Consecrated life is a gift given by Christ who chooses a person individually to respond to His great love in a special relationship. He asks that person to leave some aspects of the world (such as marriage and following secular goals) to put themselves at the service of their brothers and sisters.

Consecrated life is a vocation just as marriage and diocesan priesthood are. Both men and women can choose to consecrate their lives to Christ as a way to seek an intimate relationship with Him. These men and women give witness that Christ is ultimately who we are called to be united to. They live the truth that only Christ can satisfy the deepest longings in a person’s heart, and witness that this union provides a deeper joy than the secular world can give. In effect they are previewing the way we will relate to Christ in heaven.

Those in consecrated life generally join a religious order. There are scores of religious orders - some founded centuries ago by saints, and some founded more recently to fulfill a particular need. Consecrated life is most often shared in a community which is united to live out their common mission together.

Some religious orders are considered “contemplative,” which means that prayer is central to their day. There are variations with a few orders living mostly in silence and removed from society, while others pray frequently but also work in secular society.

Apostolic orders are more active in society and the world. Their focus may be teaching, ministering to the sick, or missionary work in the US or abroad.

Women Religious

In women’s religious communities some orders wear a “habit” which identifies them as a woman religious. Other women’s orders choose to wear “civilian” clothes to blend in more with the society within which they work, and wear a ring to identify themselves as a “spouse of Christ.” Both a ring and/or a habit are signs that let others know they belong to Christ.

Most live in community in a monastery or convent, but some orders allow apartment living so they are closer to the people they serve. All women religious are called “sister.” They either have a leader or are governed by a council.

Men Religious

Some men’s religious live in a single community, while others are dispersed and live in a house. In some orders the men wear a habit, while other orders wear clerical clothes. Their leader is called the abbot or superior, and they are obedient to him and their community’s rule of life, unlike a diocesan priest who serves the people of the diocese and is obedient to the bishop.

Men religious are known as “brother.” Through discernment and conversation with their superior, the man may either continue as a brother, or ask to further his formation in a seminary and be ordained a priest. Religious orders often help a diocese by allowing some of their priests to be assigned to a parish.

The Vows

Most men and women religious take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, while some ancient orders make a “monastic profession” which includes these virtues. They do this to live more simply and not be attached to the things of earthly life which create stress, possessiveness, and distractions. In this way they can more easily give themselves to God and depend more on Him for their needs.

• Vow of Poverty

  Just as Jesus chose to be poor out of love for us, religious men and women choose a similar lifestyle in imitation of His great love. Poverty does not mean living a destitute life. Instead it means detaching from the lure of material goods and learning to share things in common with the community, for example living quarters, vehicles, and food.

• Vow of Chastity

  Chastity means giving yourself completely to Christ – body, mind, and soul. This actually allows you a great freedom to love and serve all God’s people without the obligations of a family. In return, you receive love through a deep relationship with Jesus, the love and support of others in the community, and the joy you experience in doing His will by serving others.

• Vow of Obedience

  Those in consecrated life surrender their will in obedience to Christ and their superior to more closely imitate Him, who came to do the will of the Father. This includes actively listening to the Holy Spirit and being open to how the Lord and the community believe your gifts and talents can best be used. They respond in faith by generously offering themselves for the common good of their community.

Formation

Formation is the process of becoming a member of a religious community. Once you apply and have been accepted, you begin the process of initial formation which lasts several years. During formation you live with the community, begin theological studies, and participate in their prayer life and mission.

There are a series of stages to formation, which are known by several names. All conclude with professing final vows. Throughout the initial years of formation, both the novice and the community are deciding if this is what Christ wants for you. Both you and the community have the option to conclude religious life isn’t right for you before you would profess final vows.