ERCBNA :: 2026 Pledge: Honoring the Fourth Commandement through Education

Dear supporter,

The Fourth Commandment comes to mind each May and June with our cultural celebrations of mothers and fathers. The Commandment was reiterated by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise— ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’” Ephesians 6:1-3

This year I invite you to consider honoring your parents and this promise with prayer remembrances honoring parents included in our Christian Brothers offerings and simultaneously help our efforts to improve the lives of young people in need in our missions in Africa and Brownsville, Texas so they too may enjoy a long and productive life on earth.

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In Brownsville, the Brothers co-sponsor Guadalupe Regional Middle School. It provides an all-scholarship, quality education designed to deepen the commitment to living out the values of our Catholic faith for boys and girls in grades six, seven, and eight whose families desire but cannot afford the same traditional instruction offered in other schools.

The academically challenging curriculum is taught by a collaboration of our Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, the Sisters of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, and the Marist Brothers of the Schools.

They give students the means to live the gospel values of love, justice, self-discipline, and respect for others.

Through our work in Brownsville, these young people are given the means to become the future leaders of their communities.

Who We Are

Guadalupe Regional Middle School (GRMS) in Brownsville, Texas, is an accredited, all-scholarship, private Catholic school for boys and girls in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. It provides an all-scholarship, quality education designed to deepen the commitment to living out the values of our Catholic faith for families who desire but cannot afford traditional instruction.

Our Educational Mission

Established by a collaboration of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, the Sisters of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, and the Marist Brothers of the Schools, GRMS teaches students the means to live the gospel values of love, justice, self-discipline, and respect for others. Through our work in Brownsville, these young people are given the means to become the future leaders of their communities.

Student Success

The school community benefits from positive peer pressure, increased school spirit, and healthy competition. Recently, sixth graders from GRMS displayed their exceptional math skills, competing in the IXL Spring Learning Showdown — placing an impressive 17th overall against thousands of schools all over the world.

$GRMS students celebrating$

Guadalupe Regional Middle School is devoted to the transformative power of Catholic education. It is a precious resource for a community without many other choices. GRMS is committed to offering students traditional Christian religious instruction, college preparatory training, and an education for the whole individual — with dedication and zeal.

In Africa, the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Province is experiencing robust growth as the people there face persistent challenges. The Brothers operate missions throughout the continent including in Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Zambia. Central to all their work is the focus on helping families who struggle to provide for the needs of their children.

Providing education and meals for children
Teaching vocational skills in mechanics, metal fabrication, and electrical training to vulnerable youth
Promoting human rights education, including empowering adolescent girls, advocacy, and training
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of caregivers of children with disabilities

True to Blessed Edmund's charism, the Brothers work in Africa target the "margins of society," providing both academic and spiritual education, while addressing human needs like nutrition, vocational training, and healthcare. The Africa Province stands with communities to build a future where every person can thrive.

Their Notable Programs Include:

Edmund Rice Catholic Education Centre, Nairobi

Edmund Rice Catholic Education Centre — Embulbul, Nairobi, Kenya

A comprehensive school offering Nursery, primary, secondary education and vocational training, along with a microfinance project supporting local women in the community.

St. Paul's Skills Centre — Mazabuka, Zambia

Established in 1981, the centre empowers youth who were unable to progress academically with life skills. More than 2,000 young people have been equipped and now earn income across industries throughout the country.

Mary Rice Centre, Kibera — Nairobi, Kenya

Supports children with disabilities through basic learning, prevocational and vocational skills, therapy services and outreach programs. Also supports parents through skill training in beadwork, tailoring, and dressmaking.