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Celebrating
the Life
of
Brother Charles Kitson fsc
Born into Eternal Life11 March 2016
Born into Earthly Life6 January 1949
Christian Brothers AcademyLincroft New Jersey
Saturday, 19 March 2016Solemnity of Saint Joseph
“What a consolation for those who have procured the salvation of others, to see in heaven a great number whom they helped attain a great happiness! This will happen to those who have taught many the truths of religion, as the prophet Daniel has said: ‘Those who instruct many in justice will shine like the stars for all eternity.’ They will shine, indeed, in the midst of those they have taught, who will eternally bear witness to the great gratitude they have for the valuable instructions of their teachers, whom they will regard as the cause, after God, of their salvation.”
~ Meditation for the Time of Retreat 16.2
Remembering we are in God’s holy presence ...
I Heard the Voice of Jesus
GreetingSprinkling with Holy WaterPlacing of the PallOpening Song:
Introductory RitesCall to Worship
Text: CMD; Horatius Bonar • Music: KINGSFOLD • adapt. by Ralph Vaughan WilliamsReprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594
&
#
4
4
œ œ
1. I2. I3. I
œ œ œ œ
heardheardheard
thethethe
voicevoicevoice
ofofof
œ œ œ œ œ
JeJeJe
sussussus
say,say,say,
"Come"Be"I
œ œ œ œœ
unhold,am
toI
this
mefreedark
andly
world's
- -- - --
&
#
.˙
œ œ
1. rest;2. give3. light;
LayTheLook
œ œ œ œ
down,
unliv
thouingto
weawame,
ryter;thy
œ œ œ œ œ
one,thirstmorn
layy
shall
downonerise,
ThyStoopAnd
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headdown,all
upandthy
- -- - --
&
#
œ œœ
1. on2. drink,3. day
myandbe
.˙
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breast."live."
bright."
III
œœ œ œ œ
camecamelooked
tototo
JeJeJe
sussus,sus,
œ œ œ œ œ
asandand
III
was,drankfound
SoOfIn
---
&
#
œ œ œ œœ
1. wea2. that3. him
ry,lifemy
worngivstar,
andingmy
.˙
œ œ
sad;stream;sun;
IMyAnd
œ œ œ œ œœ
foundthirstin
inwasthat
himquenched,
light
amyof
-- -
&
#
œ œ œ œ œ
1. rest2. soul3. life
ingreI'll
place,vived,walk
AndAndTill
œ œ œ œœ
henowtrav
hasI
'ling
madelivedays
meinare
.˙
glad.him.done.
--
-
[Title][Composer]
Score
©
[Subtitle][Arranger]
Liturgy of the Word
Placing of Christian Symbols• The New Testament - The first and principal rule of a Brother• The Rule of the Institute - The practical application of Lasallian spirituality• The Crucifix - The daily reminder to live the Paschal Mystery• The Six Decade Rosary - The devotion to Mary, our model of faith
Opening Collect
Isaiah 61.1-3First Scripture:
He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly.
Psalm 139.1-3, 7-8, 9-10Response to the Word:
The Response: Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.
2 Corinthians 1.26-31, 3.18-19, 4.9-11Second Scripture:
God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise ...
Matthew 5.1-12+Gospel Proclamation:
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Homily
Intercessory Prayer:The Response: O gentle and loving God, hear our prayer.
Lenten Gospel Acclamation:Refrain
Music: Mass of Creation; Marty Haugen • © 1984, 1985, 2010 by GIA Publications, Inc.Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594
Allegro (q»¡™º)
Lenten Gospel AcclamationMarty Haugen
Mass of Creation
& bb œPraise
34 œto
œyou,
œLord
Track 1 œJe -
œsus
˙Christ,
œking
œof
œend -
œless
œglo -
˙ry!
Preparation of the Altar & Presentation of the Gifts
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Eucharistic Acclamations: HOLY
Mass of CreationMarty Haugen
Text © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved. Used with permission.Music © 1984, 2010, GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
& bb 43 œ ˙Ho ly,
œ ˙Ho ly,
œ ˙Ho ly
.˙ .˙Lord
˙ œGod of
.˙hosts.
˙ Œ œ œ œHeav en and- - - -
& bb ˙ œearth are
.œ jœ œfull of your
œ ˙glo ry.
œ Œ œHo
˙ œsan na
˙ œin the
œ ˙high est.
˙ Œ- - - -
& bb œ œ œBless ed is
˙ œhe who
œ œ œcomes in the
œ œ œname of the
.˙Lord.
œ Œ œHo- -
& bb ˙ œsan na
˙ œin the
œ ˙high est.
œ Œ œHo
˙ œsan na
˙ œin the
.˙high
.˙ .˙est.- - - - -
Sanctus
Music: Mass of Creation; Marty Haugen • © 1984, 1985, 2010 by GIA Publications, Inc.Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594
Memorial Acclamation
WHEN WE EAT THIS BREADMass of Creation
Marty Haugen
Text © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved. Used with permission.Music © 2010, GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
& bb 44 œ œ œ œ œ œWhen we eat this Bread and
œ œ œ œ œdrink this Cup, we pro -
& bb .œ jœ œ œclaim your Death, O
.˙ œLord, un
.œ jœ œ œtil you come a
wgain.- -
Music: Mass of Creation; Marty Haugen • © 1984, 1985, 2010 by GIA Publications, Inc.Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594
Great Amen
AMENMass of Creation
Marty Haugen
© 1984, G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
A men, a men, a men! A men, a men, a men!Music: Mass of Creation; Marty Haugen • © 1984, 1985, 2010 by GIA Publications, Inc.
Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594
The Lord’s PrayerPrayer for Peace & Sign of PeaceFraction Rite:
Communion Rite: The Supper of the Lord THE SUPPER OF THE LORDLaurence Rosania
Vss. 1-4 : Based on John 4, 6. Text and music © 1994, Laurence Rosania. Published by OCP Publications. All rights reserved.
1.2.3.4.5.
givyouyouasin
ingthatthat
Ithis
lifedrinkeat
havebread
tofromthismywe
us,me
breadlife
share
shall
inin
tonot
shalltheone
allthirstnevliv
life,
theaeringone
world.gain.”die.”God.”Lord.
to Refrain
Verses
1.2.3.4.5.
This“I“I
“AllAll
isamam
thosepraise
thethethewhoto
breadliv
breadfeedyou,
ofingofonO
Godspringheav’n
meChrist,
comofgiv
havepres
inge
ingtheirent
downterlifelifein
fromnaltoin
this
heav’n,life;you;me,
feast,
come, share the sup per of the Lord.
Bread of love is bro ken now, cup of life is poured:
here the Lord pre pares the feast di vine.
Refrain
Pre cious bod y, pre cious blood, here in bread and wine;
LAMB OF GODMass of Creation
Marty Haugen
Music © 1984, 2010, GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
& bb 43 .. 42 44 43œ œ œ œLamb of
Cantor/Choir
˙ jœ jœGod, you
All œ œ œ œtake a way the
œ œ œsins of the
1, 2
.˙ ‰ jœworld, have-
& bb 43 .. 44 43œ œ œ œmer cy on
.u̇s.
2 Final
wworld,
œ œ œ œgrant us
.˙peace.-
Music: Mass of Creation; Marty Haugen • © 1984, 1985, 2010 by GIA Publications, Inc.Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594
Lord, When You Come
THE SUPPER OF THE LORDLaurence Rosania
Vss. 1-4 : Based on John 4, 6. Text and music © 1994, Laurence Rosania. Published by OCP Publications. All rights reserved.
1.2.3.4.5.
givyouyouasin
ingthatthat
Ithis
lifedrinkeat
havebread
tofromthismywe
us,me
breadlife
share
shall
inin
tonot
shalltheone
allthirstnevliv
life,
theaeringone
world.gain.”die.”God.”Lord.
to Refrain
Verses
1.2.3.4.5.
This“I“I
“AllAll
isamam
thosepraise
thethethewhoto
breadliv
breadfeedyou,
ofingofonO
Godspringheav’n
meChrist,
comofgiv
havepres
inge
ingtheirent
downterlifelifein
fromnaltoin
this
heav’n,life;you;me,
feast,
come, share the sup per of the Lord.
Bread of love is bro ken now, cup of life is poured:
here the Lord pre pares the feast di vine.
Refrain
Pre cious bod y, pre cious blood, here in bread and wine;
Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594
&
#
#
8
6
.˙
1. Lord,2. Lord,3. Lord,4. Lord
œ œ œœ œ œ
whenyouhavesend
youknewyoume
camewhatneedwhere
tomyofyou
theboatmy
would
.œ .œ
seacarla
have
shoreried:bor,me,
---
&
#
#
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‰
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HandsTo
weren'ttherfora
.œ .œ
seekmonservil
ingeyvice,lage,
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thenoraor
wiseweapheartheart
oronsmadeof
theforforthe
-- - -
--
&
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inging,ingber
- - -- -- -- - -
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mightlyandare
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follabrowith
low.bor.ken?me.
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-
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Lord,
œ œ œœ œ œ
in my eyes you were
.œ .œ
gaz ing,-
&
#
#.œ‰œ œ
Kind ly
.œ .œ
smil ing,
œ
j
œ œ œ œ
my name you were- -
&
#
#
.œ .œ
say ing;
.œ
‰
œ œ
All I
.œ .œ
treas ured,- -
&
#
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I have left on the
.œ .œ
sand there;
.œ‰œ œ
Close to
&
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you,
‰
œ œœ œ œ
I will find oth er
.˙
seas.
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Œ .
-
Text: Pescador de Hombres, Cesáreo Gabaráin, trans. by Willard Francis Jabusch • Tune: Cesáreo Gabaráin © 1979, OCP Publications
&
#
#
8
6
.˙
1. Lord,2. Lord,3. Lord,4. Lord
œ œ œœ œ œ
whenyouhavesend
youknewyoume
camewhatneedwhere
tomyofyou
theboatmy
would
.œ .œ
seacarla
have
shoreried:bor,me,
---
&
#
#
.œ
‰
œ œ
YouNei
HandsTo
weren'ttherfora
.œ .œ
seekmonservil
ingeyvice,lage,
œ
j
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thenoraor
wiseweapheartheart
oronsmadeof
theforforthe
-- - -
--
&
#
#
.œ .œ
wealthfightlovcit
y,ing,ing,y;
œj
œ
œ
j
œ
ButButMyI
onnetsarmswill
lyforforre
.œ .œ
askfishliftmem
inging,ingber
- - -- -- -- - -
&
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#
œ
j
œ œ
j
œ
thatmythethat
Idaipooryou
mightlyandare
.œ .œ
follabrowith
low.bor.ken?me.
.œ
-- -
-
&
#
# Œ j
œ
O
.˙
Lord,
œ œ œœ œ œ
in my eyes you were
.œ .œ
gaz ing,-
&
#
#.œ‰œ œ
Kind ly
.œ .œ
smil ing,
œ
j
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my name you were- -
Post-Communion Song: Look Down to Us, Saint Joseph
&
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œ
1. Look2. We
œ œ œ œ
downven
toer
us,ate
Saintyour
˙ œ œ
Jojus
seph,tice,
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œ
œ œ œ
tecgos
torpels
ofpraise
Ouryour- -
--
- --
&
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.˙œ
Lord,name;
WhoYou
œ
œ œ œ
folare
lowedthe
yousaint
throughall
˙ œ œ
deshum
erts,ble,
AndWho
œ œ œœ
gavegained
youe
blessedter
renal
- -- - -
-
&
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.˙ œ
ward;fame;
OurIn
œ œœ œ
foesyour
arede
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aed
˙ œ
œ
boutfam
us,ily
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--
&
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œ
strengthsouls
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attrust
ourcon
.˙œ
side;fide;
BeDi
œ œ œ œ
lightrect
aour
gainstway
theto- -
-
&
#
#
˙ œ œ
darkheav
ness:en:
SaintSaint
œ œ œ œ
JoJo
seph,seph,
bebe
ourour
.˙
Œ
guide!guide!
--
--
Tune: AURELIA 7 6 7 6 D, Samuel S. Wesley • Text: Michael Gannon, © 1966, World Library Publications
Prayer After Communion
Words of Remembrance
Final CommendationInvitation to PrayerSong of Farewell: In Paradisum
Prayer of CommendationAfter the Prayer of Commendation, The Brothers are invited to create an “honor guard” beginning at the rear doors of the theater to the exit doors by the hearse. As Charlie’s body begins its movement to the hearse, we will sing Honneur à Toi. Once Charlie’s body is in the hearse and the door is closed, we will sing the Salve Regina.
& 4
4
j
œ œœ
May choirs of
.œ
j
œ œ
œ œœ
an gels lead you in to
œ œ.œ
j
œœ œ
pa ra dise, and may the- - - -
& .œ
j
œ œœœœ
mar tyrs come to wel come
˙ œœ œ
œ
you To bring you
.œ
j
œ œ
œ œœ
home in to the ho ly- - --
&
œ œ.œ
j
œ œœ
ci ty, so you may
.œ
j
œ œ œ œ œ
dwell in new Je ru sa˙ œ
œ œœ
lem. May ho ly- - - - --
&
.œ
J
œ œ œ œ œ
an gels be there at your
œœ.œ
j
œ œœ
wel com ing, with all the
.œ
J
œ œ œ œœ
saints who go be fore you- - - -
&
˙ œ
œ œ œ
there, That you may
.œ
J
œ œ œœœ
know the peace and joy of
& œœ.œ
j
œ œœ
pa ra dise; that you may
œ
œ œœ œ œ
œ œ
en ter in to e ver last ing
j
œ .˙
‰
life.- - - - - - -
[Title][Composer]
Score
©
[Subtitle][Arranger]
Text: In Paradisum • Tune: Danny Boy
Sending Forth: Honneur à ToiSalve Regina
Celebrant/Presider: Reverend Robert Joerger cp afsc
Call to Worship: Brother Dennis Malloy fsc
Lectors: Dr. Michael Cisar (CBA ’92) Sister Elizabeth Engel op John Herndon (CBA ’82)
Intercessory Prayers: Maryann Donohue-Lynch Brother Lawrence Goyette fsc
Words of Remembrance: Brother Edward Phelan fsc Sheena Mullan (Soloist)
Presentation of the Gifts: Sister Trudy Ahern ssj (Liturgical Dance) Carrie Cisar (Gift Bearer) Ally Cisar (Gift Bearer) Katie Cisar (Gift Bearer) Suzanne DelGallo (Gift Bearer)
Acolytes: Joseph Cisar (CBA ’20) Timothy DelGallo
Cross Bearer: Stephen DelGallo
Server: Brother Francis Eells fsc
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion: Philip De Rita Brother Timothy Froehlich fsc Brother Joseph Juliano fsc Brother Ralph Montedoro fsc Marilyn Paquette Alan Weyland
Pall Bearers: Dr. Michael Cisar (CBA ’92) Leonard DelGallo Sean DelGallo John Herndon Matthew Herndon Michael Herndon Joseph Hosley (CBA ’86) Victor Pantesco
Planning & Organization: Carroll Bennett Philip De Rita Brother Joseph Juliano fsc Brother Ralph Montedoro fsc Brother Charles Mrozinski fsc
Musicians: Ciro Saverino (CBA ’10) Ars Nova Schola of CBA Luncheon: Dolly Sullivan bfsc
With Prayerful Thanks
Luncheon reception to follow
in the Dining Hall.
All are welcome.
Fratel Robert Schieler, FSC, Superiore Generale - [email protected]
Casa Generalizia La Salle Via Aurelia, 476 00165 Roma , Italia
11 March 2016
Dear Brother Dennis, Brothers and Lasallians,
Today, we've lost a brother who brought so much joy to all of us. On behalf of the General Council, the Central Community and the Institute, I offer my sincere condolences to you, Charlie's Dad and family.
In a reflection from today's Scripture readings there was this sentence, "the measure of a life well lived is the virtue that continues to grow in the lives of those who were touched by it." Charlie touched so many lives. I think especially of those students - La Salle's artisans and the poor - that he committed himself to as a De La Salle Brother. We all have our own particular image or photo that captures Charlie's love for others and his vocation. Mine is of Charlie on a stage in robe, sunglasses and umbrella dancing with a group of San Miguel students. He was a brother who our Rule reminds us gave "special attention to those of their pupils who have greater difficulties at school, personal problems, or problems adjusting to family life or society. Charlie felt most at home with such students, particularly during his years at San Miguel.
To leave San Miguel and come to Rome in response to Brother Alvaro's request is an example of Charlie's virtue. He was engaged in a ministry that we say is so important to our identity and mission as Brothers. And it is! But Charlie understood all the dimensions of his vocation and responded positively. He stepped onto a larger stage. So many others now came to appreciate and love the Charlie so well known and loved by us. Circular 461, Associated for the Lasallian Mission ...an act of Hope is among his legacy and gifts to us.
We will continue to keep you in our prayers as you grieve the loss of our brother. And Charlie will keep us in prayer as he now experiences the "joy a Brother of the Christian Schools will have when he sees a great number of his students in possession of eternal happiness, for which they are indebted to him by the grace of Jesus Christ!"
Fraternally,
Bob Brother Robert Schieler, FSC Brother Superior
Fratel Robert Schieler, FSC, Superiore Generale - [email protected]
Casa Generalizia La Salle Via Aurelia, 476 00165 Roma , Italia
11 March 2016
Dear Brother Dennis, Brothers and Lasallians,
Today, we've lost a brother who brought so much joy to all of us. On behalf of the General Council, the Central Community and the Institute, I offer my sincere condolences to you, Charlie's Dad and family.
In a reflection from today's Scripture readings there was this sentence, "the measure of a life well lived is the virtue that continues to grow in the lives of those who were touched by it." Charlie touched so many lives. I think especially of those students - La Salle's artisans and the poor - that he committed himself to as a De La Salle Brother. We all have our own particular image or photo that captures Charlie's love for others and his vocation. Mine is of Charlie on a stage in robe, sunglasses and umbrella dancing with a group of San Miguel students. He was a brother who our Rule reminds us gave "special attention to those of their pupils who have greater difficulties at school, personal problems, or problems adjusting to family life or society. Charlie felt most at home with such students, particularly during his years at San Miguel.
To leave San Miguel and come to Rome in response to Brother Alvaro's request is an example of Charlie's virtue. He was engaged in a ministry that we say is so important to our identity and mission as Brothers. And it is! But Charlie understood all the dimensions of his vocation and responded positively. He stepped onto a larger stage. So many others now came to appreciate and love the Charlie so well known and loved by us. Circular 461, Associated for the Lasallian Mission ...an act of Hope is among his legacy and gifts to us.
We will continue to keep you in our prayers as you grieve the loss of our brother. And Charlie will keep us in prayer as he now experiences the "joy a Brother of the Christian Schools will have when he sees a great number of his students in possession of eternal happiness, for which they are indebted to him by the grace of Jesus Christ!"
Fraternally,
Bob Brother Robert Schieler, FSC Brother Superior
I just have learned of the death of Brother Charles Kitson. Through these words I wish to convey my condolences for this sensitive loss for the DENA District and for the whole Institute. I was fortunate that Charles was my collaborator both in the Central District and in the Central government of the Institute. His person, his dynamism, and his joy even in the midst of recurring health issues were for me a wonderful testimony. He was an excellent brother, always close and simple, truly a brother. I ask the Lord for his eternal rest and ask to share with his family and the Brothers of your District my feelings and the promise of my prayers. - Br. Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría fsc, former Superior General
So many thoughts and images of my five years with Charlie are coming back to me since I got the news. What a gift he was and what a gift of himself he shared. Because we knew him, we will not be the same. But Charlie faced all his problems with great faith. I know he would want us to do the same.
- Br. Tom Johnson fsc, former Vicar General and current Director of Novices
In 2005 I met someone who changed my life. By 6th grade, he had opened me up to a love of dance, poetry and the arts. I will never forget all that he has ever done for me. Even when he wasn't around everything he taught me and told me stuck with me and helped me push through the most difficult of times. - John Carlos Cappellan, RI
In 1989 I met Charlie Kitson for the first time. I was the leader of a group of people interested in learning more about Guatemala. Since that time, Charlie has been a good friend: gifted, talented, creative, spiritual, fraternal. May Charlie rest in peace.
- Br. Paul Joslin fsc
I am not sure what to say—we’ve lost a saint from among us. - Br. Jack Curran fsc
Charlie Kitson had such a joyful spirit and loving presence. I feel so blessed that he has been such an important part of my Lasallian journey. He is a mentor, friend, and inspiration to me. Charlie was such a special man and has truly touched our hearts by his example and love. Thank you, Charlie, for inspiring me to be a lifelong Lasallian.
- Sarah Laitinen, San Miguel, Providence RI
I join my broken heart with yours as we feel greatly the loss of Charlie. Our faith tells us that in this loss there is also gain. Charlie is now more alive than ever as he takes up a new adventure with the Lord. I join you and all our Brothers and Partners in asking God to share with Charlie all the grace he needs as he moves through these new days of life eternal.
- Br. Robert Wickman fsc
Remembrances from around the Institute
Today we lost a great friend and a Brother. He was an inspiration and a true Lasallian. RIP Brother Charles Kitson! - Ed-Linddi W-Org, Singapore
Brother Charles: What a life! What a Brother! What a Lasallian! And yes, what a loss! The single greatest gift that Charlie had in abundance was his deep goodness. He cared about people. He saw and affirmed the good in all of us. He thrived on being with people, bringing such positive energy to all of us who, during these days, are united, near and far. Eternal joy now be his! - Br. Dennis Lee fsc, Kenya
The Brothers of the Christian Schools of Ontario are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Brother Charles Kitson. May he rest in peace. We also pray for his family, his dad and sister, and all his Brothers in the legacy District of LINE as well as all his Brothers of the District of Eastern North America. - Br. Mel O'Neill fsc, Toronto ON
RIP Brother Charles Kitson ... you were such an inspiration to me during my years at LaSalle Academy. Heaven just welcomed their newest angel. - Jamie Quattrini, RI
I still remember when I first met Charlie just after he performed in mime at the first Regional Convocation in Moraga. What a talented and gifted man we had! Let's thank God that he was allowed to share those gifts with so many in an especially gentle, loving and upbeat way during his time as our Brother. He entered eternal life today for reasons known only to his Creator who needed his talents and kindness for another Mission.
- Br. John Patzwall fsc
I was saddened to hear this afternoon of Charlie’s death. As you may know, he and I worked together in Rome, and he was a wonderful Brother to me, as well as making such an enormous contribution to the understanding and practice of Lasallian Association.
- Br. John Cantwell fsc, District of ANZPPNG
Charlie and I worked together in Rome, Asia and in my own District here in ANZPPNG, including one not-to-be-forgotten journey through Papua New Guinea. I always experienced with him a deep awareness of being brother and great commitment to whatever we were doing but always able to give energy to others from his own reserves, creativity, humor and holiness. - Br. John Pill fsc, New Zealand
Brother Charles had a way of touching the lives of everyone he encountered. Charlie, we miss you and love you and we promise your work will live on through all those you touched. Live Jesus in our hearts ... FOREVER. - Karen Clements, RI
Remembrances from around the Institute
I add my voice to the throngs of Brothers and friends who will be writing you on this pain-filled day to express so poorly the suffering of hearts that weep at the loss of one whom we call “friend.” - Br. Vin Pelletier fsc, Rome
I am writing this note with a heavy heart mourning the loss of our beloved Brother Charles Kitson. We heard the sad news yesterday and we had a special prayer and Mass in his memory. Charlie was a great man, very sociable, an easy to talk to and to laugh with person. I met Charlie at the Chapter in Rome but I always felt as if I had known him for years. He had a jovial nature and an easy way to bring people around him. A great loss for us all.
- Br. Belayneh Medhait fsc, Ethiopia It is with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Brother Charles Kitson. I got to know him personally during the CIL session in Rome and I appreciated his human and spiritual gifts, a true Brother in the Spirit and of the heart. I join in your prayer of remembrance and express my deepest sympathy in the name of all the Brothers of the District of Italy.
- Br. Achille Buccella fsc, Visitor of Italy
I don’t know very well why God needed him in heaven ... He (God) must have needed an angel specializing in being human—humanity. - Br. Oscar Lerones Marcos fsc, Portugal
I am certain you are receiving many messages of condolence on the death of one of our very best. My sister met Charlies only once and her comment was “I thought I was sitting next to a saint.” - Br. Richard Kestler fsc
I’m very saddened to find out that I lost a very good friend last night and the world lost a great man. Brother Charles Kitson was the first person I met when I walked through the doors of La Salle Academy back in 1983 and he was instrumental in helping guide me to the man I have become today. Being involved in “The Show” as one of his “Fools” remains one of my most cherished memories of growing up. Rest in Peace Brother Charles Kitson, your work here will never be forgotten. - Mike Nelson, Milford NH
Brother Charles presented to our College Spirituality Day last year and won everyone’s heart and admiration for his warmth, humility and knowledge. I remember a man who had us all deeply reflecting on our relationship with God and challenging us to examine our work with the young men we teach daily in our Lasallian community.
- Mr. Myles Hogarty, Aukland, New Zealand
Much heartbreak here. I will see you soon. With love that hardly matches that love we have lost. - Victor Pantesco, NH
Remembrances from around the Institute
I realize that words are utterly inadequate at such a sad time as you and the rest of your Lasallian colleagues come to terms with Charlie’s sudden death—a wonderful Brother and friend to so many. - Br. Aiden Kilty fsc, Rome
Among the many fond memories of Charlie for me was when we performed the MIME shows in La Salle Academy - Providence RI. He insisted that we scrape the paint off the auditorium floor at 2 am in the morning and then be up for 7.30am Mass in the morning. HE WAS ONE OF A KIND! - Sister Liz Engel, NJ
I think of Brother Charles with deep gratitude as personifying in his personal relation-ships the essence of “Touching hearts” … a profound sense of the ‘other’ and a deeply encouraging approach to sharing what he had himself come to ‘see’, 'feel’, ‘appreciate’ but he always pointed beyond himself… he did not make ‘disciples’ for himself. I’m saddened by his death but strengthened and encouraged by his example … His life was the very embodiment of ‘being brother.’ May he rest in the peace of the Lord towards whom he pointed by his own life. - Br. Gerard Rummery fsc, Australia
Charlie was important in a number of ways to the Brothers in the district and Institute, as well as the many people whose lives he touched. As we approach Easter we Christians can reflect on the mystery of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection and our faith leads us to be amazed with the incredible love God has for each of us. I pray that as you bear the sorrow of the loss of Charlie that you are conscious of God walking with you. I know you will have memories of him as someone who was a way in which God's love was revealed to you. - Br. Peter Bray fsc, Bethlehem
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Brother Charles Kitson. He was one of my students when I taught at CBA and I was elated when he and three other young men from his class decided to join the Brothers and enter the novitiate in 1968. For some reason, I also have a vivid picture of the face of his father in my memory, a gracious man who was very devoted to the Brothers. - Mr. Richard McKay, NJ
We want to offer you our condolences on behalf of the Bilbao Sector of Spain. Our rela-tionship with him was close. He enjoyed his trips to Spain and he had left a lot of friends on this side of the Atlantic. He came to be present in several meetings related with Lasallian family and the lay Associates. We desire to extend our condolences to his family, community, and the whole District of DENA.
- Br. José Román Pérez Conde fsc, Auxiliary Visitor of ARLEP District
Remembrances from around the Institute
I will keep Charlie in my memory as a dynamic, optimistic and courageous brother. Always smiling, he knew quickly how to establish fraternal relations with the people he met. In Rome he worked very well. Yet he was nostalgic for his work with troubled youth. I think he always kept them in his heart and he always saw in them the ultimate goal of what he did. I do not doubt that the Lord has welcomed him into his peace and joy like a good and faithful servant, and He gave him a place in the eternal dance of His beloved children. - Br. Jacques d'Huiteau fsc, France
We thank God for the gift of Charlie, everything we have received from him in every single moment of our common history. It has been a history of profound spirituality, abundant brotherhood and humanity full of evangelic simplicity. His shared, committed history has been a humble exegesis of God’s mercy, always in search of the vitality and sus-tainability of his work, always listening to his Word. In my own name and on behalf of the Lasallian community of the Sector of Andalucía (District ARLEP). May God our Father keep offering us the witness of faithful people, with a vocation rooted in his Love, like our Brother Charlie. - Br. Juan Gonzalez fsc, Auxiliary Visitor, District of ARLEP
We learn with great sorrow of the sudden death of our Brother Charles. All the Brothers of France who knew him remember his goodness, his generosity, his competence in his ministries always with the greatest “spirit of faith & zeal.” We pray for him with you, may the Lord grant you Peace and Hope during this time of ordeal. And for Brother Charles, already experiencing the fullness of Easter Joy! - Br. Jean-Paul Aleth fsc, Visitor of France
Heart-breaking to hear that Brother Charles Kitson, Charlie, has passed away. A true Lasallian and honored to have known him. May he rest in peace. “Inspire and Lead others by encouraging them.” - DLS. Brother Charlie certainly did!
- Siobhan Mary Lenard, Ireland
I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as so many others do; for your love, your friendship and your caring. There are so many memories, Charlie … Where to begin would be too difficult ... Christmas dinners at Milly’s, you’re kindnesses to my Mom, your absolutely hilarious sense of humor, your unabashed love of all human beings. Your special love for your parents and my dear friend, Milly, and all of your nieces and nephews. Anyone who knew you, Charlie, loved you and was a better person for it.
- Joan Lauri, NJ
Remembrances from around the Institute
Where there was darkness, you brought light; where there was pain, you brought comfort; where there was ignorance, you brought learning; where there was fear, you brought courage; where there was loneliness, you brought loving attention. You were Christ’s loving arms for so many—now, His arms grasp you in a welcome home. Enjoy your eternal rest in the Lord, Charlie. - Bryan V. McGuire, Sr.
The outpouring of love for the witness of Charlie’s life does not surprise me. Having lived with him in Rome, I witnessed how he touched so many people’s lives internationally. How true you say it … we knew a saint. He was/is truly a model of contemporary witness and evangelization. Charlie is truly a role model in the Pope Francis vein of what it means to be a Christian Catholic in today’s world. -Br. John Guasconi fsc
You helped me become the person I am today. You took a chance on me and saw something I didn’t know existed. I am forever grateful for everything you did for me at LaSalle and for the friendship we had throughout the years. It was always good to catch up with you and it always seemed like time had never passed. I will miss you. I am sure I am not the only person that could write this. I am sure many others feel the same way. I loved you as a friend and mentor. God Bless You the way he blessed all of us by bringing you into our lives. - Patrick Maloney Jr., RI
“We are fools for Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 1.10 Like his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, Charlie was a troubadour and a clown of God and he lived his life in the words of that saint by preaching the Good News, and only using words if necessary! Dance on in eternity, my dear friend and brother! - Br. Fred Mueller fsc
I am lost right now between tears and beautiful memories. I am trying to focus on being grateful for such a long friendship with a man whom I loved and who will always be with me. Just think: God loved us enough to bring Charlie into our lives. In my heart, I know he is with God, and because of Charlie, I know God was and is with us.
- Br. Lawrence Goyette fsc
Remembrances from around the Institute
“Oh, what a joy a Brother of the Christian Schools will have when he sees a great number of his students in possession of eternal happiness, for which they are indebted to him by the grace of Jesus Christ!”
~ Meditation for the Time of Retreat 16.2
One Last Thought ...
Life is best danced to the song of your heart.
Brother Charles has chosen cremation and interment in Narragansett RI.
After Easter, at a time selected by the Kitson Family, there will be a Memorial Service at the Christian Brothers Center, Narragansett RI.
Burial at the Christian Brothers Cemetery in Narragansett will follow the Memorial Service on that day.
The date and time of the above will be sent out when it has been established.