CARMELITE FRIARS OF THE DIVINE MERCY
THE APOSTLES OF MERCY
CALLED TO SERVE IN GOD'S SILENCE
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
Dear Dad:
You were the first person I turned into when I had a question or needed some advice.
Thank you for always being there with your love, guidance and patience. Your good sense of humor made things always much easier to handle in life.
Dad, thank you for your time, which you gave daily; your care, which you gave freely and your love, which you gave unconditionally.
Although you are no longer amongst us, your guidance and love has stuck with me through all my life. Your presence is always felt, even in my dream. I am so grateful to have had a dad who was so wonderful, as you. Thank you for everything you did to help mold me the man I am today... My prayers are always with you.
Happy Father's Day!
St. Elijah's Monastery
AND HOUSE OF PRAYER
CARMELITE FRIARS OF THE DIVINE MERCY
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY INCARDINATED IN THE REFORMED CATHOLIC CHURCH
ERIE, MICHIGAN USA
OUR LIFE
A LIFE OF PRAYER, COMMUNITY, AND MINISTRY.
In general, the atmosphere of the monastery is quiet and prayerful. Most of us have ministries that enable us to arrange our own work schedule around the community acts of prayer, recreation, and meals.
Normally, we spend between 3 to 4 hours in formal prayer (including Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, and mental prayer). Since this is a principal part of our service to the Church as contemplative friars, we seek to balance the demands of the community and ministry so to assure the primacy of this prayer in our life.
A VOCATION FOR COMMUNITY LIFE
Called together by the Spirit of God, the Carmelite Friar of the Divine Mercy, as a Discalced Carmelite, lives in a community of shared responsibility and support, praying, working and recreating together, sharing their lives, their concerns, their hopes and their needs.
Within community we strive for a creative balance of solitude and fraternal interaction in the spirit of brotherly love that St. Teresa desired for her followers.
A VOCATION FOR PRAYER
In accord with The Rule of St. Albert, the Carmelite Friar of the Divine Mercy, as a Discalced Carmelite, seeks to pray always and everywhere. The community comes together daily for the celebration of the Eucharist and for the chanting of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Prayer of the Church.
In addition, each friar is dedicated to an hour of personal prayer in the morning and another in the evening, to seek union in friendly, solitary conversation with the God we know loves us.
All our prayer, private and communal, has an apostolic dimension for it is always within and for the Church, especially for those who are most in need, those who are abandoned, and those who never pray for themselves. And, faithful to the desires of St. Teresa of Jesus, we pray always for the unity of the Church, that the day may soon come when all the baptized will gather around the one table of the Lord to celebrate the loving mercy of God.
A VOCATION FOR MINISTRY
St. Teresa of Jesus, along with her collaborator St. John of the Cross, founded the Discalced Carmelite friars to be of manifold service to the Church, combining a deep spiritual life with meeting the needs of God’s people in a variety of ways. Because our holy parents are acclaimed in the Church as masters and models of intimacy with God the Carmelite Friars of the Divine Mercy strive to characterize their role in the Church by a special apostolic involvement in promoting a deeper spiritual life among the faithful. That is how they serve the Church according to their charism, and faithfully carry on the spiritual tradition of the Order.
OUR SPIRITUALITY
SEEKING UNION WITH GOD.
When we talk about God speaking in silence, it’s essential to acknowledge how we need to learn to listen to His gentle voice. Often, we might expect a loud proclamation or a grand gesture, but God communicates with us softly and serenely. It’s like the delicate rustle of leaves or the gentle flow of a brook—so subtle yet deeply impactful. As we cultivate our ability to listen, we grow more aware of His words guiding us through each stage of our journey, offering wisdom and love in the quietest of ways. Let’s be patient and practice listening for these whispers of God.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27
Bishop Jose Israel,
Prior General--Apostles of Mercy
In our busy lives, we often overlook the importance of stillness, yet it is in this silence that we find God’s comforting presence. When we pause and let the world around us fade away, we create space for God to reach out to us. Through silence, we learn to listen—our hearts becoming attuned to His voice. It’s during these moments that we can sense His guidance and reassurance, reminding us that He is always there, even when we cannot see or hear Him. Today, let us embrace the still moments, allowing God to penetrate our hearts and quiet our minds.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” – Psalms 62:1
The spiritual gift of mercy is characterized by a deep empathy and compassion for those who are suffering, leading to tangible acts of kindness and support. Individuals with this gift are drawn to those in need, offering comfort, practical help, and a listening ear. They are not simply sympathetic, but actively seek to alleviate the pain and difficulties of others, reflecting God's own mercy.
Apostles of Mercy
New Horizons Youth Ministry
Is an integral part of a welcoming and inclusive missionary church that believes in the power of faith, love, and compassion. We strive to create a nurturing environment where young people can explore their spirituality, build meaningful connections, and discover their purpose. Our Bishop, together with a dedicated team of pastors, mentors, and volunteers are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the youth in places where our assistance might be needed, according to our resources.
LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF GOD
"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening".
1 Samuel 3-9
