Religious orders and dioceses are seeking people who are sexually integrated, regardless of whether they are homosexual or heterosexual. Being sexually integrated means having a strong sense of self and understanding one's own affective needs. Candidates to religious life or the priesthood should also have the gifts and talents to live celibately. They should understand what are appropriate expressions of love in a celibate context. A vow is a solemn promise made freely as an individual gives his or her life to god.
Many communities make vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience.
Some communities have other vows. Diocesan priests make no vows. For ordination, they freely make promises of celibacy and of obedience to their bishop.