Vocation
Through Baptism, each person receives ‘a call’ or
vocation. The universal call, that is to all people, is the call to holiness and
to serve. This call can be lived out in a variety of ways - as a married or
single person, or as a priest,
brother or sister.
Religious
Since all the baptized share a common relationship with God, all are called
to be ‘religious’ or holy in the
broad sense of the word. Some men and women, however, choose to live a particular
lifestyle called religious life. These people join in a community of people that follows a specific
tradition or spirituality patterned after the life and teaching of the founder of that community. Many
religious profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Sister
A sister is a woman who is a member of a particular religious community, lives
the vows and is involved in serving others.
Brother
A brother is a male member of a religious community. He, too, professes vows and is involved in a variety of ministries, though he does not administer sacraments as an ordained minister.
Priest
A diocesan priest lives and ministers in a particular geographic area called a diocese, which is governed by a bishop. He does not belong to a religious community or order. He lives
celibately and promises obedience to the bishop. Through ordained ministry, a priest proclaims God’s
word and celebrates the sacraments.
Religious priest (such as Dominican, Franciscan or Jesuit) is one who
is a member of a religious community in the same way that brothers and sisters belong to a particular religious community.
Unlike the brother or sister, he can administer sacraments as an ordained minister. He is not, as such, a minister of a particular diocese but can be involved in a variety of ministries in many
different places.
Novice
The word novice means ‘new’. This is the first stage for someone who is joining a religious community.
Novitiate is the name given to the process as well as the place where novices live.
Seminarian
A seminarian is training to be a priest. The seminary is a place where seminarians live and study.