In the Roman Catholic Church, consecrated life is one of the many beautiful gifts given to the People of God. The Diocese of Corpus Christi is blessed with a variety of congregations or institutes of consecrated life involving three traditional forms: religious institutes, secular institutes and societies of apostolic life. Although expressions of that consecration may vary, the main elements remain the same, and the gifts they offer in service to the People of God make each congregation unique.
All institutes of consecrated life include a commitment to God through the traditional vows of poverty, celibate chastity and obedience. All include a commitment to a common life shared within the context of a community. (This sharing often includes wearing clothing and/or a specific symbol that identifies membership in a particular congregation.) All are founded with a particular charism or gift given the community through the founder(s) for the purpose of sharing with the rest of the People of God. This charism is specifically stated for each congregation, as is its mission - the focus for action, by which a congregation shares its gift with the Church. Finally, each congregation chooses particular ministries, or works, by which its members can achieve their mission and share their gift.
Several Religious Orders of men and women are serving within the Diocese of Corpus Christi. For more information, visit the Consecrated Life Web page on the Diocese Web site at www.diocesecc.org/consecratedlife.