What is the Carmelite laypersons over the age of 18 * Arming themselves with the Secular Order? (married or unmarried) or ordained practice of the virtues diocesan priests or . * Seeking interior silence and Discalced Seculars are solitude members of the Carmelite family of There are more than 25,000 * Using prudent discretion in all the 16th-century reform of the Discalced Carmelite Seculars that they do. Order. Discalced Carmelite order worldwide and more than 6,000 in (from “Constitutions of the Secular was established in 1593, pursuant the United States. They gather in Order of the Teresian Carmel,” to the reform of the Carmelite Order canonically erected communities or 2003) of the Ancient Observance by two recognized study groups under the Spanish , Teresa of Ávila guidance and leadership of the What is required of Discalced and Saint . The order. Carmelite Seculars? Discalced Carmelite order is now known by the initials "O.C.D". The What is the foundation of The Secular’s obligations can be Carmelites of the Ancient Carmelite life? summarized by the “6 Ms”: Observance, has the initials 1. Meditation. A suggestion is "O.Carm." The secular branch of the The following principles of the Rule 30 minutes each day. order (the Secular Order of of Saint Albert, written for the Discalced Carmelites formerly on in the 2. Morning Prayer, Evening known as the ), has the 13th century, guide Carmelite life Prayer and, if possible, Night initials "O.C.D.S."Discalced means today: Prayer from the Liturgy of shoeless. These followers are the Hours. present in the modern world as * Living in allegiance to Jesus , enclosed and seculars. Christ 3. Mass. Daily, if possible. * Being diligent in meditating on Who are we? the law of the Lord 4. Mary. Every day, Seculars * Giving time to spiritual reading express devotion to Mary. Discalced Carmelite Seculars come * Participating in the liturgy of the Their primary devotion is to from all walks of life, from every church, both the Eucharist imitate Mary in “reflecting on level of education and from every and the [all these things] in her heart” type of work. They are (Luke 2:19).

5. Meetings. Seculars are called to First period of formation communities whose members (Candidates) have made a commitment to one another. Meetings consist A minimum of two years is required of formation, information and for study and growth in prayer, the fellowship. apostolate and community life. At the end of this time, the council of 6. Mission. Seculars share in the the community may invite the Carmelite mission of knowing candidate to make a Temporary God so God can be known. Promise of poverty, chastity and Welcome obedience to the order.

The Secular Order of Discalced What is the timetable for Second period of formation Carmelites becoming a Discalced Carmelite (Professed)

Secular? At least three years precedes the Definitive Promise. Either period of Discalced Carmelite Seculars The entire period of formation formation may be extended if the commonly requires about six years. council and the individual in are the practicing members of the formation agree that doing so is in who, under the Aspirancy the best interest of the candidate. We meet at: protection of Our Lady of Mount Attendance at 12 monthly meetings St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church Carmel and inspired by St. Teresa of of the community is required, so the 7 Frank Lane Ft. Monroe, VA 23651- Aspirant may be supported by its 1010 6:30 -9:30 p.m. Visitors are most Jesus and St. John of the Cross, welcome. Please contact: Maryann Ayer, members as he or she learns more [email protected] make the commitment to the about Secular life and discerns whether he or she has a vocation to For more information Discalced Carmelite Order to seek the order. the face of God for the sake of the Visit our website www.carmelformation.com church and the world.