I know you were talking to Cloisters but I think millions of people do join Third orders and Secular Institutes. It’s just not something that is shouted about from the rooftops. Also how would you know if someone was a member? I know Secular orders don’t wear habits and most don’t live in community so unless they tell you that they are a member you wouldn’t know they are. But information on such things is easy enough to find out, if you look or should I say if you are called to look. Well actually I can only speak for where I live. In the UK an organisation called CTS (catholic truth society - is it there too?) publishes countless tiny little booklets which reside at some place on parish walls, usually in the foyer and there is nearly always a couple of books on discernment seeking a vocation or such where you can find a mention of this path among the call to the priesthood, religious life, single life and marriage … not to mention what one might find on line or by asking a vocations director. So I would not say they are hidden. I don’t think any call from God should be taken lightly. I can’t claim to know the difference between a Secular Institute and a Third Order but I know someone commented that Third orders dont take vows, I know that in some Secular Orders they do take vows. I don’t know if this is a difference or just an overgeneralisation/misunderstanding. I dont claim to know everything about all of the SI’s as they vary quite a bit, especially across the pond, I have heard people say they don’t take vows too when I know for a fact some do.