Religious Orders for Women
Each religious order or congregation has a particular gift that they offer for the Church. This gift is known as their “Charism.” This gift helps them to focus their mission and ministry on some particular aspect of the Church’s mission. Members of Religious Orders make solemn vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.
Some religious orders are apostolic (active in the world), some monastic or cloistered. The cloistered communities do not live and minister actively in the outside world. Their life and work of prayer is primarily contained within their monastery setting.
The process of joining a religious order actually takes some time and involves several stages. The first step would be to make contact with particular religious orders and to attend events such as “Come and See” and reflection days they offer for those interested in learning more.
Local Religious Orders
The following is a list of local women’s religious orders present in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Links to websites are provided if available since our diocese is blessed with so many.
Apostolic Community of Ever Virgin Mary (CAMSVI)
Brothers and Sisters of Charity (BSC)
Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart (C.S.C.)
Cenacle Sisters - Religious of the Cenacle (rc)
Congregation of the Daughters of Mary (DM)
Daughters of Divine Love (D.D.L.)
Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy (D.M.M.M.)
Discalced Carmelite Nuns (OCD) (Cloistered Community)
Dominican Sisters of Houston (OP)
Dominican Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province (OP)
Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist
Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia
Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ)
Lovers of the Holy Cross (L.H.C.)
Missionaries of Charity (M.C.)
Missionary Carmelites of St. Teresa (CMST)
Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate (M.S.M.I.)
Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and Mary (MSBSMI)
Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist (M.S.E.)
Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC)
Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ)
Sisters for Christian Community (S.E.C.C.)
Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI)
Sisters of Divine Providence (CDP)
Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament (C.V.I.)
Sisters of Jesus the Saviour (S.J.C.)
Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel (S.S.M.A.)
For lists of all religious orders, check Religious Ministries or VISION Vocation Network.
Ways Women Can Respond to God’s Call
Religious Orders
Religious sisters dedicate their lives to God through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Living in communities, they serve in various ministries like education, healthcare, and missionary work, bringing Christ’s love to those in need. Rooted in prayer and guided by their order’s unique charism, they witness the Gospel in a powerful, communal way.
Communities of Consecrated Women
Consecrated women in these communities live a life dedicated to Christ through prayer and commitment, but they may not take formal vows as in traditional religious orders. Instead, they live in smaller, intentional communities that focus on fellowship, spiritual growth, and service within the Church. Each community has a distinct mission, allowing members to serve others while deepening their relationship with God and each other through a shared calling.
Consecrated Virginity
Women called to consecrated virginity dedicate their lives to Christ without joining a formal religious community. Living in the world, they commit to perpetual chastity and a deep life of prayer, serving as a sign of Christ’s love. Consecrated virgins embody a unique vocation, witnessing to the kingdom of God through their faithful devotion and service.