The Association of Lay Augustinian Spinellians (A.L.A.S.) is made up of members, both males and females, who, guided by the spirituality of St Augustine and Mother Maria Teresa Spinelli, endeavour to live and develop their calling as Christians within the Church and in the world, while participating in the mission of the Augustinian Sisters, Servants of Jesus and Mary.
Identity
A.L.A.S. is based on three essential elements: Prayer, Service and Mission.
It was in the year 2000, on the hundred and fiftieth year since the passing away of the foundress, Mother Teresa Spinelli, that the Congregation of Augustinian Sisters, Servants of Jesus and Mary, took the initiative of setting up the first A.L.A.S groups. In the last few decades, great progress has been registered in the promotion of lay people and their mission in the world: the active and responsible participation of lay persons in the universal mission of the Church, as well as the personal calling of each and every one of them for sanctity. Lay persons, in their ordinary lives, are called to bear Christian witness within the family, at work, and in every possible way.
The first meetings of A.L.A.S. were held in the year 2000 at Provincial House in Birkirkara and they were presided by Sr Miriam Grech, the Provincial Mother at the time, assisted by Sr Ninette D’Amato. Today A.L.A.S embraces approximately seventy members, and is open to parents of students or past-students from St. Monica schools. It is also open to members of staff, friends as well as benefactors, who help in the work and mission of the Augustinian sisters. While the adults attend their own session, children are offered the opportunity to learn about the Augustinian spirituality and to grow up into committed Christians through a hands-on activity organized by one of the sisters. A.L.A.S has also a spiritual director who accompanies the members of the group on their spiritual journey.
Mother Teresa Spinelli valued community life. We try to keep this spirit alive by sharing our experiences because this strengthens our community spirit which was very dear to our Mother Foundress. The meetings are held every first Friday of the month at Provincial House, B’Kara at 7.30pm. Meetings include prayers, talks followed by a discussion, Advent and Lent retreats, social activities and also recreational gatherings. Fellowship follows our monthly meetings thus enhancing the Augustinian family spirit.
The A.L.A.S. Committee: