A definition: Religious Orders

Religious Orders is a term commonly used in a Christian context to refer to Christian women and men who consecrate their lives to Christ and his mission through the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. These men and women serve the mission of Christ and the Church through being members of a particular Religious Order, Religious Congregation or Religious Institute each of which have their own characteristic charism and  apostolic work to give practical expression to the Good News of Jesus Christ.