Vocations Unit 2

Poverty

Renouncing personal possessions to live a life of simplicity and dependence on God.

Chastity

A commitment to celibacy, dedicating oneself fully to God instead of marriage.

Obedience

Submitting one’s will to God and the authority of religious superiors.

Religious Life

A vocation where members live in a community, take formal vows, and follow a specific rule of life.

Consecrated Virginity

A vocation where women dedicate themselves to lifelong virginity and service to the Church while remaining in secular society.

Secular Institutes

Groups of consecrated individuals who live in the world rather than a religious community while taking vows and living out the Evangelical Counsels.

Societies of Apostolic Life

Groups dedicated to serving the Church while living in community but without formal religious vows.

Eremitic Life

A solitary life of prayer and penance, following the tradition of hermits.

Anticipation of Heaven

Consecrated life reflects the heavenly reality where people live fully for God, without marriage or personal possessions.

Role of a Consecrated Virgin

A woman dedicated to Christ, living a life of prayer and service while remaining in the secular world.

Consecration by a Bishop

Consecrated virgins are set apart for God through a special liturgical rite performed by the local bishop.

Religious Orders

Communities founded by saints, each with a specific mission, charism, and work in the world.

Franciscans

Founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century, this order emphasizes poverty, humility, and care for creation. They live simply and serve the poor, following the Rule of St. Francis.

Dominicans

Founded by St. Dominic in the early 13th century, this order is dedicated to preaching, education, and combating heresy. Known as the “Order of Preachers,” they emphasize intellectual study and theological teaching.

Carmelites

Tracing their origins to hermits living on Mount Carmel in the 12th century, this order focuses on contemplative prayer, silence, and devotion to the Virgin Mary. The Carmelite tradition includes both active and cloistered branches.

Augustinians

Based on the Rule of St. Augustine, this order was founded in the 13th century and focuses on community life, service to the Church, and intellectual pursuits. They emphasize interior conversion and unity in love.

Origins of Eremitic Life

Began in the early Church when Christians sought solitude in the desert for prayer and asceticism.

Monastic life

Developed when hermits formed communities under a shared rule.

Advantages of Religious Life

Community support, structured prayer, and a clear mission.

Disadvantages of Religious Life

Less personal independence, strict rules, and lifelong commitment.

Advantages of Consecrated Virginity

More personal freedom, direct service to the world, and deep spiritual commitment.

Disadvantages of Consecrated Virginity

Lack of community support, no structured way of life, and societal misunderstanding.

Advantages of Eremitic Life

Deep solitude for prayer, simplicity, and focus on God.

Disadvantages of Eremitic Life

Extreme isolation, self-sufficiency required, and lack of external support.

evangelical counsels

Poverty, Chastity, obedience

Twice

How many times do consecrated people usually take vows