Christian Brother John Montgomery always believed he had a religious vocation, though he initially was not sure if it was to the priesthood or to the brothers who had taught him at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento.

"It was the good example of the brothers in high school who made the difference," says the principal of Cathedral High School just north of downtown Los Angeles. Most of Brother Montgomery's 25 years of religious life, in fact, have been spent at Cathedral --- which, in a way, serves as his very own "cathedral."

"A life of prayer can be lived in a school as well as in a church building," he says. "For me, a school is a cathedral."

Since the founding of Cathedral High School in 1925, the Christian Brothers have operated the high school for boys with one spirit: to provide the best Catholic education possible for young men, especially for those from neighborhoods who might not be able to afford it. Young men have attended Cathedral from parishes in Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, East Los Angeles, Echo Park and Pasadena, through numerous population shifts and neighborhood changes; the current student population is close to 700.

The school is the legacy of the Christian Brothers and their wise founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, who from the beginning attempted to provide free education for the poor. The mission of Christian Brothers schools today (including La Salle in Pasadena) is based on the philosophy of education of their founder, the patron saint of teachers.

"The greatest miracle you can perform is to touch the heart of your students," said St. John Baptist de La Salle, and it is readily quoted by Brother Montgomery, whose own post-high school education included St. Mary's College in Moraga. "The quality of their community life was something that I saw and felt and I saw it especially in the brothers I knew," he says.

He saw the effects of their education on his life and he felt drawn to teaching, wanting to make that difference in the lives of young people. "I wanted a future that provided many opportunities for personal growth, academic life," he says.

Brother Montgomery has been Cathedral's principal since 1998, after 12 years as its vice principal. Cathedral's faculty includes seven Christian Brothers, more here than any other Lasallian School on the West Coast.

"We are blessed to have a very dedicated faculty who participate in Christian Brothers formation programs," adds the principal.

"And because we have a special commitment to educate working class families in Los Angeles," he continues, "our drive is to be able to provide academic scholarships and need-based financial aid."

Sophomores Ernesto Brooks and Matthew Herrera are typical of the young men of Cathedral High School.

Brooks, who attended Sacred Heart School in Lincoln Heights, has a 3.2 GPA and "lots of responsibilities." He has not seen his dad since he was four. His single mom is unemployed and he really wanted to attend a Catholic school, but thought his dream might be lost until he came to Cathedral, applied for financial aid and was able to get in.

An altar server at Sacred Heart, Brooks now believes his dream of becoming a defense attorney or maybe an actor is possible. He would like to attend UCLA, or if that is not possible, then Cal State Northridge.

"Cathedral is a good school," he says. "They help you and push you to try hard. When you fall behind, they help you get back on track."

Herrera says he had two cousins who graduated from Cathedral and they told him "the atmosphere was a good one. So I thought I could do well in my classes here."

Herrera, who has a 4.14 GPA, also wants to become a defense attorney and would like to attend USC. "I feel that my personality, attitude and drive is what a lawyer needs," says the oldest of four children, whose family attends St. Thomas More Church, Alhambra.

"My parents feel I can progress and do well at Cathedral. And I like it here. I feel like I am on the right path for myself. I'm involved in sports, I keep up my grades and I'm involved with my family. I love them. And I feel good because I will make it into college first and set an example for my brothers and sisters."

"Cathedral is more about brotherhood. The teachers are lively, fun to talk with, easy to communicate with, and we have a lot of pride here. I hope to give back to Cathedral for everything they have given me."

Such sentiments let Brother Montgomery know that his years of vocational service have made a difference --- like the example of the brothers who taught him.

"You know you're doing a special work when 100 percent of your graduating class goes on to a college or university, and service to others is as important as the college or university they choose to attend," he says. "At Cathedral this isn't just a high school. It is an opportunity. It is where we can instill confidence."