Consecrated life
“The Consecrated Life, deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord, is a gift of God the Father to his Church through the Holy Spirit. By the profession of the evangelical counsels the characteristic features of Jesus — the chaste, poor and obedient one — are made constantly "visible" in the midst of the world and the eyes of the faithful are directed towards the mystery of the Kingdom of God already at work in history, even as it awaits its full realization in heaven.” (John Paul II, VITA CONSECRATA 1)
It is the way of life chosen by those who dedicate themselves to God by making lifelong vows of poverty, chastity and obedience (called “evangelical counsels”). The call to consecrated life is motivated by the love of God and desire to follow Jesus with greater freedom.
Forms of consecrated life
There are varied ways of expressing a desire to follow Christ, including Religious Life, Societies of Apostolic Life, Secular Institute, Consecrated Virgins and Hermits.
The evangelical counsels (of charity, poverty and obedience) have a wide range of expressions in the Church and all are inspired by the Holy Spirit. Each form of consecrated life has its own spirituality and charism, and its own way of living out the evangelical counsels.
For more information
http://www.ukvocation.org/?page_id=113
http://www.vocationcentre.org.au/home/what-is-a-vocation/consecrated-life/forms-of-consecrated-life/
Find a Community
For an extensive list of communities in Australia check the Vocation Directory
http://www.catholicozvocations.org.au/Home/Catholic-Life/Vocation-Directory