"Consecrated life (Catholic Church)"@en . . . . . "Consecrated persons are not part of the Church hierarchy, unless they are also ordained priests. The by far largest number of candidates for the Consecrated Life join what are called Religious Institutes, often referred to in everyday life as religious orders or religious congregations, in which they follow a common rule under the leadership of a superior. They usually live in community, although some may for a shorter or longer time live the Religious Life as Hermits without ceasing to be a member of their Religious Institute; but this is normally an exception to the proper law of the community. Canons 603 and 604 of the section on the Consecrated Life in the Code of Canon Law give official recognition also to Consecrated Hermits and Consecrated Virgins who are not members of religious institutes (see below)."@en . "Consecrated persons are not part of the Church hierarchy, unless they are also ordained priests. The by far largest number of candidates for the Consecrated Life join what are called Religious Institutes, often referred to in everyday life as religious orders or religious congregations, in which they follow a common rule under the leadership of a superior. They usually live in community, although some may for a shorter or longer time live the Religious Life as Hermits without ceasing to be a member of their Religious Institute; but this is normally an exception to the proper law of the community."@en .