Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites Hampton, Virginia

 Our meeting place: St. Clare of Assisi Retreat Center, 620 Buckroe Avenue, Hampton, VA (https://philippians2foundation.org/)

Welcome to the Secular (Lay) Order of Discalced Carmelites, Hampton, Virginia. Our Community was founded on an autumn month of November 1989 and took the name of St. Joseph. Our first meeting was held at the Holy Family Retreat center in Hampton, Virginia. Since then our community meets regularly on first Sunday of the month. Currently, we are meeting at St. Clare of Assisi Retreat Center, 620 Buckroe Avenue (near St. Joseph Church) Hampton, VA. 

​We follow the St. Albert Rule of Carmel and the teachings of the Carmelite Saints. And we are recognized as an integral part of the entire Carmelite family of Friars and Nuns.

Secular Carmelites come from all walks of life; men and women; young and old; married and single.  Each one hears the Word of God and responds to God's call to "meditate on the Lord's law, day and night."

Realizing the importance of formation of our members, early in our community life, we introduced Carmelite retreat, adding seminars and Carmelite books to educate our community and others who were interested in Carmelite spirituality.

Our Regional Carmelite Retreat is held every year with the participation of several nearby OCDS communities and a few others who were interested in Carmel.

Our book store consists of many books and tapes authored by our Carmelite saints and other prominent authors. Sincere thanks to the ICS publications for publishing excellent books to expand our spiritual growth in Carmel.

Our Mount Carmel Center is a learning center dedicated to bring Carmelite spirituality to the world. The mission of Mount Carmel Center is to bring public awareness of contemplative living through the exploration of the writings of Carmelite saints within the Catholic Church, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, and St. Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein).

Visitors are always welcome.  

Please contact:
Diane Cavazos, President

ocdsstjoseph2629@gmail.com