Meet Br. James

The Midwest District interviewed Br. James Gaffney, a Senior Brother who serves as the Director of the Brothers La Salle Community on Lewis University’s campus in Romeoville, Illinois.

What inspired you to become a Christian Brother?

Like many Brothers, I was greatly inspired by most of the Brothers whom I came to know during my high school years at Saint Mel in Chicago. They appeared to be greatly interested in and supportive of each student. They reached out to assist those who were struggling or perhaps heading to expulsion. The Brothers at Saint Mel came across as a very unified, likable, highly competent, affirming, enjoyable and faith-based Community.

Tell us about about a Brother mentor in your life.

When I was a high school student at Saint Mel’s, I did not have only one Brother mentor. The same at Saint Mary’s during my college years. I could readily identify five or six Brothers at each institution with whom I was very comfortable speaking and relating. I knew that they greatly liked, respected and consistently encouraged me. I could speak with most of them about almost anything of significance to me. They were highly affirming, challenging, supportive and helpful, as I sought to be the best and most accomplished person that I could be. They were particularly helpful as I grew in leadership, scholarliness, and a strong desire to be of service to the poor and the marginalized.

Tell us about some of the Brothers who inspired you.

The first Brother whom I met, while I was only a seventh grader, was a very friendly and outgoing Senior Brother. I would see him each time that our Catholic elementary school basketball team competed in a long-running basketball tournament at Saint Mel. He always reached out to me and my friends, even inviting us to the Brothers’ residence for refreshments after our games, as well as lively conversations. In addition, I was privileged to live and teach with two Senior Brothers during my first assignment at CBHS in St. Joseph, Missouri. Each taught full-time but had many other responsibilities in the school. Both were very generous, encouraging and most helpful in providing solid advice as I gradually progressed in becoming an excellent teacher.

How have you continued to live your vocation after retirement? What else would you like to accomplish?

After teaching at the high school and college levels, serving as Visitor of the Chicago District for 11 years, and functioning as President for more than 28 years at Lewis University, I underwent a discernment experience focused on that to which the Lord was calling me during the final period of my life and for as many years as I would be healthy enough to serve. As much as I would have preferred teaching several Theology classes and assisting in University Ministry, I discerned that my extensive experience in leadership was an invaluable resource to share with others in the Lasallian network. Consequently, I conveyed that indeed I would find it meaningful to make a contribution to various ministries by serving on Boards of Directors/Trustees, as well as to assist the Midwest District and RELAN leadership in important projects of their choosing. Presently I serve on seven Boards, four of which I chair. I am also assisting in three major projects as we Brothers and Lasallian Partners wrestle with certain challenges, needs and opportunities. In addition, I am Director of the large Community of Brothers at La Salle House here at Lewis University. All of these involvements, while being challenging in a variety of ways, are also quite purposeful and beneficial. At the same time, I manage to set aside time regularly for family life, good friendships and a limited number of cultural activities.

How do you inspire Young Brothers or Lay Partners in the Lasallian Community? 

We do not presently have any young Brothers in the La Salle Community. However, we have an active Community Vocation Council which strategizes on how we can have more pastoral contact with colleges students. In addition, we are hosts to many lay Lasallians, both faculty and staff. That includes organized sessions in Lasallian formation. We also bring together many Lasallian Partners who have participated in national and international formation programs in support of their commitment to lives of service in the spirit of faith and zeal. Regarding young Brothers in the Midwest District, I regularly seek out varied ways to offer fraternal encouragement, support and affirmation. 

What is one gift you would present to your students? 

If I had only one gift that I could share with students, it would be to help them experience the presence of the all-loving God in their lives and to realize that they have been lovingly called into existence, that God loves them immensely now, and that their fundamental vocation is to allow their all-loving God to prune them as branches upon the vine, so that they can love others in a very life-giving way and that their joy might be ever more complete.

What does the Kabara Challenge mean to you?

I am deeply appreciative for the significant Kabara Challenge, insofar as it a source of much caring support for our Senior Brothers; is an encouraging recognition of the meaningfulness and impact of their lifetimes of faith-filled and zealous educational service; and is tangible support for the generous service and faith-filled witness that the Senior Brothers even now share with many others.