The nonvowed “secular single lay state” claims many of today’s Catholics, yet is little noticed, even though it was validated by Vatican II and was arguably the first Christian form of life given explicit theological articulation. Insufficient attention and appreciation may prevent the Catholic Church from realizing the full benefits of this form of the lay state. Patricia Sullivan finds in the thought of several renowned theologians guidance for a theological exposition of the nonvowed life whose central feature may be stewardship.