“In early Western monasticism, there was no distinction between lay and choir religious. The majority of
“At … See more

Lay brothers were found in many religious orders. Drawn from the working classes, they were pious and hardworking people, who though unable to achieve the education needed to receive holy orders, were still dr… See more

Lay sisters were found in most of the orders of women, and their origin, like that of the lay brothers, is to be found in the necessity of providing the choir nuns with more time for the Office and study, as well as creating the opportu… See more

• Orthodox brotherhood
• Christian monasticism
• Oblate See more