Religious Orders and Communities

Consecrated Life
The Diocese of Brooklyn is home to many forms of consecrated life. There are almost 800 religious sisters living in active religious communities, 100 religious brothers, 145 religious order priests, five contemplative/monastic communities of sisters, and many representatives of secular institutes and consecrated virgins.

While some religious continue in the traditional ministries of education, health care and social services, many have moved to new ways of service of the Gospel. Some examples are:

  • Educational centers that offer GED, ESL, parenting and career training
  • Safe houses for victims of domestic violence
  • Shelters and social services for homeless individuals and families
  • Social services for the unemployed and underemployed
  • Coalitions to work against human trafficking
  • Programs for the aging and their care-givers
  • Youth ministry and faith formation
  • Parish ministries
  • Visiting homebound and elderly
  • Prison ministry
  • Chaplains
  • Spiritual direction and counseling
  • Prayer ministry

Religious Communities
Click here for a full list and website links for Sisters, Brothers, Priests and Secular Institutes.

Episcopal Delegate for the Religious
The goal of the Office of the Episcopal Delegate for Religious is to be a pastoral presence to the women and men who are living a consecrated life in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Through a ministry of support and service, the office initiates, sustains and strengthens collegial relationships among laity, clergy and members of consecrated life for the good of the total local Church. Sr. Maryann Seton Lopiccolo is the Delegate for Religious. Read more.