Some Christians choose to follow God by joining a Religious order or Congregation, there are two main types of religious life:

They lead a life away from society, they are enclosed orders

They lead a life of PRAYER and WORK

Examples:Carmelites, Poor Clares - for women

Carthusians, Cistercians - for men

They will lead a life of prayer but they live in society

They lead a life in the community, working for those in need:

Poor Sick Elderly and Teaching

Examples: Notre Dame de Namur - for women

Christian brothers - for men

Religious men and women are consecrated to God by three vows, these are called

Evangelical Councils - they are not considered commands but gifts

They are:

POVERTY - all personal possessions are available for the use of the church, they are not tied

down so that they are free to go where ever they may be needed in the world

CHASTITY - a person is free to serve anyone, anywhere at anytime as they are not

responsible for a family

OBEDIENCE - obedience to God by being dedicated to the work of their congregation

These vows are first made when a person is consecrated to God at their profession - at first these vows are made for a limited period (E.g. 1 year) after this if a person is sure a final profession is made, and this time the vows are made for life.