The Salesian Cooperators meet on the evening of the third Thursday of each month, at 7 o’clock, in the Library at the Archbishop Shaw High School. For more information about Don Bosco or the Salesian Cooperators, please contact:
A. Rick Valladares, [email protected].
Who
Any Christian lay man or woman, or diocesan (secular) clergy, 18 years of age or older, who desires to become a member of the worldwide Salesian family established by St. John Bosco.
Salesian Cooperators are an essential lay component of the Salesian family. They live their normal daily lives in the world; they are parents, teachers, executives, youth workers, volunteers, students – anyone desiring to live the Gospel in a dedicated way, according to the charism given to St. John Bosco.
Becoming a Cooperator is a personal response to the call of the Holy Spirit. The call is not a dramatic summons from on high. It is, rather, a simple invitation to grow in our closeness to God. It may begin with a desire to help others, or a curiosity that attracts us to share in St. John Bosco’s work.
Why
To bring God’s love and joy to those in greatest need, especially to the young and the poor.
Cooperators are motivated by a simple but profound union with God, and a desire to serve others. They seek to live Don Bosco’s motto, “Da mini animas,” that is, “Give me souls.” Cooperators are apostles; they express their deep spirituality through active charity. Cooperators are zealous, and available for the Lord’s work in a realistic and practical way.
How
By sharing one’s God given talents in the unique Salesian spirit. This Salesian spirit was given to the Church of God through St. John Bosco. It is kept alive by the hundreds of thousands of members of the Salesian family.
The Lord invites the Cooperators to share their gifts and abilities with those in need, especially the young and the poor. Through this humble service, the Cooperators reveal in a concrete way God’s loving presence.
There is an initial period of instruction and formation, usually lasting two (2) years. When they feel ready, people are publicly inducted into the Association of Salesian Cooperators by making a simple promise. They continue on their journey of faith by staying involved in the local Cooperator center and by following a program of ongoing formation. Membership in the Association creates a strong bond of support and friendship among all of St. John Bosco’s spiritual sons and daughters.
Where
In one’s own family, neighborhood, parish, workplace – wherever the opportunity exists to carry out the Salesian apostolic mission in all its depth and richness.
The Cooperators live by a spirit, so the Cooperator’s vocation can be lived everywhere. The Cooperators especially help bishops and pastors in the activities of their local dioceses and parishes. They may also be found working side by side with Salesian priests, brothers, and sisters in schools, youth centers, retreat houses, camps, and mission lands. Called to be signs and bearers of God’s love in the world, they response to the needs of others as their life circumstances allow. Service to the Lord Jesus and to His Church is their vocation, their way of life.
When
Now! Because the need is great, and the Spirit may be calling you.