Aside from Priests who minister to the People of God mainly through the Sacraments, there are also others who minister to the faithful in other ways. As the Apostle Paul would tell us: “As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12)
Religious Sisters also minister to the Faithful through the oblation of their lives in service. They are driven by their different charisms (i.e. Service, Education, Healthcare, etc.) Let us get to know the different kinds of Religious Sisters.
CLOISTERED (Contemplative) SISTERS
These sisters live in Monasteries and follow a Cloistered way of life. They dedicate themselves to prayer and community life. They are bound by a Rule of Life, which binds them to the Community. Examples include Carmelites (Rule of Saint Albert), Poor Claires (Rule of Saint Claire), and Benedictines (Rule of Saint Benedict) among others.
APOSTOLIC “Active” SISTERS
These sisters live in a community but are not cloistered, which allows them to exercise various ministries like Education, Healthcare, and Social Justice among others. They are bound by their vows, and live according to the norms set by their congregation. Examples include the Daughters of Charity (Education and Service to the Poor), Daughters of Saint Paul (Media and Communications) among others.
SEMI-CLOISTERED SISTERS
These sisters combine both the Contemplative and Active lifestyles, allocating ample time for each. They have times dedicated to silent prayer and contemplation, and the active engagement in Public Ministry. Examples include the Dominican Sisters (who combine study, teaching, and prayer), and the Visitation Sisters (who combine Contemplative Life, and service to the poor)
MISSIONARY SISTERS
These sisters are commonly found in Mission Countries, ministering to the poor and marginalized, offering them healthcare and educational services among others. Examples include the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart who work with Immigrants, and the Comboni Missionary Sisters who serve in various Mission Countries.
MENDICANT SISTERS
These sisters vowed to lead lives of poverty and rely on the goodness of others to sustain them as they carry out their ministries of teaching and service. Examples include Franciscan and Dominican Sisters among others.
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