THE TOP FIVE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(By people who know little about Brothers)

1. What exactly is a Brother?
A Brother is a man who consecrates himself to God and performs some service to God’s people. His call is to relate to others as Jesus did, as a brother.

2. Do Brothers take vows?
Brothers do take vows. The common vows for brothers are the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

3. How is a Brother different from a priest?
The primary role of a priest is to provide the sacraments to people. The role of a Brother is to provide some other non-sacramental service to God’s people through such works as education, health care, social work, spiritual accompaniment and prayer.

4. Do Brothers pray all day?
Some Brothers do have prayer as their primary ministry, but all Brothers do some other kind of work. Recreation, exercise and household responsibilities are also part of a Brother’s life.

5. Are Brothers monks?
While some Brothers are monks who dedicate themselves to a more contemplative lifestyle in a monastery, other Brothers who are not monks focus on providing direct service to others.

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THE TOP FIVE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(By people inquiring about the Marist Brothers)

1. Do the Marist Brothers wear a habit?
Some Marist Brothers wear a traditional habit consisting of a cassock, a cross, cords, and a Rabat (a white bib-like piece that fits on the front of the cassock). Others wear some distinguishable black garment. Marist Brothers who do not wear a habit wear a congregational cross when doing ministry.

2. How do the Marist Brothers pray?
Marist Brothers are called to pray communally and individually. The style of community prayer varies but most often it involves the Liturgy of the Hours. Personal prayer varies, as well, but includes forms of meditation and contemplation. When possible, Marist Brothers attend daily mass and are encouraged to engage in spiritual reading.

3. What is community life like?
Marist Brother communities vary in size from two to 20. Regardless of a community’s size, Brothers share prayer and meals together and spend quality time with each other. The hallmark of a Marist Brother community is family spirit and each community is a welcoming place for co-workers, young people and others who share the Marist spirit.

4. What is your connection to the official Church?
The Marist Brothers is an official congregation of religious brothers within the Church. Our specific role within the Church is to make Jesus Christ known and loved through the Christian education of youth, especially to the most neglected. We collaborate with the local Church in helping young people know Jesus.

5. What do the Marist Brothers do?
The Marist Brothers work in education in a variety of capacities with a special focus on youth. Many brothers are counselors, teachers, school administrators, and campus ministers.

If you have questions, please contact Br. Mike Sheerin, Vocation Director at vocations@maristbr.com