A Jesuit brother is a man called by God to do the work of the Society of Jesus in companionship with other Jesuits, both brothers and priests. The role of brothers in the Society has changed over the centuries, affected most dramatically by the advent of universal education. So in addition to the more traditional role of taking care of the practical affairs of the Society, Jesuit brothers can be involved in all of the apostolic endeavours of the Society, with the exception of sacramental ministry.
Although a Jesuit brother believes that his call from God lies elsewhere than in ordained sacramental ministry, the formation of a Jesuit brother parallels that of a Jesuit scholastic, who is preparing to be a priest. Both brothers and scholastics have the same experiences in the novitiate, the same educational opportunities and the same religious community life. Jesuit brothers and priests share in the experiences of a developing vocation just as they share in the apostolic work of the Society.
The work of a Jesuit brother is not a job, but a religious act of placing one's skills, training and energies at the disposal of God's people. Jesuit brothers are men for others.
A man who is interested in becoming a Jesuit brother should be healthy, generous, prayerful and open to challenge. He should have at least a high school diploma and be willing to go on for further studies, which can be in either technical or professional disciplines.