Who We Are

The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools—inspired by the life and vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the Patron Saint of Teachers of Youth—is an international Roman Catholic order of lay Religious Brothers. Together — and by association with their Partners in mission — the Institute strives to provide

"a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor, according to the ministry entrusted to them by the church."

In God’s Providence, De La Salle and the first Brothers established the Christian and Gratuitous Schools (now called Lasallian Schools) as a visible instrument of the reign of God, making education accessible to the young, especially those who are impoverished and marginalized.

Regions of the World . . .

The Institute sponsors schools and other educational ministries — in over 80 countries wordlwide — and is divided into a number of large geographic regions. The Region of USA/Toronto is further divided into districts. Each district has a visitor and other structures to support the ministries within the geographic area of the district, and the religious life of the Brothers.

. . . include Districts of the US

The District of Eastern North America (DENA) was canonically and legally created in September 2009 to better meet the challenges and opportunities of the Lasallian mission in the 21st century. DENA encompass the historic districts of Baltimore, Long Island-New England, and New York — all within a geographic area that reaches from Toronto to Baltimore, Detroit to Providence, and most areas in between.