What is a Secular Carmelite? 

A member of the Secular Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Teresa of Jesus is a practicing member of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and inspired by Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint John of the Cross, makes the commitment to the Order to seek the face of God for the sake of the Church and the world. 

What are the requirements to begin formation as a Carmelite? 

1. Practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church.

2. "Ordinarily" between 18 and 65 years of age.  

3. Can provide an official Church copy of their Baptismal Certificate.

4. Can provide documentation of a valid marriage in the Catholic Church.

5. Living the Catholic faith for a minimum of 18 months after Baptism before being eligible to enter Aspirancy.

6. Not already members of any other group that requires promises or vows. 

What will I learn when I am in formation to become a Secular Carmelite? 

Formation in Carmel is a minimum of 6 years. 

An overview of the formation program is as follows: 

Visitors

• Visitors "come and see" what it's like in Carmel. Attendance at Business Meetings is allowed. 

• A minimum of 3 consecutive visits (6 are preferred) is expected before an application is made. 

• Application for new formation classes are accepted in September. 

• New formation classes begin in October. 

Year 1 - Aspirancy

• Visitors have now become Aspirants.

• Aspirants get an overview of what it means to live life in the spirit of Carmel.

• After 1 year, Aspirants may apply for admission into Carmel. 

Year 2 - Formation I, Year A:  Way of Perfection

• Aspirants have now been accepted into Carmel and are clothed with the ceremonial scapular.

• Scapular Members examine St. Teresa of Avila's book, "Way of Perfection". 

• Meditation and prayer are to become the foundation of his or her daily life. 

Year 3 - Formation I, Year B:  History and Charism

• Scapular Members examine the history and charism of the order. 

• Scapular Members examine the OCDS Constitutions and Statutes of the Secular Order.

• After 3 years, Scapular Members may apply for Temporary Promises for 3 years.

Year 4 - Formation II, Year A:  Ascent of Mount Carmel

• Promised Members examine detachment and self-denial in the writings of St. John of the Cross. 

• Promised Members are eligible for leadership roles within the community.

Year 5 - Formation II, Year B:  Interior Castle

• Promised Members are given an in-depth look at the entire spiritual process and their relationship with God through the teachings of St. Teresa of Avila.

Year 6 - Formation II, Year C:  Story of a Soul

• Promised Members fully integrate Carmelite spirituality into their lives as laypersons. 

• St. Thérèse of Lisieux teaches holiness is not achieved through extraordinary deeds but through humble acts of love done with great faith. 

• After 6 years, Promised Members may apply for Definitive Promises (for life).

• Definitive Members are eligible to lead formation, be council members and even lead the community. 

What does a Secular Carmelite do? 

A Secular Carmelite lives life according to the Rule of St. Albert. Their daily life, according to the OCDS Constitutions and Provincial Statutes, includes:

1. Following the evangelical councils of obedience, chastity, and poverty.

2. Devoting a minimum of 30 minutes each day to mental prayer in an atmosphere of interior silence and solitude.

3. Reciting Morning and Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.  

4. Engaging in a daily examination of conscience, ideally at the beginning of Night Prayer.

5. Wearing the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (preferred) or a Scapular Medal.

6. Making an act of devotion to Mary – recitation of one of the following is recommended: the Rosary, the Angelus, or the Litany of Loreto.

7. Attending daily Mass (if possible). If not possible, then reflect on the scripture readings of the day.

8. Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist frequently.

9. Attending monthly community meetings.

10. Praying for deceased members of the order in their daily prayers.

11. In addition to normal fasting practices in the Catholic Church, members also fast on the vigils of the following feast days:

• St. Joseph, Spouse of the BVM (March 19)

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16)

• The Prophet Elijah (July 20)

• St. Therese of Lisieux (October 1)

• Holy Mother, St. Teresa of Jesus (October 15)

• All Carmelite Saints (November 14)

• Holy Father, St. John of the Cross (December 14)

Church Fasting Rules: 

One full meal, although two smaller additional meals whose combined amount is less than a full meal may be had.

Note:  No fast is observed if the fast day falls on a Sunday.