Consecrated Life
Religious Life
Whether brother or sister, monk or nun, those persons whom God calls to live the vocation of consecrated religious life respond to a call of living the life of Christ. While their expression of this life may differ depending upon gender, community, charism, and apostolic work, in essence they have been called to give their life to Christ in service to his Church. No one job or career defines the life or work of the man or woman who discerns this vocation. More aptly, the defining character is the witness of joy and holiness they gain through Christ’s love.
The religious brother’s commitment is one sign and living proof that Christ is still among us as the One who is Brother to us all. In his life of celibacy, poverty, and obedience the brother challenges us to be responsible with our use of power, love, and material goods.
Sharing in the intimate life of Christ as bride to the bridegroom, the sister is a sign to the world that God is love. In consecrating her life to Christ, she lives vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She has given her life entirely to the Lord so that he may draw her deeper into a relationship of love.
Often times, brothers and sisters live in community. Together they draw strength and support for their life of sacrifice and service. They are bound together by a deep desire to live as Christ, thus witnessing to the world that the Lord is present. While each community models themselves after a particular spiritual leader, charism, and service to the church, all communities seek to give a face to the person of Christ in the modern world.
Diocesan Hermit Life
A diocesan hermit enters the consecrated state by professing the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience into the hands of his bishop, who is his/her superior, according to an approved rule of life. He lives a life of solitude, prayer, and penance. Both men and women may become diocesan hermits. While hermits typically live alone, some live in clusters called laura. This vocation is rare and does not yet exist in the Diocese of Sioux Falls.
Consecrated Virginity
The virgin who has received the consecration of virgins living in the world through her bishop is a spouse of Christ, a living sign of the Church as virgin-bride and virgin-mother. In receiving the consecration, she commits to maintaining perpetual virginity and becomes a member of the consecrated state. While she does not take vows, she joyfully lives a life of intercessory prayer for the people of God, especially for the people of her diocese.
Members of Secular Institutes
A member of a secular institute follows the evangelical counsels and professes them by vow or sacred bond. The member of the secular institute belongs in the lay, secular state (or in the case of one in holy orders, the clerical state), and is supposed to be as leaven in the world by spreading the Gospel primarily by their example and in some cases, in the exercise of a particular apostolate.
What's the difference?
Are you confused about the difference between these distinct vocations? Check out the chart below to see what makes them different!
