Religious life is a 'public and permanent form of consecration to God.' In which men and women commit to following Christ through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Religious life is lived in a community and involves common prayer, service, and mission. 

How does Religious Priesthood differ from Diocesan Priesthood?

   Diocesan Priests (eg. Archdiocese of Los Angeles)

• Serve in one specific diocese (like a state or region)
• Often live in a parish by themselves or with a few other priests
• Take promises of obedience to their bishop and a commitment to celibacy, but they do not take a vow of poverty. eg. Can own personal property (like a car or savings).

   Religious Priests (eg. Oblates of the Virgin Mary)

• Belong to a religious order (like Franciscans, Oblates, or Dominicans) and serve in different places, around the world.
• Live in community with other members of their order.
• Take three vows of: Poverty (own nothing personally), Chastity (like diocesan priests, they do not marry), Obedience (not just to a bishop, but to their religious superior).
• Work in places related to the charism of their order, eg. missions, schools, or retreat centers, rather than just in parishes.

   All of the Priests who staff St. Peter Chanel are Religious Priests who are Oblates of the Virgin Mary. They live in community, have common prayer, recreation and meals. For more information about the Oblates see our next page.