Frequently Asked Questions

If you've got a question which is not listed here, please email it to vocation@PresentationBrothers.org

What is the difference between a Brother and a Priest?

The main difference is that a Priest is ordained. A priest, therefore, celebrates the sacraments (Mass, Confession, etc.). A brother is not ordained and lives a life focused on prayer and serving God and His people in other ways, such as teaching, and evangelisation.

What are vows?

Vows are the sacred "promises" which a brother makes freely before God.

What vows does a Brother take?

A Presentation Brother takes three vows: celibacy, poverty and obedience.

What is the vow of poverty?

This is essentially a vow to live simply and generously. A Brother vows to forego the ownership of personal property and money.

Jesus said, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Matthew 19:21

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:23

What is the vow of celibacy?

This vow means that a Brother does not marry and abstains from sexual activity. Celibacy is simply another way of loving God in a healthy, selfless way.

"Some have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it." Matthew 19:12

What is the vow of obedience?

The vow of obedience is a vow to cooperate with the other Brothers in doing what is best for the Congregation's mission - building the kingdom of God. It is also a call to humility.

How long does it take to become a Brother?

Visit Becoming a Brother

Do Brothers have holidays?

Of course. The work of a Brother is often very demanding and a Brother is encouraged to take regular holidays and rest periods. He is also actively encouraged to keep in touch with his family and friends.

Where will I live as a Presentation Brother?

At the moment the Presentation Brothers live and work in Ireland, England, Ghana, Nigeria, Canada, United States, and Grenada in the West Indies. We have plans to open a community in Asia in the coming years! Who knows where else we will be in the future!