What Is The Definition Of A Religious Order?

[Paladin D]

What is the definition of a religious order? What should I say to help explain what a religious order is within the Catholic Church? Thanks in advance.

[StColette]

Religious Orders are associations of men or women who seek to lead a life of prayer and pious practices and who are devoted often to some specific form of service. Members usually bind themselves publicly, or sometimes privately, by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to lead a dedicated life.

[Paladin D]

Thank you.

[StColette]

yw

[phatcatholic]

also, you have to emphasize that religious orders are not separate catholic denominations. i've seen this claim made by anti-catholics and its utterly absurd. each specific order may emphasize one particular devotion or practice of popular piety or even a theological stance, but they are all catholic. they are all in communion w/ the pope and give him their assent.