Steve Waechter attended a Christian Brothers high school in Kentucky before studying at Christian Brothers University (CBU) in Memphis, graduating in 1972.

The word “family” means many things to many people. Among them are blood relatives, of course, but it can also refer to the people you let into your life—people you trust, people who are there for you, people with your best interests at heart. For me, the Christian Brothers are family and I am thankful for their role in my life.

You never know when life throws you a curveball and who will be there to lend a hand. When I was 14 and a freshman at St. Ignatius High School, I found myself in a scuffle and was consequently removed from the school.

I attended Christian Brothers schools, St. George High School and St. Mary’s University, for eight years. In those years, the Brothers had a profound influence on my life. Br. Hyacinth Bernard Lane, and his brother, Brother Robert Lane specifically, set examples and modeled compassion.

My connection with the Christian Brothers goes back to the early 60s. In 1965 I was a novice in the order and remained a Christian Brother for 19 years. I knew I wanted to be in religious life, and found myself drawn to the Brothers.

As a young man at St. George High School, the Christian Brothers had an immediate ability to relate to me as a maturing adolescent. They made me feel accepted and important—influencing my development at a critical time.

What has always impressed me about the Christian Brothers is their respect for all people, their compassionate, holistic approach to education, and their commitment to giving back to their communities and institutions.

Over the years we have seen one characteristic among the Christian Brothers that truly stands out. Selflessness. That selflessness is one reason the Brothers remain a great influence in our lives today. They share their charism with other educators.