Some men and women are called to live what is known as the ‘Religious Life’, as a monk, a friar or a nun.
There are lots of different ways of following a religious life - as a layperson or as someone who is ordained, in communities that are active or enclosed. Each community has a particular way of serving God - through ministries of teaching, hospitality, nursing, community work, spiritual direction etc.
There is a renewed interest in the religious life for people in their everyday lives.
Many ordinary people live as Associates, Oblates, Companions or members of Third Orders - linked to religious communities through prayer and a rule of life.
There are also lots of expressions of ‘new monasticism’ emerging throughout the country - see www.freshexpressions.org.uk.
Further information and detail can be found at https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/vocations/religious-life
Expressions of Religious Life in Birmingham
The Community of St John the Divine has been in Birmingham for many years. They are the sisters who inspired the ‘Call the Midwife’ TV series.  Now, they offer a ministry of prayer, hospitality and spiritual direction. They welcome visitors and can be contacted at: http://csjdivine.wordpress.com/
The Society of St Francis also has a house of friars in Birmingham, serving the poor and marginalised, rooted in a community of prayer.  For further details: https://www.franciscans.org.uk
Third Order of St Francis consists of men and women, married and single, whose Rule of Life commits them to following the way of Francis and Clare through their daily life at home, at work and with the Christian community wherever they find themselves set.
You can find more information about the different religious orders with in the Church of England and the Anglican Communion at: www.orders.Anglican.org