The Vocation Tree distinguishes three states of life (ordained, lay, and consecrated) while earlier Church understanding has often distinguished only two states (ordained and lay.) The addition of consecrated life as a distinct, third, state in life stems from the teachings of the Second Vatican Council: "The state of life which is constituted by the profession of the evangelical counsels, while not entering into the hierarchical structure of the Church, belongs undeniably to her life and holiness." (LG 44. 4) The distinct state of consecrated life is further affirmed and clarified in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and in the apostolic exhortation Vita Consecrata.

A reference to "lay consecrated" seems to be premised upon the earlier understanding of only two states in life, with recognition of the consecrated state as a category of the lay state. Another question may arise as to which particular form of consecrated life is lived by the "consecrated" members of particular movements. The groups may not fit precisely into the understanding of the traditional forms of consecrated life shown on the Vocation Tree. The Church in time defines the nature of membership in new movements.