Celebrate our brothers on Brothers Day
Religious Brothers Day is held annually on May 1, the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. All religious brothers around the world are recognized during this day.
Jersey Catholic sat down with Brother Christopher D. Hall, C.F.C., Ed.D., assistant superintendent of schools, Archdiocese of Newark, who is a brother with the Congregation of Christian Brothers. He took his vows on Sept. 6, 1997, in New Rochelle, N.Y.
Brother Hall has ministered in Catholic education both as a teacher and administrator for nearly 30 years. His commitment to Catholic education spans his years of formation as a Christian Brother, from teaching and coaching assignments to varied school leadership roles, including Dean of Students in Miami, Head of School in Harlem, and Vice President of Technology at Bergen Catholic High School. He served as Vice President for Administration at Damien Memorial School in Honolulu County, Hawaii.
Here’s our Q&A with Brother Hall:
What’s the difference between a brother and a priest?
A brother is a layman who professes vows and dedicates himself to a ministry of service to the Church. A priest is a man who is ordained and dedicates himself to the sacramental life of the Church.
Why did you become a brother?
I became a brother because I had such great examples of religious brothers in high school. The brothers enjoyed teaching and coaching, and our success as students became their priority.
How are religious communities different from one another?
Religious communities are different based on the charism of the order.
What is your order and what is your Charism?
Congregation of Christian Brothers and our Charism is education. A fancier way to say our charism is the evangelization of youth.
What vows did you take?
Poverty, Chasity, Obedience
What do brothers do all day?
The daily schedule of the brother depends on the ministry of the brother. Working in a school, you would begin the day with community prayer. You would move to school and work with students, in whatever capacity. Brothers are classroom teachers, guidance counselors, school administrators, coaches, and tutors. After the school day ends, there is communal evening prayer, dinner, and recreation. The goal is to live a simple life.
How important is prayer in your life?
Prayer is an essential part of my religious life. I am an avid user of the Breviary or Christian Prayer. I prefer this formal prayer because it aligns with the universal prayer of the Church. I know that millions of people pray the same words that I do each day. What a powerful way of sharing faith.
Why do brothers wear habits, not pants?
Brothers have a choice to wear clerical attire and secular clothing. That decision is left to the brother.
How long does it take to become a brother?
It depends on the man. Initial formation has a few stages, which can last anywhere from 3 to 4 years. Discernment should never be rushed. Annual vows are renewed for 6 years and could lead to Final Profession. Final Vows is when you make a lifelong commitment.
Is there anything else you want us to know about brothers?
Brothers are great men who choose to serve God in many ways. I encourage young men to consider religious life and all that it has to offer. The rewards are endless.
How you can celebrate brothers on Brothers Day according to the National Religious Vocations Center:
- Choose a community from the list below to learn more about the vocation of brother.
- Write a note of gratitude for Brothers to post on your social media and/or mail to a brother.
- Ask to pray with the brothers at one of their many ministries.
- Watch several videos about Brothers and share them with friends.
- Learn more about the contributions Brothers have made over the years.
- Invite someone to consider learning more about Brothers and to consider discerning their vocation as a brother.
- Reach out to a vocation director who is a brother and ask for some promotional materials to include in your own table of resources.
Featured images: Students from Mother Seton Regional High School, pictured with Brother Christopher Hall, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark, volunteered at The Mercy House in Newark on Feb. 24 and March 3. (Mother Seton)
