b'In that sense, the Lalanne program draws on the as ministry, and to live within a supportive faith-legacy of its namesake, Father Jean Baptiste Lalanne, based community, she notes. They are living Lalannea noted educator and one of the original seven members Chaminades dream. allows for growthof the Society of Mary at its founding in France by Brother Ed agrees. Its powerful to see how the in every aspect ofBlessed William Joseph Chaminade. participants live their lives today, the generosity with a persons life.Father Lalanne said that to teach well, you should which they engage in the worldwhether they Ive learned sobe creating a sense of community, Brother Ed says, stayed in the classroom or are making a difference in much about noting that this was part of the model that he experi- other vocations, he says. I am so inspired by them. myself and aboutenced as a young teacher at Marianist schools in the Inspiring, as well, to the teachers themselves,teaching. And1980s. I knew I was a better teacher because I lived according to Alexandra: Lalanne is an incredible theres so muchwith men who were great teachers, Marianists who program, she says. It allows for growth in every more to come!would take time to listen, and coach me on what I was aspect of a persons life. Im not even finished withFirst-year teachertrying to do in the classroom. my first year, and already I feel like Ive learned so Alexandra RayThat said, intentional community can prove to be much about myself and about teaching. And theresa crucible. Its not all rainbows and butterflies, so much more to come! Michelle says. It takes a lot of effort. But praying The impact of this work in Catholic schools can betogether helps to ensure the experience is ultimately transformative, Mick believes. If we want to changefruitful, as Michelle, Mick and Alexandra each attest.the world, its going to be through faith and educa-Built on the pillars of community, faith and mission, tion, he says. You light the candle, inspire youngthe Lalanne program honors the legacy of Father people with the Gospel messageand then letChaminade, according to Jacinta. Lalanne teachers them fan that flame. Alexandra Ray, Lalanne partic-ipant and intervention specialisthave the opportunity to grow in their personal relation- at Purcell Marian High School,ship with God, to come to understand their teaching John Schroeder is a freelance writer from St. Louis.with student Odell BonnerPHOTO: CHRIS CONEFor more about the Lalanne program at University of Dayton, visit udayton.edu/lalanne.marianist.com/donate 13'