TYPES OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
| There are several distinct types of religious communities in the western church. They are: Monastic -arose in the 5th century -focus on a life of prayer and work in community -Benedictine, Cistercians and others Mendicant or Evangelical -arose in the 12th century -focus on evangelization and preaching -Franciscans, Dominicans and others Apostolic -arose in the 17th century -focus on the work of the Gospel in the world -Jesuits, Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of St. Joseph and others The spiritual ancestors of the Sisters of St. Joseph include Teresa of Avila, St. Ignatius, St. Jane de Chantal and St. Francis de Sales. The best way to learn about each type of community is to read about what they say about themselves. Here's a good place to start: Brother Richard's Website |
