Consecrated life is an extension of our Baptismal commitment and offers a vast spectrum of options for those, "men and women who, obedient to the Father's call and to the prompting of the Spirit, have chosen this special way of following Christ, in order to devote themselves to Him with an 'undivided' heart. Like the Apostles, they too have left everything behind in order to be with Christ and to put themselves, as He did, at the service of God and their brothers and sisters." (Pope John Paul II, Vita Consecrata #1) Each form of Consecrated Life is a unique way of life but there are some common elements:

• A total gift of self in response to the total gift of Jesus
• The means of salvation modeled for us by Mary, our Blessed Mother, and John, the beloved apostle
• A life where being celibate, poor, and obedient is not a deprivation but a joy
• A life of giving, not a life of giving up
• A life focused entirely on Christ and lived with passion for Christ
• A life lived within the Church and faithful to the Church
• A founding charism or spirit guides the life
• A rule and constitutions, plan of life, which is approved by the Church, make concrete the way of life