Consecrated Life is an important and special part of the life of the Church.  You are probably more familiar with term "religious life" which is made up of priests, brothers, and sisters belonging to specific religious orders or communities.  Since the Second Vatican Council laity have been added to consecrated life with the Church as a special calling by which they may seek to perfect their spiritual lives and participate in the mission of the Church in a specific and important way. [CIC cann. 599-601]

The central commitment of all members of consecrated life in the Church is to the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience.  All members of the Institute of Saint Joseph profess these vows or promises in some way or another. Priests, brothers, sisters, and laity actually profess these vows and are called to live them in a special way unique to their proper state in life.  Married people pattern their lives to live in the spirit of these counsels as a means of holiness.