What is a charism?
Each religious community has a charism, which means a purpose or mission, and a spirit. Both the charism and spirit have been defined by the community’s founder. For example, a religious order might exist to serve the poor (charism) in a spirit of humility. Some communities have an apostolic charism, which is an active ministry in the world. Other religious communities are contemplative, focusing mainly on a community life of prayer.
