Consecrated Life
What is consecrated life?
Consecrated life is a gift given by Christ who chooses a person individually to respond to His great love in a special relationship. He asks that person to leave some aspects of the world (such as marriage and following secular goals) to put themselves at the service of their brothers and sisters.
Consecrated life is a vocation just as marriage and diocesan priesthood are. Both men and women can choose to consecrate their lives to Christ as a way to seek an intimate relationship with Him. These men and women give witness that Christ is ultimately who we are called to be united to. They live the truth that only Christ can satisfy the deepest longings in a person’s heart, and witness that this union provides a deeper joy than the secular world can give. In effect they are previewing the way we will relate to Christ in heaven.
The realization that God is asking you to follow Him in consecrated life is made through active participation in the Church, prayer, receiving the sacraments, spiritual reading, and service in the Church. It may be an idea you have considered for a long time or one that has come to you during a significant moment in your life. Listed below are several communities (all in the Midwest) that might help prompt you and serve to further your discernment of consecrated life.
If you have questions about the religious life, want to know of any vocational/discernment events, or would like more information please contact Lauren Steinkoenig at lsteinkoenig@dmdiocese.org, by phone at 515-237-5014, or through Facebook at Des Moines Diocese Ofice of Vocations.
Women's Communities (Both Active and Contemplative communities listed)
Men's Communities (Both Active and Contemplative communities listed)
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