Perhaps a better question might be :

“Who could be a Brother ?”—but there is a point in asking—Who would…….?
--or even—who would like to find out about it—give it a try ?

Some of the characteristics of who would or could then include—
* Male—surprise ! surprise !—why not female vowed followers of Edmund ?—not impossible, but not on the books at present
* Post school e.g. from mid 20s on
* Some experience and /or qualifications --post school
* Catholic
* Commitment to social justice—e.g. as expressed in the charism of Edmund Rice
* Willingness to try a complete dedication of life

What does it involve ?

• Initially it would involve a discussion / conversation about the possibility—certainly with no commitment at this stage.
• Then, if you decided to progress the conversation there would be a period of “candidature”—again no commitment, but the opportunity to learn more, pray and study it a bit—but whilst still continuing with your current life.
• The next step, if agreed, would be a period called “novitiate”—for one or two years—now in an appropriate place for study, experiencing the life, living and working with brothers and others—during this time ,again, there is no formal commitment and you would be free to leave at any time—but you would, in the novice sense, be a brother during the novitiate period.
• After this, if you decide to proceed, you would take the vows for a period of one year. You would by now be active in a ministry and/ or pursuing further studies.
• Then you would be able to make “annual vows” for another five years , or so—there is some flexibility about the number of years here.
• After the appropriate number of years making annual vows you would have the opportunity to make a more on-going commitment—called Final Vows. In these you would state your intention of continuing as a brother for the rest of your life. It is worth noting that, having made these final vows in good faith it is possible to be dispensed from them should something make that the best course of action for you.