Main Characteristics of the Vocation to Consecrated Life
in Secular Institutes and in Religous Institutes

 

CONSECRATED SECULARS

CONSECRATED RELIGIOUS

Formation

 Formation stems from founder's view & specific charism, carried out within the secular world, minimum of 8 years, 3 years before first dedication; plus 5 years before perpetual or definitive dedication. Particular education and training in the ways of the founder, minimum of 5 years, 2 years of novitiate in community, plus 3 years before perpetual or definitive dedication.

Witness to Christ

 More private; e.g. as a member of the laity for consecrated secular members; as a secular cleric for consecrated priest members. More public; as a sister, brother or priest. Attire is secular or in a special habit; many wear a special symbol.

Dedication or Consecration

 Includes the evangelical counsels of poverty, celibate chastity and obedience. Sacred bond established by vows / vow and promises. Viewed as public vows. Includes the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. Made by profession of religious vows or vow and promises. Public vows.

Finances

 Consecrated secular lay members usually provide for their own health insurance, retirement and expenses for daily living. Priest consecrated members usually have health insurance and retirement paid by the diocese. Religious consecrated lay members give their salaries to their religious community who provide for health insurance, retirement and expenses of daily living

Residence

 Most often reside alone in own residence; members have a strong sense of communion. The majority tend to reside in community; some live alone.

Apostolate or Mission

 Individually applied within the secular world of work, social life and politics by living the Gospel message according to a specific charism/spirituality. Some institutes have a special corporate apostolate. Usually have a special apostolate or mission in line with the vision and charism of the religious order's founder.

Identity

 Consecration is inseperable from the secularity and the apostolate; known as consecrated seculars. Known as lay religious; some as consecrated religious.

Source:

United States Conference of Secular Institutes
Post Office Box 4556; Washington, DC 20017

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