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 one gives his or her life to God.
Many religious communities make vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience.
Diocesan priests do not make vows. For ordination, they freely make promises of celibacy and obedience to their bishop. Reprinted with permission. Vision magazine, published annually by the National Religious Vocation Conference through Claretian Publications, is the most comprehensive resource available for those seeking information on religious life.