Who are the Third Order

Lay Carmelites?
For more information, call:
Many people are not familiar with the Lay Carmelite Community #578
Carmelite's Third Order. The call to Carmel is a Angelica Carson, Regional Coordinator
vocation, from friars and monks, religious sisters 530-672-8595
and cloistered nuns, to lay people who want to
follow the path of Carmel. Third Order Lay Desi Byerley, Regional Formation Coordinator
Carmelites are neither a prayer nor a social 707-426-0314
group. It is a vocation. It is a call to learn and live
a way of life that is dedicated to prayer, Teresa Smith, Community Director
community and ministry. All Carmelites seek to 707-421-1491
live in allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Melody McCloskey, Formation Director
Lay Carmelites are men and women who have 415-377-1139
heard and answered the call of God to live more
deeply their Baptismal promises. Carmel's or
spirituality is but one path to God. Our path is not
for everyone. But for those who are called to this Visit the Lay Carmelite website at:
way of life, it becomes a comfort, guide and [Link]
beautiful source of spiritual strength.

To become a Lay Carmelite, one must be:

* A practicing Catholic in good standing,

Carmel's Call is a call to seek the face of God in
registered with a parish;
prayer, to find Christ in Community, and service
* If recently confirmed, a practicing Catholic for
in ministry to brothers and sisters in need.
one year, in good standing and registered with
a parish;
* Between 18 and 69 years, and in good
health;
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
* One who is searching for a deeper spiritual Catholic Church
guidance in Christian living; and Rev: 1/17/15
* One who has a special devotion to the Blessed Fairfield, CA 94533
Mother, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
 Formation and Profession
What is Carmel? What are the Practices of a
Formation is divided into three specific periods:
Third Order Lay Carmelite? Phase I ~ preparation for Reception
The Carmelites of the Ancient Observance, also
known as the O. Carms., is a religious order of Phase II ~ preparation for Temporary Profession
Lay Carmelites wear the Brown Scapular of Our On-going ~ preparation for Final Profession.
the Catholic Church that is now more than 800
Lady of Mount Carmel as a witness of the
years old.
commitment made in Carmel. Phase I & II Formation meetings are two hours in
duration, usually held on the 3rd Saturday of every
During and following the Crusades in the early
month.
11th and 12th centuries, monks and pilgrims,
† As much as possible, attend daily Mass and
tired of war, gathered on Mount Carmel to live a Eucharist Phase I candidates prepare for reception. This initial
life of prayer in communion with God. They phase lasts 12 months, but may be extended to 24
took up the life of hermits and chose Elijah as † Daily Prayer, including Morning and Evening months if necessary. When the candidate has
their Spiritual Founder. Mary became their Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours (which is completed all lessons and homework, a period of
patroness, mother, sister and model in the official prayer of the Church), mental prayer discernment follows. Through discernment, both
obedience. They formed a loosely knit and praying the rosary. candidate and Council will determine if the candidate
community as they lived in their solitary cells, is ready to be received. If all is in order, the
but gathered for prayer and support in their † Frequent reading of Sacred Scripture for candidate makes their Reception.
quest for a closer relationship with God. a deeper knowledge of God and a greater
understanding of Carmelite charism. Phase II members receive a course of instruction that
Sometime between 1206 and 1214, Albert of deepens their prayer life, their sense of community
† Participation in the Day of Recollection, our and their call to ministry. There are 24 lessons in
Jerusalem responded to their request for a way
annual weekend retreat, and the Community’s Phase II, lasting a minimum of 2 years.
of life, Curriculum Vitae, which now is known as
July novena is strongly encouraged. At the end of 2 years, with approval of Council, the
The Rule of St. Albert.
member may make their Temporary Profession to
Gradually, and because of continuing wars and † Regular attendance at monthly meetings and observe the Carmelite Way of Life as a Lay Carmelite
strife, the hermits started migration from Mount on-going formation classes, with studies for a discernment period of 3 years.
Carmel to European cities around 1238 where focused on the history of Carmel, its spirituality
Temporary members participate in on-going formation
they became mendicant friars. The Order was and lives of its Carmelite saints.
with the whole community. With Council's approval,
finally recognized as a Religious Rule in 1247 by
(after the above 3 years) Final Profession is made
Pope Innocent IV.
promising to God, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary of
Mount Carmel, and to the Most Reverend Prior
It is from these beginnings that the Carmelite
General of the Order of the Brothers and Sisters of the
Order has grown. The history of this order is a
same Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, and to his
stirring story of humankind's quest for Divine
successors, to observe the Carmelite Way of Life as a
Intimacy with God.
Lay Carmelite until death.
Rev: 1/17/15