Apostolic
A religious community is apostolic because it is founded on the apostles to witness to the gospels and to be sent on Christ's mission to go out to the world.

Celibacy/Celibate
Choosing to love God, serve God and all God’s people rather then choosing to love one person exclusively in marriage.

Community
A group of women religious founded for a particular purpose.

Discernment
The practice of distinguishing God’s voice and our willingness to act in faith on our sense of what God wants us to do.

Foundress
Someone who starts an order of religious women.

Nano Nagle
Foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation. To learn more about Nano Nagle, go to http://www.gnofn.org/~presis/page3.html

Mission
The over-riding vision to extend the Kingdom of God.

Ministry
The main work that a sister does such as parish ministry, counseling, teaching, hospital chaplains.

Vocation
Lifestyle call and choice of being single, married, ordained or religious persons.

Sister
Women of prayer, penance and service, who follow Jesus, ministering to the needs of God’s people.

Women Religious
Women who live poorly, chastely, and obediently following Jesus and minister to the needs indicated by the Church at any given time.

Congregation/Religious Order
A group of women religious.

Formation Director
A sister who works with a new member on a regular basis for the purpose of direction, sharing and ongoing evaluation.

Vocation Director
A sister who connects with and walks with women who express an interest in religious life.

Reflector
A finally professed sisters who companions a temporary professed sister to befriend her as she tries to balance community, prayer, and her apostolic ministry.

Sponsoring Community
A group of local sisters who is in regular contact with the affiliate.

Charism
Graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church. Charisms work for together “for the common good.”

Habit
Dress/clothing that is a sign, or recognized symbol, of faith in God and commitment to a religious order.

Vows
Promises made publicly to God

Vow of Poverty
Sharing our goods in common, living a simple life and realize we depend on God and our community for our needs.

Vow of Consecrated Chastity or Celibacy
Choosing to love God, serve God and all God’s people rather then choosing to love one person exclusively in marriage.

Vow of Obedience
Living in community and trying to obey the will of God by taking part in the community’s goals, hopes and work.