The Congregation of Christian Brothers

Following the example of Edmund Ignatius Rice, their founder, the Brothers have worked in education-related ministries throughout the world since 1802. The first school was set up in Waterford, Ireland to assist young boys to become good Catholics and good citizens. This foundation served as the model for all the missions of the Brothers down through the years.

In the early years of the Congregation the Brothers spread rapidly throughout Ireland setting up schools to serve the Catholics who desired an education in their faith as well as in academics, culture and athletics. Soon word of their endeavours spread and requests came in from around the world for Brothers to come and set up schools. England and Gibraltar were two early mission areas, followed closely by Australia and India. The first permanent mission of the Brothers in North America was in St. John's Newfoundland, in 1876. This mission became the foundation for a series of schools and institutions that spread throughout the Americas and continue to this day.

In Canada, the Brothers continue the tradition of Edmund in St. John's where they administer a high school and an alternate education facility for students who have dropped out of the mainstream educational system. In Ontario, they administer a high school in Toronto and conduct a retreat program for young people at a retreat centre near Toronto. This program serves a large number of high school and post-secondary groups. A number of volunteers assist the Brothers in this venture. British Columbia has three schools administered by the Brothers. Vancouver College, a K-12 all boys university prep school, St. Thomas More Collegiate, a Grade 8-12 university prep school in Burnaby, and St. Ann's Academy a K-12 co-ed school administered for the Diocese of Kamloops. Bishop O'Grady, a Grade 8-12 co-ed school in the Diocese of Prince George, was administered by the Christian Brothers up until 1997. Vancouver College, the first establishment of the Brothers in Western Canada, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

The Brothers headquarters are in Rome where the Congregational leadership team maintains the international connection of the Brothers with the Church in Rome.

There are presently about 2,000 Brothers throughout the world. The various ministries include, besides the primary mission of education for young people, adult education, teacher training, hospital ministry, homes for disadvantaged youth, refugee work and other situations. The extended "family" of Edmund Ignatius Rice thus continues his work and ministry of education of heart, mind, body and soul.