I found this little list of terms helpful when I was discerning whether or not God was calling me to become a religious sister. When one is asking God, "How do you wish me to serve?" it helps to know what forms of service our loving Lord places before us. I hope this helps! Unfortunately, I do not know the source of this list, but God only knows it did me A LOT of good!

Vocation. Through the sacrament of Baptism, each person receives "a call" or vocation. All are called to holiness and to serve. This call can be lived out in a variety of ways--as married or single person, or priest, or sister

Laity and clergy. Within the Church there are two groups of people: Those who have received the sacrament of Holy Orders and are called clerics, and all others, who are called lay people. Sisters and brothers are lay people.

Religious. Since all the baptized share a common relationship with God, all are called to be "religious" or holy in the broad sense of the word. Some men and women, however, choose to live a particular life-style called religious life. These people join a community of people that follow a specific tradition of spirituality patterend after the life and teaching of the founder of that community. Many religious profess vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience.

Sister. A sister is a woman who is a member of a particular religious community, lives the vows and is involved in serving others.

Brother. A brother is a male member of a religious community. He, too, professes vows and is involved in a variety of ministeries, though he does not administer sacraments as an ordained minister.

Priest. A diocesan priest lives and ministers in a particular geographic area called a diocese, which is governed by a bishop. He does not belong to a religious community or order. he lives celibately and promises obedience to the bishop. Through ordained ministry, a priest proclaims God's word and celebrates the sacraments.

A religious priest (such as a Dominican, Franciscan, Jesuit, or Redemptorist) is one who is a member of a religious community in the same way that brothers and sisters belong to a particular religious community. Unlike the brother and sister, he can administer sacraments as an ordained minister. He is not, as such, a minister of a particular diocese but can be involved in a variety of ministries in many different places.

Novice. The word "novice" means "new." This is the first stage for someone who is joining a religious community. Novitiate is the name given to the process as well as the place where novices live.

Seminarian. A seminarian is someone who is training to be a priest. The seminary is a place where seminarians live and study.