Christians who feel drawn to remain unmarried but know that life in a religious order is not for them often face the challenge of identifying, naming and responding to their vocation, both within and outside traditional church life.

Christine Barnabas takes a fresh look at consecrated celibacy, a calling she believes experiences a new lease of life on the edges of the institutional church. Reflecting on her own journey and encounters with others, she explores the biblical affirmation of the single life and the many ways consecrated celibacy has been expressed throughout history.

This book will be a welcome resource for many who want to discern their calling to a committed and meaningful life before God. Christine Barnabas explores some of the questions that need to be asked, how to come to a decision and make a vow to stay single out of love for God and live out this calling "in the world". It will also be helpful for spiritual directors, priests and pastors who accompany others on this journey or seek to deepen their own understanding about this ancient charism God continues to give to the Body of Christ.