Response:
In one sense, the difference can easily be stated – deacons are ordained members of the clergy, and brothers are vowed lay members of a religious community.

In today’s Church, deacons are often married men who feel called to serve the Body of Christ in the ordained ministry. After extensive study [3 to 5 years, depending on the diocese], they are ordained by the Bishop. They assist the celebrant at Mass, sometimes preach, can do Baptisms and Weddings and are often at Christian burials. They learn how to talk with the parishioners so they can live a better Christian life. Most work at their regular jobs to earn their living, and some are paid staff members of the parish they serve.

A brother is a man who feels called to serve the Church in a religious community, following a vocation similar to a nun’s. Besides academic learning needed for their work and general education, brothers would also receive training in the spirit of their community and the Christian life. Brothers in different communities serve in different ways. For example, some communities of brothers are teachers or nurses. In the Vincentians [the community I belong to], brothers do a variety of jobs. One brother in my house is the Brother Carmen who puts this reflection together for the Miraculous Medal Association.  He used to be a teacher.  The other brother here, Brother Frank, is a member of the staff, and is sacristan for our four chapels, and has other jobs serving the people who come here for programs and spiritual exercises.

Every person in the Church has a vocation, married or single, religious or clergy. With God’s help, we can figure out the one that we are called to. The Holy Spirit distributes these vocations so that the Church has the people needed in service for the benefit of the Church’s mission.