St. John Baptist de La Salle
When St. John’s parish was formed in 1949, it was placed under the patronage of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Two statues of St. John can be found on the parish grounds.

John Baptist de La Salle was the eldest son of a wealthy family, who made plans for a clerical career, providing him with a fine education and position. Though he had to assume administration of family affairs after his parents’ death, he was ordained in 1678. He became involved with a group of rough and barely literate young men and sought to establish schools for poor boys. (At that time, an education was the privilege of the wealthy, and the idea of educating the poor was not well scorned). He abandoned his family home and property, moved in with the teachers, renounced his position and his wealth and founded the Brothers of Christian Schools to educate the poor. He met opposition from ecclesiastical authorities for desire to create a new form of religious life. The educational establishment resisted his innovative methods and free education for all, especially the poor. At one point his schools were even set fire by arson!Nevertheless, de La Salle and his Brothers succeeded in creating a network of quality schools throughout France with vernacular instruction, ability-grouped classrooms, religious instruction and competent lay teachers and parent involvement. John died of exhaustion in 1719. de La Salle was a pioneer in founding training colleges for teachers, reform schools for delinquents, technical schools, and secondary schools for modern languages, arts, and sciences. He inspired others how to teach and care for young people, how to meet failure and frailty with compassion, how to affirm, strengthen and heal. His work quickly spread through France and, after his death, continued to spread across the globe.

In 1900 John Baptist de La Salle was canonized and was made Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education in 1950. St. John Baptist de La Salle is the patron saint of teachers for his work in education. Today, the Christian Brothers (or Lasallians) continue his legacy and work in 79 countries throughout the world (www.lasalle.org). Locally, the Christian Brothers staff Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School. 

The parish patronal feast day is on April 17.