They also make a vow of obedience whereby they trust that their community, and indeed the Church, speaks through their superior, whom they periodically elect, and who moves and assigns members according to need. It is through these vows and a strong love and desire to serve Christ and His Church that these individuals live out their consecrated lives and play a significant role in sanctifying the world. Among religious congregations of men, members may be priests or brothers. Priests are full members of the community but also serve to facilitate the sacramental life of the Church within the community by celebrating the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick, in addition to the work they normally do as members of the community. Thus they also take on various roles as professors, administrators, counselors, missionaries and so forth.
Apostolic congregations live out their calling by taking an active role in ministering to the world.
The members of these communities live and often pray in common, and as their apostolate, or ministry, they operate hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, high schools, etc. They have direct contact with the noisy, busy, everyday world and are highly visible in their ministry. Monastic congregations follow a more secluded and quiet way of life. Like their apostolic counterparts, their life is also a combination of work and prayer, but they are more separated from the outside world. They pray in common many times throughout the day.