What is the Carmelite guidance and leadership of the What is required of Discalced Secular Order? order. Carmelite Seculars?

Discalced Seculars are What is the foundation of The Secular’s obligations can be members of the Carmelite family of Carmelite life? summarized by the “6 Ms”: the 16th-century reform of St. 1. Meditation. A suggestion is Teresa of Jesus. Discalced means The following principles of the Rule 30 minutes each day. shoeless. St. Teresa’s followers of Albert, written for the wore sandals rather than shoes, a on in the 2. Morning Prayer, Evening practice which distinguished them 13th century, guide Carmelite life Prayer and, if possible, Night from Carmelites of the Ancient today: Prayer from the Liturgy of Observance. 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 * Arming themselves with the (Luke 2:19). laypersons over the age of 18 practice of the virtues (married or unmarried) or ordained * Seeking interior silence and 5. Meetings. Seculars are called to diocesan priests or . solitude communities whose members * Using prudent discretion in all have made a commitment to There are more than 45,000 that they do. one another. Meetings consist Discalced Carmelite Seculars (from “Constitutions of the Secular of formation, information and worldwide and more than 6,000 in Order of the Teresian Carmel,” fellowship. the United States. They gather in 2003) 6. Mission. Seculars share in the canonically erected communities or Carmelite mission of knowing recognized study groups under the God so God can be known.

What is the timetable for Second period of formation becoming a Discalced Carmelite (Professed) Secular? At least three years precedes the The entire period of formation Definitive Promise. Either period of commonly requires about six years. formation may be extended if the council and the individual in Aspirancy formation agree that doing so is in the best interest of the candidate. Attendance at 12 monthly meetings of the community is required, so the Welcome Aspirant may be supported by its OCDS members of Hampton, VA members as he or she learns more Meets at: The Secular Order of Discalced about Secular life and discerns Carmelites whether he or she has a vocation to St. Mary Star of the Sea 7 Frank Lane Ft. Monroe, VA 23651 the order. For more information, contact: First period of formation Discalced Carmelite Seculars are the (Candidates) practicing members of the Catholic

A minimum of two years is required Church who, under the protection of for study and growth in prayer, the apostolate and community life. At and the end of this time, the council of inspired by St. Teresa of Jesus and the community may invite the Visit our website St. , make the candidate to make a Temporary www.carmelformation.com Promise of poverty, chastity and commitment to the Discalced obedience to the order. Carmelite Order to seek the face of God for the sake of the church and

the world.