Brother John Kachinsky, F.M.S.

School Counselor and Vocation Promoter
Central Catholic High School, Lawrence, MA

“God chooses individual men and women and calls each one personally into the desert where he speaks to their heart. He sets apart those who listen to him, and through his spirit, leads them into a continuous process of conversion and growth in his love, to send them forth on Mission.” (Constitutions of the Marist Brothers of the Schools). I am often asked “So why did you become a brother?” This question is not surprising since many people are not familiar with the vocation of a brother. Simply put, brothers are Catholic laymen who consecrate themselves to Jesus Christ through vowed membership in a religious community. This consecration is expressed through professing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Community life and ministry form the center of a brother’s life.

For the past 27 years, I have been a member of The Marist Brothers of the Schools, an international community of more than 3,400 brothers committed to the mission of making Jesus known and loved through the education of young people, especially those most neglected. The Marist Brothers continue to be inspired by St. Marcellin Champagnat, a young French priest who founded the order in 1817 to combat the illiteracy and spiritual poverty in post-Revolutionary France. Marcellin believed God called him to help young people, especially those in need. He responded by forming a religious community of brothers dedicated to educating youth and conveying the love of Jesus Christ through Mary. Fr. Champagnat often said to the early brothers, “To educate children you must love them and love them all equally.”

I came to know the Marist Brothers as a high school student and was drawn to their stellar teaching, love for young people, and commitment to the Gospel. I joined the community after college and have had the privilege of ministering as a counselor and teacher in Chicago, New York City, Japan, and presently in the Archdiocese of Boston. My work with young people and the common life I share with my confreres is filled with many blessings and clearly represents the most authentic way for me to follow in the footsteps of Christ. I pray that the Spirit continues to lead more young men to this unique and rich vocation.