For I know well the plans I have in mind for you...plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
Consecrated life takes a number of forms - brothers and sisters, monks and nuns, as well as consecrated virgins. Those called to the consecrated life give themselves totally to God and the service of His Church.
Religious Brothers and Sisters live together in community, but exercise a particular apostolate in the larger community within which they live. Many religious are teachers, doctors, and missionaries at home and abroad. Examples of these orders are Dominicans and Franciscans.
Monks and nuns live in a cloistered (secluded) life of work and prayer, and rarely leave their monestaries or convents. They support the universal church through their prayers. Examples of these orders are the Cistercians, Carthusians, and Trappists.
Consecrated virgins are those whom God has called to live a single life, dedicated to God while living and working in the world.
Consecrated religious are generally bound by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, known as the Evangelical counsels
God calls many men and women to give themselves to one another in marriage. They are helpmates to each other on their journey to eternity, and through their love they raise children to love and serve God and neighbor.
God calls some men to serve Him as priests. A priest dedicates himself to the service of the Church through his threefold office of teaching, governing, and sanctifying. A priest intercedes for the people of God and provides for their sacramental and spiritual needs. A priest takes vows of celibacy and obedience, and is expected to live a simple life.
Is God calling you to the priesthood?
Wondering if you might be called to the priesthood? Check out this website and survey: http://diocesanpriest.com/am-i-being-called-united-states/.
If God is calling you to the priesthood, please contact Father Jason Kern, Director of Vocations at 507-858-1253 or [email protected].