The Brothers of the Christian Schools

Who are the Brothers? The Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers, are a religious community of men who answer God’s call to service. We respond to the unique mission to announce the Gospel message to youth in the world of education. The De La Salle Christian Brothers believe that education is one of the Roman Catholic Church’s most important missions; we, therefore, dedicate ourselves to God and live in community in order to carry out this mission together and by association.

This dedication requires seeing reality with the eyes of faith, a life of prayer, strength of character, generosity, flexibility, and the willingness to take risks. These traits may be discovered and developed during participation in the Contact Program.

Brothers see themselves as “ambassadors and ministers of Jesus Christ” in the work they do and, thus, we give new meaning to teaching, administration, counseling, and a variety of support services in elementary schools, high schools, child welfare agencies, and colleges and universities.


What is the Contact Program?

The Contact Program is designed for men who are between the ages of 18 and thirty-five and who express interest in our way of life and ministry. The program provides opportunities for men to learn more about the Brothers of the Christian Schools and for the Brothers to learn more about them.

A person discovers his vocation – God’s calling – over a period of time and through mature investigation. Our Contact Program invites men to consider their relationship with God and where God may be calling them to use the talents God has given them; it encourages the men to grow in their faith. The Contact Program is the initial stage in a process of discovery in which one can grow from casual interest in the De La Salle Christian Brothers to a decision whether to make the De La Salle Christian Brothers one’s choice in life as an appropriate response to God’ love.

workshops and retreats during the year to provide time for reflection and prayer with other Contacts and with Brothers; meeting with a Brother mentor on a regular basis; opportunities to visit Brothers’ communities to provide a first hand experience of how the Brothers live, pray, and work together; receiving invitations to District events such as retreats, local celebrations, and jubilees.

Who is John Baptist de La Salle?

Saint John Baptist de La Salle is the founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. He was born in 1651 in Rheims, France into a wealthy family. At the age of 27, he was ordained a priest. Little by little, he became increasingly involved with the creation of schools for the poor. In order to identify with the poor, John Baptist de La Salle gave up his wealth to feed the hungry during a prolonged period of famine.

To ensure the establishment of the Christian Schools, De La Salle formed the teachers into a religious community. This move not only guaranteed the establishment of the Christian Schools, but also assured their continuance. The members of this community eventually called themselves Brother: Brothers to each other and older Brothers to the young people in their care.

John Baptist de La Salle is an example of a person who, inspired by the love of God, made a difference in the lives of the people to whom he ministered. In recognition of his holiness, the Church, in 1900, canonized him a saint. In 1950, the Church acknowledged De La Salle’s contribution to Christian education when Pope Pius XII declared him the patron of all teachers.