Then & Now: Special moments of our history

LIFE-CHANGING CONVERSION

THEN: In 1975, Fr. Philip (our founder) experiences a deep conversion to Jesus Christ after being prayed over by lay people for his baptism in the Holy Spirit.

NOW: Our Brothers bring that same deep conversion to many young people and students around the country.

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NETWORK OF COMMUNITIES

THEN: We were influenced by the Servants of the Word brotherhood and the People of Hope family community, both of whom emerged from a larger movement of communities.
NOW: We have reconnected with this global ‘community of communities’ – the Sword of the Spirit – and are privileged to help advance its international mission.

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A NEW BROTHERHOOD

THEN: In 1980, five men joined Fr. Philip to start a “brotherhood” in the People of Hope family community.
NOW: We have 25 Brothers serving on five campuses and in other missions.

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WORK AND MISSION

THEN: For over a decade we mainly worked secular jobs (ex. as a lawyer, teachers, engineers, landscapers, even starting our own painting businesses), while doing ministry on the side.

NOW: We serve the Lord full time – primarily in campus ministry.

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PERPETUAL COMMITMENT

THEN: In 1985, our founding members made their lifelong commitments.
NOW: Two more Brothers are preparing for their perpetual vows, bringing us to 20 Brothers who are consecrated forever, five in temporary vows, and another 20 in initial formation.

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RUTGERS OUTREACH

THEN: In the mid-1980s we started a chapter of University Christian Outreach (UCO) at Rutgers. We did this ecumenical outreach for nearly 10 years.

NOW: We’re back at Rutgers where our campus ministry began, but this time as Catholic Brothers representing the Church.

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HEART OF THE CHURCH

THEN: In 1988, our mission came into greater focus when we sensed God calling us to serve “in the heart of the Church.” One way we responded was by sending two members to Rome for advanced studies in theology.

NOW: Our confrere Monsignor Bob Oliver serves in the Vatican. He first was summoned by Pope Benedict XVI, and then by Pope Francis to serve the Church’s international mission.

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CONSECRATED LIFE

THEN: It took several years to discern God’s call to pursue religious life. This was expressed in the early 1990s when we drafted our first canonical documents and we began wearing habits
NOW: A later version of those documents was approved in the Archdiocese of Boston, where we have the support and oversight of Cardinal Seán O’Malley.

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SERVING FLORIDA

THEN: In 1992, we received an invitation to serve in the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
NOW: In 2017, we opened our fifth campus ministry at the University of Central Florida, while our ministry at Florida State University continues to thrive.

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HEADQUARTERS BOSTON

THEN: In 1995, we moved to Boston, trying out new evangelistic efforts in the archdiocese. Eventually we were entrusted with campus ministry at Boston University.

NOW: Cardinal Seán encouraged us to expand our mission to serve students on multiple campuses in the city through our HUB outreach based at Northeastern University