Meet The Brothers

An elderly man with white hair and glasses stands outside on a snowy sidewalk in front of a white house, wearing a dark hoodie and blue pants.

Brother Walter Zwierchowski, FIC

Brother Walter serves as the local superior of the Alfred community and is a driving force behind the Brothers' modern social advocacy. With a Master’s in Religious Education and years spent teaching theology and managing student residences in New York and Massachusetts, he has always blended academic instruction with deep pastoral care. Today, he leads the community's charitable initiatives—including major food drives and partnerships with the York County Shelter Programs. Despite his busy administrative duties, his philosophy remains profoundly simple: "We are men of prayer first... everything flows from that."

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Brother Jerome Lessard, FIC

Brother Jerome’s life represents the intellectual and executive heart of the Brothers of Christian Instruction. Armed with dual Master’s degrees in Sacred Science and Pastoral Theology, he spent years shaping the next generation as a Novice Master and theology instructor. His exceptional leadership led him to serve as the Provincial Superior of the American Province and the Chairman of the Board for Walsh University. Today, he continues his legacy of servant leadership by assisting on the Alfred leadership team, bringing decades of wisdom, deep friendships, and a joyful spirit to Shaker Hill.

An elderly person wearing winter gear, including a dark beanie, glasses, gloves, a black jacket, and black pants, standing on snow with ski poles and skis, in a snowy, wooded area.

Brother Raymond Fortin, FIC

Brother Raymond’s legacy is defined by a total, uncompromising gift of self. For 42 years—35 of them at Mount Assumption and Seton Catholic in New York—he was a master mathematics educator, athletic coach, principal, and Dean of Students. His missionary zeal also took him to classrooms in Tanzania and Japan. But he is perhaps most legendary for his relentless work ethic, famously plowing snow in the freezing midnight hours so students could safely attend school. For Brother Raymond, physical labor and faith are one and the same: "My prayers are my work."

An elderly man with glasses and a mustache, wearing a green shirt with pens in the pocket, sitting at a restaurant table with a birthday dessert with a lit candle, holding a smartphone in his left hand, and smiling at the camera.

Brother Albert Heinrich, FIC

Brother Albert is a premier science and mathematics educator who believes that learning is a lifelong, sacred pursuit. His teaching career required immense adaptability, including years spent providing high-level scientific instruction to a diverse, multinational student body in Tokyo, Japan. After relocating to Alfred, his pedagogical drive remained undiminished; he transitioned to teaching astronomy to adult learners at the Senior College of York County. Today, he beautifully balances his scientific inquiry with active charity, volunteering his meticulous organizational skills at the local food distribution center.

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Brother Daniel Caron, FIC

Brother Daniel’s journey perfectly illustrates a life of administrative excellence and steady leadership. Beginning as a highly effective chemistry and biology teacher, his strategic foresight led to a 12-year tenure as a high school principal, where he guided his school through complex economic transitions. His executive talents were eventually called upon to serve as the Provincial Superior, leading the entire American Province. Having celebrated over 60 years of religious life, Brother Daniel now serves as the vital financial treasurer for the Alfred community, ensuring the mission continues to thrive.

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Brother Charles Thomas, FIC

Brother Charles’s extensive career has been defined by his absolute willingness to step in wherever he is needed most. Demonstrating profound pastoral flexibility, he has served as a teacher, an athletic director, a high school principal, and a Dean of Resident Students. He specialized in roles that required intense emotional endurance and a steady, guiding presence for young men. Today, he brings over half a century of diverse pastoral experience, incredible resilience, and irreplaceable institutional memory to the daily life of the Alfred community.

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Brother Henry Monday, FIC

Brother Henry represents the vibrant, global future of the Brothers of Christian Instruction. Born in Uganda—a country where American and Canadian Brothers spent decades building schools and missions—Brother Henry is part of a beautiful "reverse mission." He traveled from a flourishing African province to the United States to support the historical motherhouse in Maine. As the primary caretaker of the Shaker Hill campus, his relentless daily labor ensures the massive spiritual center remains operational, beautifully bridging the African and American chapters of the Mennaisian family.