What priestly order should you join?

This group of priests are by far the most common. Although this may not seem unique or may even sound a little boring, diocesan priests are the most important group for the leadership of the Church, from small parishes to the Vatican itself. This job is best suited for those who can manage many things at once.

One of the first groups that followed the monastic order, Benedictines spend their lives away from condensed areas of civilization to focus on two things: work and prayer. Some communities may run schools or businesses to sell things, but this order is geared toward the individual who wants a simpler life focused on God.

A branch of the Benedictines, the Cistercians follow the Rule of St. Benedict a little more closely. Although they are more intense in the monastic lifestyle than other Benedictines, they make it a point to still be involved in the outside world in many different capacities, mainly education. This order is for the individual who likes both extremes in life.

The Trappists are a branch of the Cistercians, but are much more strict in the monastic lifestyle. They are active and work tirelessly for their means of survival (i.e. making beer, cheese, furniture, etc.), but rarely, if ever, leave the grounds of the monastery. This group is for the individual who likes structure and rules in his or her life.

The Carthusians are by far the most intense religious order. The monks spend nearly their entire day in individual solitude, except for mass and community prayer in the morning. Those who join are individuals who want to spend all day in prayer and with their thoughts in order to focus on contemplating God's relationship with us.

The Dominicans are the Order of Preachers. They are mendicants, so they are meant to serve the community, specifically through education and preaching. The order is meant for those who enjoy dialogue and discussing life's greatest mysteries.

The Franciscans, better known as the "Lesser Brothers" live simple lives modeled after the actions and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. They have a special focus and care on the poor, the environment, and social issues. This group is meant for the compassionate person who enjoys company.

The Conventuals are a type of Franciscans who are a little more lenient on the rules. Their focus is mainly on going out and serving their communities in various capacities, without the limitations of strict community guidelines.

The Capuchins are a branch of the Franciscans. Unlike the traditional Franciscans, the Capuchins are much more intense in their focus on the Rule of St. Francis. They dress very simply, live very simply, and spend their days in community while focusing on serving the marginalized of society.

The Augustinians are a mendicant order that follow the ancient rule of St. Augustine. Their focus is on going out and helping people, usually through education. They are best known for their works in areas of science and math.

Although it is more common to see Carmelite nuns, there are some Carmelite priests. They are a mendicant order who were instrumental to the Church's Counter-Reformation. As a result, they are known for being the ones who are willing to fix internal issues rather than starting over or giving up.

The Jesuits are a group of clerics regular who are focused on education. Many universities throughout the world are run by the Jesuits. Known as the troublemakers within the Catholic Church, they are unafraid to challenge the issues they may see within the Church. As a result, they have often found themselves under scrutiny by those in authority.

The Legionaries are a group of mostly diocesan priests who have an intense focus on spirituality. After it was discovered that their founder, Marciel Macial, was a longtime child molester, the group found it difficult to regain the reputation they once had. They are now very careful to make sure that the priests within the order are properly trained and safely prepared.

Opus Dei are a group of diocesan priests who help direct the religious group for laity called Regnum Christi. Opus Dei is a very conservative order that maintains a focus on the beauty of community and Church. As a result, many have had the impression that Opus Dei is an exclusive club. In reality, they are quite open with their practices, but are also quite demanding of its members and priests.

Holy Cross is a group of independent clerics regular who are focused on two things: education and the family. As a result, they have a specific devotion to the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph). They are best known as the operators of the University of Notre Dame. Those who join the order, then, are devoted to higher education (including some high schools) and working with families.

The Salesians are a group of clerics regular who were founded by Saint Don Bosco, and named after Saint Francis de Sales. The Salesians are very active in the community and can usually be found running certain parishes. However, their main focus is serving young children, especially underprivileged and impoverished youth who are at risk. The group is certainly geared towards service-oriented individuals.

The Vincentians are one of the more common orders of priests. Named after St. Vincent de Paul, they are dedicated to serving the poor and needy, either through education, charity, or otherwise. As a result, they are required to live very active lifestyles. They are a perfect fit for those who are most charitable.