Joining Us
New members are coming forward to join us, mainly in the developing world. We see in this the Lord’s telling us that the Christian Brothers continue to have a mission. We welcome those who wish to enquire about and explore our life. It is not that we need new members in order to survive, but rather that we are convinced that today’s world needs brothers. We have seen what difference brothers have made in the lives of youth and other marginalized people in the past, and we want to offer the same gift now and in the future.
We are not looking for big numbers or wishing to become a powerful group. We are looking for the right young men. Just as a pinch of salt makes all the difference to the taste of a stew, so a few fine Christian Brothers can, in God’s hand, make a big difference to the world of the twenty-first century.
The journey towards permanent commitment takes about 10 years, and the progression is gradual. The Christian Brothers do not offer status and prestige and titles. We offer a life of quiet service to the young and the needy. It is not glamorous, but for someone motivated by the love of God and with faith strong enough to handle sacrifices and setbacks, it is a deeply rewarding and satisfying way of living and loving. It is a proven way of serving God and reaching out on behalf of the Catholic Church to be Jesus'’ Good News to the young and the marginalised.
If you feel you may be called to join us, contact us. Be assured that our concern will be only to encourage, not to push or pressure you. It is only God who can do the calling; we simply facilitate the process.
pre-Novitiate
and
Novitiate
take
at least
3 years
initial contact and
Come-&-See
experiences
↓
PRE-NOVITIATE
(a
basic introduction to our life)
↓
possibly
studies, if needed
↓
NOVITIATE
(intensive
initiation into our life)
↓
ongoing
formation
experiences
and
Annual Vows
continue
for
at least
6 years
First Vows
(for
one year)
↓
First
full assignment to
COMMUNITY
& MINISTRY
↓
further
studies, as needed
↓
Further
experience of
COMMUNITY
& MINISTRY
↓
Preparation
and
Permanent
Commitment
An applicant to the
Christian Brothers
needs:
■
to be a Catholic who
has been Confirmed
■
to have a sense that
the Lord is calling him
to the brothers’ way of
living and loving
■
to be completely free
to join us
■
to have the necessary
good health to embark
on our path of service
■
to have attained a
certain educational
qualification enabling
him to embark on the
studies involved
■
to have the necessary
level of maturity
■
to be open with us
about any previous
experience in another
religious congregation
or seminary
■
to take some time to
get to know us and to
enable us to know him
■
to show that, if he were
to join us, he would be
giving, not just getting!