to be and to bring Jesus’ Good News on the margins, especially through education and care of youth
t e a c h i n g
& complementary/component
or alternative ministries e.g.
leading
counselling
listening
caring
supporting
comforting
challenging
encouraging
affirming
intervening
accompanying
training
coaching
equipping
empowering
nurturing
promoting
introducing
inspiring
fundraising
feeding
nursing
welcoming
befriending
visiting
advocating
administering
& simply being-present
Christian Brothers, sharing in the charism of Edmund Rice, are moved by the Spirit to be aware of the providential presence of God in our lives, and to respond to Christ, present and appealing to us in the poor.
Our starting-point is to form gospel communities, especially on the margins of society, immersed in the local people’s concerns and sorrows and joys, and striving to be signs of God’s love and compassion for all our brothers and sisters, but especially the poor, the powerless, and the oppressed. We are conscious not only of being the teaching, healing, and loving Christ to others, but also of recognizing in them Christ ministering to us.
We have a specific corporate mission, one for which we have a special gift from our founder and a specific mandate from the Church. Our corporate mission is to be and to bring Jesus’ Good News through education and care of young people, especially on the margins of society.
Traditionally we have lived this mission by running Catholic schools, especially for the poor. Most of our brothers are trained as teachers, though some also specialize in complementary educational activities such as counselling, social work, running retreats, and forming teachers. Some of us are involved in leadership and support, in the vital ministry of forming new brothers, and in caring for elderly brothers. Those who have retired from full-time professional ministry will ordinarily—if their health permits—use their talents and experience to minister in other ways.
Education is what we are best known for, but we are also open to fresh and innovative expressions of our corporate mission—new ways of responding to the emerging needs of young people and those on the margins. So we are looking not just for ‘joiners’ but for a new generation of pioneers, ready to respond to ideals articulated in our Constitutions, for example:
“we move in response to the call of the Church and the needs of the times.”
“we endeavour … to affirm the dignity of all people and to work for justice and peace.”
“We are called to witness by prophetic action to our option for the poor & the oppressed and to solidarity with them.”
“We are constantly challenged in our educational ministries to develop curricula which promote the harmonious growth of the whole person—a synthesis of faith, life and culture. We are especially committed to education for justice, social awareness, and concern for the earth.”
“Our Catholic colleges, schools, and other centres offer us privileged opportunities for the evangelization and care of youth. In the tradition of our Founder, we are pastorally concerned for all whom we serve, but especially for those who are most deprived.”
Live, Jesus, in our hearts