Consecrated Life and religious priests, deacons, and seminarians
In the Catholic Church it is possible to live the consecrated life as a Brother (lay religious) or as a priest, deacon, or even seminarian. Oftentimes we identify a man as an ordained minister but overlook the fact that he may also be vowed religious. There are some important difference between religious clergy and diocesan clergy.
First, religious priests, deacons, and seminarians are vowed members of a religious institute. They live in community with other religious men, who may or may not be ordained. Unlike diocesan priests, religious clergy take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and may live in a monastery, abbey, or other community setting that is appropriate to their charism and ministry. Religious clergy are first and foremost members of their particular institute. As you can see in the photograph below, religious clergy may wear the habit of their religious community as well as the vestments of ordained ministry.
First, religious priests, deacons, and seminarians are vowed members of a religious institute. They live in community with other religious men, who may or may not be ordained. Unlike diocesan priests, religious clergy take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and may live in a monastery, abbey, or other community setting that is appropriate to their charism and ministry. Religious clergy are first and foremost members of their particular institute. As you can see in the photograph below, religious clergy may wear the habit of their religious community as well as the vestments of ordained ministry.
