Deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ

The Office for Consecrated Life is concerned with the life and mission of consecrated women and men in the Diocese of Harrisburg. We look to the Church’s vision of consecrated life as expressed in the words of Pope John Paul II in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Vita Consecrata. This Office gratefully acknowledges the remarkable contributions made by consecrated men and women in the Church as it seeks to support the living of the consecrated life and the selfless service of those consecrated in the life of the diocese.

“The consecrated life, deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord, is a gift of God the Father to his Church through the Holy Spirit. By the profession of the evangelical counsels the characteristic features of Jesus – the chaste, poor and obedient one – are made constantly “visible” in the midst of the world and the eyes of the faithful are directed towards the mystery of the Kingdom of God already at work in history, even as it awaits its full realization in heaven.” (# 1)

What is Consecrated Life?

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 lifestyle called religious or consecrated life. They follow a specific tradition or spirituality patterned after the life and teaching of the founder of their community. A community can include sisters or brothers, or priests, who share a common vision and mission. They profess evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Everyday, they make time for prayer, ministry, and community.

Consecrated Virgins in the World

The Consecration of Virgins is among the oldest sacramentals of the Catholic Church. Through this sacramental, a woman renews her resolve to live in perpetual virginity for God and is set aside as sacred, espoused to Christ and belonging to him alone. It is God Himself who accepts her resolution and makes it spiritually fruitful by the power of the Holy Spirit. For more information go to: http://consecratedvirgins.org/

Women’s Communities

There are over 300 consecrated women ministering as sisters and nuns in the Diocese of Harrisburg, in parishes, schools, health care centers, prisons, nursing homes and spiritual centers.