reading aloud of Scripture: "judged from the ascetic discipline and intention of this life, it had few features which distinguished it from life in a monastery", observes Hans Baron, yet still interacting with the wider community to a certain extent. The Brethren were specially involved in youth education, running or chaplaining many schools and associated hostels. Priests in a brotherhouse would become confessors for the neighbouring sisterhouse.

The Brethren of