Meet Br. Tom
The Midwest District interviewed Br. Tom Hetland, a Senior Brother who serves as the Director of the Brothers Benilde-De La Salle Community and in Health Benefit Services for Christian Brothers Services.
What inspired you to become a Christian Brother?
My family was always supportive of religious vocation. I had never met a “Brother” until I went to St. George High School in Evanston. I admired the Brothers. Brother Henry Benedict was my freshman religion and Latin teacher. He invited me to give the Brothers a try…and so I did.
Tell us about some of the Brothers that inspired you.
When I was in the Brothers’ high school program (Juniorate) I was in the office with Br. Marvin Becker when I managed to break a thermo-fax machine (an early copier) by feeding a too-thick piece through it. I was horrified at what I’d done and worried that I’d have to pay for something I couldn’t afford. Br. Marvin saw the concern on my face and calmed me down with a phrase that I have often summoned and quoted ever since. – “Don’t worry, Tom. You’ve got to be doing something to do something wrong.”
Share a story about your time at a school.
When I was at Montini Catholic High School in the early 1970s our chaplain was Fr. Richard Prodehl. Someone suggested to him that we have a Christmas Eve Mass in the school chapel for students and alumni who might like to attend. The choir and some alumni from the choir would handle the music. So many people showed up they had to move the Mass to the cafeteria, and it was that way for several years. It was so encouraging to see how a liturgical celebration could engage the interest and participation of so many people who had all sorts of other options for Christmas Eve.
What Christian Brother has served as a mentor in your life?
There are at least two Brothers who I consider my mentors. Brother Leonidas Austin Makowski was such a humble servant to all he met and Brother Terence McLaughin gave me great encouragement and inspiration over the years.
What does the Kabara Challenge mean to you?
Support for the Kabara challenge is a heartwarming affirmation that people appreciate and value the Brothers and Lasallian educators who were part of their early lives. They remind us that we indeed made (and can still make) a difference.