiday season kicked off with our continued tradition of students from CBA delivering over 20 turkeys for our annual Thanksgiving dinner, in addition to donating grocery gift cards to provide to our families in need. A Thanksgiving feast was prepared by our dining staff and served by staff, board members and volunteers. After the meal, students and staff enjoyed the annual Supervisor Night filled with casino games and prizes.

True Lasallians! CBA students delivering donated turkeys.

Students learning how to play at Supervisors Night.

Students enjoying a Thanksgiving feast.

Santa Visits LaSalle & Holiday Boutique - December 22

Santa jingled through the hallways on the last day of school, providing gifts to our students before beginning their winter vacation. Throughout the day, all students enjoyed the Catholic Women's Service League holiday boutique where they shopped for family members and loved ones. Holiday spirits were bright on this day, and we thank all of our volunteers, donors and staff members who helped make this holiday season extra special.