They turned me into a woman of God in just a matter of months after being raised with zero faith life! I nervously entered their spaghetti supper at Boston University, and the Brothers displayed such kindness and joy that it gave me the courage to attend their retreat. That is where they won me over. It was not long before I entered their RCIA class. That Easter Vigil, 11 years ago, I entered the Catholic Church. Their example encouraged me to start a family ministry at my parish trying to use some of the same approaches as the Brotherhood of Hope. In many ways you can say that the Brotherhood of Hope in Boston is now touching the lives of parishioners in Southeastern PA; the ultimate evangelization success!
- Caitlin Fanelli, Alum, Boston University

In the truest sense of the phrase, I am eternally grateful for the Brotherhood of Hope. They introduced me to the love of Christ, and without them, I might not even call myself Catholic. Now, I am a priest and serve as chaplain for the University of Central Florida, once again with the Brothers. I am so blessed to be able to continue my journey to the Lord with them, work in ministry with them, and go fishing with them. Thank you, Brotherhood of Hope, for changing my life and continuing to be there in my life as we seek the Kingdom!
- Fr. Josh Swallows, Alum, Florida State UCF Chaplain

It has been one of the great joys of my life in evangelistic work on college campuses to have the opportunity to partner with the Brothers. The Brothers are one of the new movements inspired by the Holy Spirit for this day and truly a sign of ‘hope’ in the Church today.

I know that I owe my life and my “yes” to the Brotherhood of Hope. I could give Him all of me because I first saw them give all. The Brothers are the living presence in my life of the radical and all sufficient Love of God. When I see what God has done in me through them, I say with Jesus, “Father, they are your gift to me.” 
- Sr. Gianna Mara Lemire, Missionary Sister in Peru; Alum, Florida State

As a rabbi working with Jewish students at Rutgers, one of the favorite parts of my job is working with the Brothers at the Catholic Center. We have developed deep friendships, prayed together, and honored each other’s traditions through celebrations, study and greeting cards. I cherish the relationships I have built with the Brothers and that we have been able to build among our students.
- Rabbi Esther Reed, Rutgers Hillel

My daughter was influenced by the Brothers while attending Northeastern from 2006-2010. Br. Joe was instrumental in meeting her where she was and helping her discover her own faith. Since then, my husband and I have hosted many Brothers in our home as they travel cross country during the summer. Each time they leave us with so much more than we gave them.
- Connie Sterbenz, Parent, Topeka, KS

Marty and Christina Buganski, parents of Br. Martin Buganski

My relationship with the Brotherhood spans four decades. Through my college roommate, Br. Ken Apuzzo, I met the Brothers in 1980 and became an associate in 1981. Although the Lord called me to married life, the time with the Brothers helped me grow as a Catholic man. My wife Christina and I worked with the Brothers in the late 1980s to form University Christian Outreach (UCO) at Rutgers. Last year our son Br. Martin professed first vows with the Brothers. We couldn’t be happier.
- Marty Buganski, Senior Coordinator of the People of Hope

As a lifelong Catholic school student, I knew transferring to Northeastern my sophomore year would be filled with change. I wondered if my faith, which had always been pretty solid, would somehow be challenged at a secular school. The answer was yes. It was very much challenged, in ways I never anticipated. Ironically, it was at this secular school that the Brotherhood of Hope challenged my faith, and ignited in me the desire to want even more from my relationship with God. I will forever be grateful for what the Brothers, especially Br. Joe, Br. John, and Fr. Philip, have given me.
- Abbey Sullivan, Alum, Northeastearn

As I reflect on the 40th anniversary of the Brotherhood I am reminded of a profound event that took place in my life, ironically – about 40 years ago. It was sophomore year in college and I received a call from a young law student named Paul who invited me to walk through a course with him called “The Life in the Spirit Seminar.” Something inside of me pushed me to say “yes.”
I look back on that moment of my life as an inflection point where my Catholic faith became more alive.
Over the last several years my wife Debbie and I have had the good fortune of reconnecting with and supporting the Brotherhood of Hope. And that young lawyer Paul became Fr. Paul Helfrich 20 years ago! Thank you, Fr. Paul, for picking up the phone 40 years ago and inviting this young college student into a deeper relationship with the Lord!
- Brendan Floyd, Hope Expansion Council

The Brotherhood of Hope made Boston a home for me.
- Sylvie, Alum, Northeastern

I loved going to the Lord’s Day celebration at the Brothers’ house just off campus at Seton Hall. It helped feed my eventual vocation to the priesthood. Br. Joe Donovan took me under his wing and helped change my life. I am eternally grateful.
- Fr. Peter Idler, Millville, NJ

Those years at Rutgers with the Brothers and UCO changed me forever.
- Heather Langton, Alum, Rutgers

As a Catholic man I am inspired by each Brother’s love for the Lord, His children and one another.
- RJ Dourney, Hope Expansion Council

I would like to offer my heartfelt prayers and congratulations to the Brotherhood of Hope for 40 years of transforming the lives of college students in helping them experience the love of Jesus Christ.
- Michael St. Pierre, Director, Catholic Campus Ministry Association

Evie Day (Back Row, Center) at an FSU retreat with classmates and Br. Sam.

Nineteen years ago, I was a student at FSU in Tallahassee pursuing a degree in Acting when Br. Allen invited me to join the Catholic Student Union choir, which propelled me into meeting a group of people who changed my life. I returned to Confession on retreats offered by the Brothers at CSU, met my future husband, and did an internship with the Brotherhood of Hope the year after I graduated. Br. Sam’s formation and mentoring through the internship still impacts my work in parish ministry, their energy and joy is infectious, and I’m forever grateful to God for their work.
- Evie Day, Alum, Florida State

Your work in evangelization and discipleship is unparalleled. May we keep on loving and serving the Lord, as long as He gives us breath and strength.
- Laurie A. Manhardt, PHD, Author, Catholic Bible Study

The work of the Brotherhood in campus evangelization is profoundly impactful – the lives of thousands of young people have been changed through personal encounters with Christ, encounters that have been fostered and nurtured by the Brotherhood of Hope. At its core, the Brotherhood is an organization of deep fraternity and prayer. I am inspired by the depth and joyfulness with which they fulfill their charism and am proud to be a supporter and benefactor.
- John Corcoran, Hope Expansion Council

In every case the impact of their ministry has been profound. Many of the priests under 45 in our diocese have been inspired and initially formed at FSU by the Brotherhood of Hope. There are religious Sisters and Brothers who have heard the call through their ministry. There are holy marriages and families, and leaders of ministries that have been inspired and formed through their ministry, as well. The respect for the Catholic Church among other Christians in this community has also been enriched by the Brothers outreach.
- Dr. Bob Schuchts, John Paul II Healing Center Tallahassee, FL

The Brothers were always available to any need I had raising my sons and I will always be eternally grateful for being blessed by our God to have the Brothers in my life. I was never blessed to have a brother in my family but instead God gave me the “Brotherhood.” Who could ask for more?
- Carol Pawlowski, Hillsborough, NJ

The Brothers were a great example of what it truly is to be a man of God.
- Daniel Chedid, Alum, Rutgers

At the height of my professional achievements, I received a note that my father sent as he was battling Parkinson’s and was coloring to work on his motor skills. All it said was, “Worry Less Pray More” based on Philippians 4:6-7. Amazingly it took my earthly father to send a message that my heavenly Father has always made clear in scripture that when God is first... all you need is God alone! A strong reminder for all of us to be that witness to our brothers and sisters. To the Brotherhood of Hope...you are that witness to us all. God Bless your 40 years and many more in service to the Lord.
- Mark Servodidio, Hope Expansion Council

I met Br. Ken in the fall of my sophomore year in 1984 while he was doing campus ministry in Ann Arbor. Although Br. Ken moved back to New Jersey after that semester to start up his work at Rutgers, he left a lasting impact on me and we have kept up the relationship ever since. The Brotherhood is all about offering college students in the midst of darkness the reason to “hope” for their future. Thirty-six years after meeting Br. Ken, I am still grateful that he called me on to our life of hope!
- Peter Benedetto, Hope Expansion Council

I know and love Jesus because you taught me all about Him! Still learning about Him every day. After 20 years, I cannot find better than you!! They say save the best for last. Not true.
- Janine Cannizzaro, Alum, Boston Young Adults

After graduating, I moved away from the Boston area and visited the Catholic Center at Northeastern on a whim about a year later. I missed my old “home” and figured I would drop in. When I walked in and saw Br. Jason, he smiled widely as if he had been waiting for me the whole time and gave me a hug saying, “I’m so glad to see you back home.” This moment, for me, speaks deeply to how the Brotherhood of Hope lives out their vocation; not only creating a home for college students, but rather a family that spans generations of people who seek the Lord together.
- Maggie Hark, Alum, Northeastern

We met the Brothers when they came to Pensacola. I was barely holding onto a thread of life. One of the Brothers left a note on my car windshield that read, Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always....” That scripture changed my life. I HAD to rejoice in the Lord for everything: the good and the bad. I did and peace like I’ve never known came. Amen!!!!
- Dorea Arguelles, Saint Paul, MN

The apostolate of the Brotherhood of Hope has been extraordinary for my spiritual journey. I am inspired by all of the Brothers.
- Kathryn Luppi, Clarence Center, NY

I say again today what I have often said; clearly these Brothers are among the finest men that I have had the privilege to know. Their impact on my life is both personal and profound. Over time I have seen them dynamically share the love of Christ with thousands of people, spreading the gospel in a world desperately in need of God’s presence.
- Mike Yacone, Alum, Rutgers

Ten years ago, I joined Florida State’s Catholic Student Union not knowing what my encounter with the Brotherhood of Hope would bring. In total they amount to an invaluable gift; I know my identity in Christ and how to pursue Him all of my life.
- Jennifer Heinlein, Alum, Florida State

I will say that for the past 23+ years, the Brothers have remained important members of our family, each special in their own way. Br. Ken Sr. was there for me when my own father passed and became a second father/friend I would turn to. He was a compassionate, loving friend and mentor. Br. Stephen, wise to the ways of teens, prayed for us and our girls as they faced their challenges of growing in faith and into young adults. He taught me the meaning of “place them in the hands of God” and believing it! Fr. Paul and all the Brothers I was blessed to work alongside during their years of ministry at Boston University played an important role in my life and were a wonderful example to my girls during family visits! We remain blessed to still refer to them as family and friends. May God continue to place you in the lives of many families young and old! We thank you!
- Frances Boucher, Litchfield, NH

The Brothers have left an indelible mark on our family. Br Jason showed us that true commitment means hundreds of dorm visits to find the one student ready to respond to God’s call. Br. Sam showed us how taking the risk to trust others in the community is lifegiving to all, and how to make an acronym for everything. You all celebrated with us at our engagement and wedding (where Br. Parker deeply proclaimed the readings) and Fr. Paul showed us true friendship when he gave up his Saturday morning to be with us while we buried our miscarried child. You have encouraged us in our love of Christ and each other, calling us more and more into the deep.
- Brita and Dave Vitello, Alumni, Northeastern

With great joy, I express my love and respect for the Brothers. Their eyes have been fixed on the Lord for the entire 40+ years I have known them. Much credit goes to Fr. Philip, the founder whom the Lord gave the vision for what the Brotherhood of Hope could become. The Lord has truly blessed the Brothers and they in turn have brought so many young people to Jesus on many campuses across the country. Forty years is a long time, Brothers. You have stood the test of time. The Lord must be very pleased. May God continue to use you in bringing young men and women to His Son for years to come.
- Jim Manhardt, Vero Beach, FL
 

BONUS REFLECTIONS

*Not published in the printed magazine

So many precious memories came flooding in as we heard of your 40th anniversary.  You have filled our lives with joy in knowing you and have made hope alive.
- Jim and Lois Galbraith, Tallahassee, FL

I met my future wife at a Brotherhood campus ministry. We have been married for 10 years and have three kids, so I often reflect with gratitude on the fact that we were brought together through the Brothers’ welcoming ministry.
- Jeffrey Estano, Alumni

How the Brotherhood Inspired My Life... In summary, it’s how the brothers have loved the Lord Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength…and I have been a witness and recipient of this love. From working with Ken Apuzzo (teaching Biology and Business Math) and Bob Oliver (making the video at Koinonia Academy back in the day), being the recipient of Jude Lasota’s wisdom and tutoring while planting trees on Mary St. in 1985, working with Rahl Bunsa as we figured out becoming part of the Sword of the Spirit, to receiving the encouragement and guidance of Fr. Philip on many occasions…and so much more. Keep going Brothers, keep inspiring all of us to “finish strong.” Jesus Is Lord! 
- Dave Touhill, Friend

I was blessed to meet the Brothers when I was a grad student at Tufts. I was attending evangelical churches but raised Catholic. Brother Patrick and Brother Gary were at Mass. We bonded and I started attending the youth adult group and going to men's ministry events. Just grew in my faith.
- Brendan Woodburn, Alumni, Boston, MA

When I was in college at Rutgers from 1987-1991, I got to know the Brothers and seriously considered joining them. Fortunately for all of us, God called me elsewhere, but I have kept the memory of these men, the example they have set, and the lifelong friendships. I also worked for Jude Lasota, when he had his landscaping business. I even learned to drive a stick shift when he tossed me the keys to the dump truck, warned me about the 'chatter' in second gear (whatever that meant) and took off leaving me to navigate the Bayway circle on my own. The man is a marvel for it worked and I learned how to do it!  I have too many wonderful memories of the great times and the incredible witness of Br. Rahl, who I worked with, Fr. Philip, who is the greatest, Br. Joe, who worked with me at LaSota Landscaping and many, many more!  Deus Gratias!
- Timothy Gallic, Alumni, Rutgers

I met the Brothers from the perspective of a Catholic convert, as early in college I experienced Confirmation, Reconciliation, & Communion for the first time. Those Sacraments were the fundamental forces in my spiritual development, but at the same time there were the Brothers who obediently accompanied and cultivated the growth that those Sacraments provided, giving me a love that consisted of sound counsel, joyful fellowship, sincerity, humility, devotion, and most of the other virtues one can think of, all of which were not just “generally shared” with our vibrant Catholic Student Union community, but were imparted to me very frequently in tight-knit settings, even in just hanging with one of the Brothers somewhere on campus or in a nearby coffee shop, just one of them and me. My life really changed during my time at Florida State, and the Brothers are the primary people to thank for that. I hope they can do for others even half of what they did for me.
- Zeke Taylor, Alumni, Florida, Convert

I remember when the Brothers of Hope first arrived in Tallahassee. Their presence immediately radiated a Christ-centered sense of joy, peace, and hope.
- Brad Poore, FL

I met Brother Jason Zink some years ago in church. I asked prayers for my daughter which I received.
- Virginia Dwyer, Friend, Florida

So many Brotherhood of Hope stories, but my favorite starts when I went to Toronto for World Youth Day in 2002. It was early Sunday morning and we went looking for a bathroom. Many of us got split up but I found Br. Stephen. We started to walk back to our place but we were cut off by the barriers where Pope John Paul was coming. We were in the second row. I am short but Br. Stephen, as you probably know, is tall. This was before everyone had cell phones and digital cameras. I asked Br. Stephen to take a picture of the Pope as he was driving past. It really was amazing to be so close to the now St. Pope John Paul. Two weeks later when I got my very anticipated pictures of the Pope I could not stop laughing. Br. Stephen took several pictures of Pope’s hat, back and head, LOL. I could have taken better pictures from my 5'2” position, but the story always makes me laugh more than the pictures ever would have given joy!
- Adrianne Niall

I transferred into Rutgers New Brunswick back in 2012 and knew no one. I was honestly afraid since it was such a huge place. I luckily got in touch with the CSA and men’s group with the Brotherhood of Hope. Really thankful for accepting me. The Knights of Columbus and the Brotherhood of Hope have been major influences on me and my discernment of the diaconate.
- Alec Hughes, Alumni, Rutgers

I loved my experience with the Brotherhood of Hope and Catholic Student Union when I was a student at FSU from 1993-1996. I have always been a devout Catholic. With the Brothers I had a conversion experience as many of us have during our lives. My faith grew in the way of faith through community. I had always been a weekly and many times daily communicant. However, what I mean is that the Brothers helped cement the spirit of community in my faith more and helped me grow in my relationship with Jesus. When I moved back to greater Boston, the metro area I first moved from at age 13, I eventually met my wife Julie Daniels Maffei, at BH Boston in Somerville. Happy Anniversary Brothers!!! 
- Jim Maffei, Alumni, FSU

I first met the Brotherhood of Hope when they took over the campus ministry at Boston University in my Junior year. I was discouraged because of the frequent turnover I had experienced. He would be the third priest in my three years there. However, my discouragement turned to joy relatively quickly in the fall semester of that year once I came to experience the Brotherhood of Hope and their ministry to us on campus! These men were REAL MEN, deeply rooted in the love of Jesus and so full of joy! One thing that really stood out to me was on our Fall retreat that first year. Fr. Paul spent 5-6 straight hours hearing Confessions from retreatants! I knew then and there that Fr. Paul (& the Brotherhood of Hope) were all in! Nothing was more important to them than leading us to Christ and helping us have a real encounter with Him through the Sacraments.
- Christine Sutherland, Alumni, Friend

The First FSU Student retreat (ever) I did with Brother Ken, Brother Sam, and Brother Philip, truly tested me in more ways than one. When (now Fr.) Joe Fowler, and I drove to the first retreat site with the Brothers, and we were the only ones who followed the detour signs. We were the last ones there. When we asked the Brother's how everyone got there so quickly, they told us that they followed the direction and ignored all the detour signs. That time when Br. Ken advised he would be helping CSU Joe Fowler and I, put on the retreat. I thought he was crazy, when he kept talking about this monstrous thing that would be built and put up during the entire retreat. How I miss seeing it now. All the times we sang in the parish center with Br. Sam and/or Br. Phil playing the guitar.
- Angela Baratta, Alumni, FSU

My experience with the brotherhood has been overwhelmingly positive from the day that I walked into the Rutgers Catholic Center. I was introduced to Br. Pat Reilly and we talked for a bit about my interests as we waited for the CSA Luau Night to begin. Then I met Br. Pat Stucker who did quite a bit since I started the CSA Men's Night. He helped me on my journey to become a Christian man from offering me Driving Lessons to just talking to me around once a week on the phone after Quarantine began. He was so open to whatever I had to say whether it was theological questions such as why God hardened the Pharaoh's heart or advice on overcoming certain sins. The Brotherhood of Hope at Rutgers University, along with Saint Paul's Outreach, are central to the Catholic Student Association and its retreats and events. Br. Pat Stucker in particular was heavily involved in the Spring Retreat and ensuring the Men's Virginia trip was successful. I couldn't be any more thankful for them.
- Meliton Rulloda, Rutgers, Student