A dictionary for discerners
It may seem that religious life has a language all its own. Here’s a guide to
understanding some of the terms you might hear in discerning a vocation
with a religious community.
A GLossARy oF RELiGioUs LiFE
elderly, work with young people, service
to the poor, and many others.
in the context of consecrated religious
life, apostolic religious communities are
engaged for the most part in active ministries. While prayer and community life are
important to them, their members serve in
a variety of ways: teaching, parish ministry, health care, social work, care for the
A meeting of the members of a religious
community to discuss and decide on
policy, leadership, and the direction of
the community. Chapter meetings can
occur at several levels, from the local to
Carol Schuck Scheiber is con-
tent editor of VISION.
A religious community’s particular
spirit, way of life, and focus, which
grows out of its history, traditions, and
founder. From the Greek word