An association of Roman Catholic religious brothers belonging to various religious orders or congregations. Beginning in 1959, brothers in religious communities published a quarterly Brothers' Newsletter and met at an annual Religious Brothers Institute associated with the Mission Secretariate and the annual meeting of the Mission Sending Societies. The idea for a National Assembly of Religious Brothers came about as a response to the call for renewal of religious life after Vatican II. According to its constitution (1974), the NARB was established in 1972 to encourage the spiritual development of all brothers, to promote awareness among brothers of their ministerial power for good, to provide a corporate voice for brothers in shaping the future of religious life, to heighten brothers' concern with an involvement in the needs of the Church and society, and to further communication among brothers and provide liaison with the various organizations of the Church. Regular membership is open to all religious brothers, and associate membership to all others interested in the life and ministry of brothers.