De La Salle Christian Brothers
The Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Christian Brothers) are the largest group of lay religious men in the Catholic Church dedicated exclusively to the ministry of education. As Brothers (not priests), their mission is to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor.
Together in community, the Brothers live out the Gospel and Lasallian charism as elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, university professors, counselors, missionaries, social workers, youth ministers, campus ministers, administrators, and retreat directors.
The Brothers approach their educational work as more than a job or a profession; it is the essence of their calling to “touch the hearts” of the young entrusted to their care and to “inspire them with the Christian spirit.”
Living and Serving Alongside the Brothers
Lasallian Volunteers live in community with Brothers and/or serve in ministry with Brothers. Volunteers benefit from the friendship and mentorship of these men and their years of experience in educational ministry and spiritual practice.
“The opportunity to live with Christian Brothers was one filled with wonderful memories and learning. To learn from Brothers who have dedicated their lives to Lasallian education greatly influenced my own philosophy as an educator. These are lifelong relationships that will always hold a special place in my life. The wisdom, mentoring, and memories they provided for me during my LV experience are life lessons that I’ll keep with me always.” Liam Wintroath, LV 17-19
“Living in community with the Christian Brothers is one of the most life giving experiences I have ever had. The Christian Brothers are the perfect blend of knowledge, zeal, sass, and love. They are the people I turn to at my lowest points and the people I share my my most joyous accomplishments with. Living with them has changed my life forever. They’ve taught me what it means to live out the mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle in everything I do and I will be forever grateful for that lesson.” Julia Turner, LV 15-17
“Living in community with the Christian Brothers allowed me to learn about and live out their Lasallian charism through prayer, fellowship, and shared experiences. Every meal and outing helped me remember that I am part of a supportive community with a global mission.” Joseph S. Rogers, LV 18-20
The Lasallian Family
Begun in 1680 by St. John Baptist de La Salle to serve the needs of the children of the poor and marginalized of France, the Brothers grew in numbers and now, aided by thousands of Lasallian partners, carry the vision of their Founder to hundreds of education-related works in over 80 countries throughout the world. This world-wide community of Brothers, numbering about 3,500 today, is headquartered in Rome, Italy. The Lasallian Region of North America is “home” to more than 600 Brothers who serve in four Districts.
These Brothers serve in 30 states in the United States, Toronto, Quebec, and in the international Missions of Africa and the University of Bethlehem in the Middle East. They are assisted by more than 5,000 partners in 121 institutions where they work with nearly 80,000 students.