How do congregations or orders differ from one another?
Religious communities were most often founded in response to specific needs their founders witnessed around them. The charism of a community often comes from the values held by the founder or the community such as hospitality, simplicity, healing or education. The charism, the specific ministries of the community, and styles of prayer and community life are the basic differences among religious communities. All are alike in that their primary concern is to share with others the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
Most groups of religious were founded at a time in history when travel and communication were very limited. Many congregations were founded at the same time for the same purpose, but at different places by people who didn’t know each other. Founders had a specific spirit or charism they wanted to develop in their community (such as hospitality, simplicity or unity). The charism, the specific ministries of the community, and a varying emphasis on prayer and community life are the basic differences among religious communities. All are alike in that their primary concern is to spread the Gospel message of Jesus.
