District celebrates significant milestone with DLAN launch

The District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta is celebrating another significant milestone with the official launch of the District Lasallian Animation Network (DLAN).

After much preparation and planning, this exciting initiative will commence at an inaugural DLAN event with the Lasallian Animators’ Gathering in Castletown on January 29th to 31st, with over 30 participants attending from all parts of the District and a diversity of ministry representation.

DLAN was created as a response to the call at the District Mission Assembly in 2023 to develop a District-wide network made of those who animate the Mission and Charism; to provide formation and accompaniment in order to build relationships, to share best practices, and support each other in doing so.

Since the District Mission Assembly, a Coordinating Committee has been established the with representatives from across the District. The Coordinating Committee has been working hard to put the structures in place to ensure this initiative will be of huge benefit to the District. The Coordinating Committee hopes to offer ongoing opportunities for networking and support with Zoom meetings and a dedicated microsite for DLAN.

The inaugural gathering promises to be very exciting for all involved with a very informative programme of events.

The programme will commence on the evening of Wednesday January 29th with a prayer and welcome followed by a reflection on ‘Building our DLAN Community’.

A full day of events on Thursday will include Lasallian Formation on the role of Lasallian Animators and the critical function they hold in safeguarding Lasallian Mission, Charism and Identity. Best Practices will be shared along with space to dream about future initiatives. Group sharing and discussions will help build the DLAN community along with time for some retreat and spiritual nourishment as we begin the Year of Lasallian Spirituality.

The gathering will conclude on Friday morning with practical business and time for participants to meet in National groups to reflect and plan for local realities.

Please hold DLAN and the gathering in your prayers as the District takes this important step for the future.