Are you aware of the ways you can participate in a religious order as a single or married layperson? 

 

 

Laypersons Were Recognized in the Early Church 

 

As early as the 1st century, St. Clement of Rome, the fourth pope, recognized unofficial congregation members that were not ordained clergy. (You can find this distinction between priests and laymen in Chapter 40 of the Epistle to the Corinthians.) 

 

 

Religious Orders Were Assisted by Laypersons by the Middle Ages 

 

In the 8th and 9th centuries, associations of prayer and charitable activities, as well as monastic affiliates, were growing. Trade guilds also added a spiritual component to their frameworks to provide church burials and prayers for their deceased members. This laid the groundwork for confraternities. 

 

By the Middle Ages, lay associations adapted rules for monastic life to provide structure and their presence continued to spread. Third Orders or “tertiaries” grew in the 13th century for those who could not enter religious orders due to other obligations or marriage. 

 

 

First, Second, and Third Orders in the Catholic Church 

 

When people in a religious community take vows to live a particular lifestyle, it is said that they are members of a religious order. These vows may include poverty, chastity, obedience or prayer, silence, and penance. Vows serve as guides to prevent distraction from things of the world and instead enable those who take them to focus on their duties. 

 

Some religious communities focus on the contemplative life of prayer in a monastery or convent, while others are active in the world through service. Still others combine the contemplative and active life in their Rule. 

 

Each religious community has a document, also called a Rule or Rule of Life, that provides a framework for living made of rules and regulations of daily conduct and lifestyle. 

 

Some religious communities have more than one order or rule: 

• First order refers to men who are priests, monks, friars, lay brothers. 

• Second order is comprised of women who typically live a secluded contemplative life.  

• Third order includes both men and women laity. 

 

 

Five Catholic Religious Orders You Can Join as a Layperson 

 

There are many societies and apostolates that laypersons can join. In addition, religious orders each have a distinct charism of how they bring Christ to the world. (It’s possible to belong to both types.) 

 

A person must be a practicing Catholic and at least 18 years old. Also, there is typically a period of prayer and formation as part of the process of discernment before vows or solemn promises are made. Below are five examples for you to explore: 

 

 

1. Augustinians 

 

Third Order Augustinians remain faithful to their vocations under the inspiration of the spirituality of St. Augustine of Hippo. 

 

They are contemplatives in action: they search for God inwardly, practice love of neighbor, and follow the Rule of St. Augustine. 

 

To learn more, contact one of the three provinces in the United States: 

• Province of St. Thomas of Villanova (East Coast and remote) 

• Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Midwest) 

• St. Augustine Province (West Coast) 

 

 

2. Benedictines 

 

An “oblation” is an offering. The Oblates of St. Benedict therefore offer themselves to live the Rule of St. Benedict in their particular life circumstances. 

 

Oblates are a lay institute in the Catholic Church but are not Third Order (St. Benedict did not write a Rule for a Second or a Third Order). 

 

Interested in the Benedictines? You can connect with a monastery or community locally or one that aligns with personal interests online. (Note: there are Anglican/Episcopalian, Orthodox, Protestant, and ecumenical communities of Benedictines.) 

 

Using this list of Catholic Benedictines in North America, contact the Oblate Director or Vocation Director to learn about the discernment process. 

 

 

3. Carmelites 

 

Third Order Carmelites, also known as the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS), have a process of discernment generally lasting 12 months followed by a two-year formation before a Profession of Promises for three years. 

 

They commit to daily prayer, regular attendance of community meetings, modeling themselves after the virtues of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the example of Elijah, and participate in service of the community. 

 

This website provides an overview of Carmelites, and this page is specific to Lay Carmelites. These websites provide further information for the United States: 

• Lay Carmelites Province of Saint Elias 

• The Lay Carmelites Most Pure Heart of Mary Province 

 

 

4. Dominicans 

 

The Dominicans are the Order of Preachers and members of the Third Order lives the mission of preaching the Gospel through their lives.  

They also participate in the four pillars of the order: prayer, study, community, apostolate. 

 

The following provide information about the Dominicans and their Third Order: 

• St. Catherine of Siena Dominican Laity Group 

• The Dominican Laity of the Province of St. Albert the Great (central US) 

• Lay Fraternities of Saint Dominic (eastern US) 

• Most Holy Name of Jesus Lay Provincial Council (western US) 

• Southern Dominican Laity (southern states) 

 

 

5. Franciscans 

 

In the steps of St. Francis of Assisi, Third Order Franciscans commit to prayer, simplicity and poverty, and charity. There are two types: 

 

• The Third Order Regular (TOR) 

• The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) 

 

After completing an inquiry period of several months, an individual moves to a candidacy period of at least 18 months. Lay Franciscans do not profess vows and do not live in community but do make a public profession to follow the Rule. 

 

A wealth of information is provided on these websites: 

 

• Secular Franciscan Order – USA 

• SS. Francis and Clare Fraternity of the Third Order of St. Francis 

 

 

Catholic Radio Can Help You Discern a Lay Association 

 

When you listen to Catholic radio, you will learn about your Catholic faith. Scripture, Church teaching, Mary and the saints, and Catholic living are taught and modeled by hosts and program guests. This will encourage you on your personal journey to a closer walk with Our Lord. 

 

Keep your soul firmly rooted in your Catholic faith by connecting with us at Catholic Radio Network. You can listen online to one of our five livestreams, find your local station, or download our free app for Apple and Android.