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JOURNEY WITH US

"The strength of a Religious Brother is not found in titles or recognition, but in his quiet commitment to God, his community, and those he serves."

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SERVE WITH PURPOSE

Are you seeking a life rooted in faith, community, and service? The vocation of a Religious Brother is a unique call to follow Christ through prayer, fraternity, and compassionate service to others. We invite you to explore whether God may be calling you to live the Gospel in a deeper way and to make a difference in the lives of those most in need.

THE LIFE OF RELIGOUS BROTHERS

When you hear the word “brother,” you might think of a sibling or a close friend. In the Catholic Church, however, a religious brother has a distinct vocation: he is a man who dedicates his life to God, community, and service. Though brothers may not always be in the spotlight, their daily lives are marked by meaning, purpose, and truly holy habits.

WHAT IS A RELIGIOUS BROTHER?

A Catholic religious brother commits himself to a religious order through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Hospitaller Brothers also take a fourth vow of hospitality. Unlike priests, brothers are not ordained and do not administer the sacraments, yet their role in the Church is deeply important.
 

Brothers live, pray, and work alongside others, often serving wherever the need is greatest, including:
 

· Social Service Ministries,

· Special Needs Facilities,

· Hospitals

· Homeless Shelters

· Other places where compassion and practical help are needed.

WHY MEN CHOOSE THIS VOCATION

Many brothers are drawn to this life by a desire to serve God and others in a concrete, everyday way. It is a vocation rooted in simplicity, humility, and deep relationships. Brothers often describe a profound sense of joy and peace that comes from living for something greater than themselves.

WHO ARE THESE MEN?

Men of Prayer, Service, and Brotherhood: The Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God are ordinary men who have responded to an extraordinary call. They come from different backgrounds, professions, cultures, and experiences, yet they share a common mission: revealing God's healing love through hospitality and service.

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As Hospitaller Brothers, we live in community, pray together, and serve those who are sick, poor, vulnerable, and forgotten. Our vocation is not simply about what we do, but about who we become through our relationship with Christ and our commitment to one another.

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Whether working in healthcare, social services, pastoral ministry, or community outreach, our goal remains the same: to bring dignity, compassion, and hope to every person we encounter.

COULD I SEE MYSELF HERE?

Imagine a Life of Purpose: Have you ever felt a desire for something more? More meaning, more purpose, more connection with God and others?

Religious life is not about having all the answers. It begins with being open to God's invitation and asking honest questions about how He may be calling you.

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Imagine a life where:

  • Your work becomes a ministry of compassion.

  • Prayer is woven into each day.

  • You are supported by a brotherhood of men who share your values and faith.

  • Your gifts are used to serve those most in need.

  • Every day is an opportunity to live the Gospel in a tangible way.

 

If these possibilities resonate with you, it may be worth exploring whether God is inviting you to consider the life of a Hospitaller Brother.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP?

DISCERNMENT BEGINS WITH A CONVERSATION:  You do not need to make a lifelong commitment today. The first step is simply to begin the conversation.

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Discernment is a journey of listening: listening to God, learning about religious life, and reflecting on the desires He has placed in your heart.

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If you are curious about becoming a Hospitaller Brother, we invite you to:

  • Reach out to our Vocations Director.

  • Schedule an informal conversation.

  • Visit one of our communities.

  • Join us for prayer, ministry, or a discernment event.

  • Learn more about the formation process.

  • Join our Oblate Program - Information below.

 

God often speaks through simple steps of openness and trust. The courage to ask a question can become the beginning of a life-changing vocation.

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PARTNERS IN MISSION
"OBLATE"

An Oblate Brother shares in the spirituality, mission, and community life of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God without professing religious vows. Through prayer, fraternity, service, and a commitment to Hospitality, Oblates participate in the life and ministry of the Brothers while serving those most in need.
 

The Oblate Program is designed for Catholic men who feel called to deepen their relationship with Christ while embracing the charism of Hospitality inspired by St. John of God. Through prayer, formation, community life, and service, Oblates grow in their commitment to the Gospel and actively participate in the mission of the Order.
 

Formation typically includes a 12-month period of discernment and preparation, during which candidates learn about the life of St. John of God, the spirituality of the Order, and the ministry of Hospitality. Following this formation year, candidates enter into a renewable annual Covenant of Hospitality, allowing them to continue sharing in the life, spirituality, and mission of the Brothers of St. John of God.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I take vows? No. Oblates make a Covenant of Hospitality rather than religious vows.

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Do I live with the Brothers? Oblates participate in community life and ministry while discerning the level of involvement appropriate to their vocation.

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Can I work in a ministry of the Order? Yes. Many Oblates serve within the ministries of the Hospitaller Order while living out the values of Hospitality.

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How long is formation? Formation typically lasts 12 months before making an initial Covenant of Hospitality.

WHO CAN APPLY

The program is open to Catholic men in good standing who:

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  • Desire to deepen their prayer life and commitment to the Gospel.

  • Feel called to serve others through the mission of Hospitality.

  • Wish to support and participate in the ministries of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God.

  • Are willing to engage in a process of formation, discernment, and community life.

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