Members of third orders (sometimes called by other names) embrace the spirituality of a particular religious tradition, such as Carmelite, Franciscan, Benedictine, Ignatian, or Dominican.

Traditionally, "first order" refers to the masculine branch of a religious family; "second order" refers to the feminine monastic branch of a religious family; and "third order regular" refers to those in active religious communities. "Third orders secular," known commonly today simply as "third orders," are associations of laity, and sometimes diocesan priests, who embrace the spirituality of a particular religious tradition while remaining in the state of life in which they have been living. It might be pointed out that the Vocation Tree artist has signed her name, "Mrs. Jennifer Ward, O.P." indicating that she is a married woman following the Dominican spirituality in her married life.