What is Carmel? The Carmelites of the Ancient Observance, also known as the O. Carms., is a religious order of the Catholic Church that is now more than 800 years old.
During and following the Crusades in the early 11th and 12th centuries, monks and pilgrims, tired of war, gathered on Mount Carmel to live a life of prayer in communion with God. They took up the life of hermits and chose Elijah as their Spiritual Founder. Mary became their patroness, mother, sister and model in obedience. They formed a loosely knit community as they lived in their solitary cells, but gathered for prayer and support in their quest for a closer relationship with God.
Sometime between 1206 and 1214, Albert of Jerusalem responded to their request for a way of life,Curriculum Vitae,which now is known as The Rule of St. Albert.
Gradually, and because of continuing wars and strife, the hermits started migration from Mount Carmel to European cities around 1238 where they became mendicant friars. The Order was finally recognized as a Religious Rule in 1247 by Pope Innocent IV.
It is from these beginnings that the Carmelite Order has grown. The history of this order is a stirring story of humankind's quest for Divine Intimacy with God.
Who are the Third Order Lay Carmelites? Many people are not familiar with the Carmelite's Third Order.The call to Carmel is a vocation, from friars and monks, religious sisters and cloistered nuns, to lay people who want to follow the path of Carmel. Third Order Lay Carmelites are neither a prayer nor a social group. It is a vocation.It is a call to learn and live a way of life that is dedicated to prayer, community and ministry. All Carmelites seek to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ. Lay Carmelites are men and women who have heard and answered the call of God to live more deeply their Baptismal promises.Carmel's spirituality is but one path to God. Our path is not for everyone. But for those who are called to this way of life, it becomes a comfort, guide and beautiful source of spiritual strength.
Who is Eligible to become a Carmelite? To become a Lay Carmelite, one must be:
A practicing Catholic in good standing, registered with a parish;
If recently confirmed, a practicing Catholic for one year, in good standing and registered with a parish;
One who is searching for a deeper spiritual guidance in Christian living; and
One who has a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
What are the Practices of a Third Order Lay Carmelite?Lay Carmelites wear the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a witness of the commitment made in Carmel.
As much as possible, attend daily Mass and Eucharist
Daily Prayer, including Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours (which is the official prayer of the Church), mental prayer and praying the rosary.
Frequent reading of Sacred Scripture for a deeper knowledge of God and a greater understanding of Carmelite charism.
Participation in the Day of Recollection, our annual weekend retreat, and the Community’s July novena is strongly encouraged.
Regular attendance at monthly meetings and on-going formation classes, with studies focused on the history of Carmel, its spirituality and lives of its Carmelite saints.
Formation is divided into three specific periods: Phase I~ preparation for Reception Phase II~ preparation for Temporary Profession On-going ~preparation for Final Profession.
Phase I & II Formation meetings are two hours in duration, usually held on the 3rd Saturday of every month.
Phase Icandidates prepare for reception. This initial phase lasts 12 months, but may be extended to 24 months if necessary. When the candidate has completed all lessons and homework, a period of discernment follows. Through discernment, both candidate and Council will determine if the candidate is ready to be received. If all is in order, the candidate makes their Reception.
Phase IImembers receive a course of instruction that deepens their prayer life, their sense of community and their call to ministry. There are 24 lessons in Phase II, lasting a minimum of 2 years. At the end of 2 years, with approval of Council, the member may make their Temporary Profession to observe the Carmelite Way of Life as a Lay Carmelite for a discernment period of 3 years.
Temporary members participate in on-going formation with the whole community. With Council's approval, (after the above 3 years) Final Profession is made promising to God, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, and to the Most Reverend Prior General of the Order of the Brothers and Sisters of the same Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, and to his successors, to observe the Carmelite Way of Life as a Lay Carmelite until death.