The presentation brothers vocations heading

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve got a question which is not listed here, please email it to Brother Andrew: prescall@eircom.net

What is the difference between a Brother and a Priest?

The main difference is that a Priest is ordained. A brother is not. A priest, therefore, celebrates the sacraments (Mass, Confession, etc.) whereas a brother’s work focuses on serving God and His people in other ways.

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 of living simply and generously in which the Brother vows to forego the ownership of property and money.

“Jesus said to him, "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 to build the kingdom of God. It is also a call to humility.

How long does it take to become a Brother?

VisitBecoming 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.

Where will I live as a Presentation Brother?

At the moment the Presentation Brothers live and work in Ireland, England, Slovakia, Switzerland, Ghana, Nigeria, Canada, United States, St. Lucia and Grenada. Who knows where we will be in the future!