Editor's Letter
By Tom Brown

"I didn't know that we were doing all that!" was the sentiment most frequently expressed during and after the District of San Francisco's extraordinary October 1998 Convocation. Many of the nearly 600 participants clearly felt they were present at an historic and grace-filled moment, as Lasallian educators from across the District and around the world -- Brothers, faculty, administrators, staff, board members, alumni, benefactors, and, of course, students -- forged a plan to ensure the future strength and focus of the District's Lasallian mission. For some, it was the first time they truly had a sense of the breadth and depth of the Lasallian world of which they are a part. They were inspired to look more closely at their connection to each other and to the larger Lasallian mission, in their own work and in the international community. As the Convocation ended, many expressed a desire to take actions that would keep the spirit of the Convocation alive.

The District of San Francisco is at the forefront of an international movement to strengthen community, collaboration, and commitment within the Lasallian Family. Signs of Faith -- this new official publication of the District -- will strive to capture and reflect the spirit of that movement. It will highlight the multifaceted works that are supported by the District and share stories of some of those whose lives are changed, indeed "saved," through members of our Lasallian family. It will celebrate mission-based initiatives and achievements, ones that will inspire those of us who are already Partners and motivate others to join us -- including young men who will be called to take on this work as Christian Brothers. Sharing our stories is one of the ways that lets us see how who we are and what we do fits into the world of which we are a part. Stories energize and motivate us to do the important work that still needs to be done.

This first issue captures the spirit of the October Convocation and features several bold actions that are part of a continuing commitment within the District and Lasallian programs worldwide (i.e., the International Institute) to reach out to the poor through programs such as Lasallian Educational Opportunities (LEO) in Oakland; to connect new initiatives with existing works, as is the case with Saint Joseph School and La Salle High School in Washington's Yakima Valley; to share District resources and expertise in support of international ventures, such as supporting Saint Mary's College faculty to teach in Africa; to develop in all of our students a commitment to serve the poor and marginalized as alumna Carrie Kiskila is doing as a Lasallian Volunteer in Chicago's turbulent South Side.

We are pleased to bring you these Signs of Faith.