Discover the path of Lay Carmelites

Explore the rich spiritual journey of Lay Carmelites, a vocation rooted in prayer, community, and service. Learn about our commitment to transforming the secular world through faith and dedication.

What is expected of a Lay Carmelite?

  • To participate in the daily celebration of the Eucharist, when possible.

  • To spend about ½ hour in meditation each day, reflecting on the Scriptures, using  Lectio Divina, or some other appropriate method of personal/reflective prayer.

  • To pray the Liturgy of the Hours — Morning and Evening Prayer — in union with the Church throughout the world.

  • To spend some time doing spiritual reading each week.

  • To attend the monthly community meetings and other (periodic) community activities.

  • To wear the Brown Scapular daily as a sign of dedication to Mary, trust in her motherly protection, and as an expression of one’s commitment to live in allegiance to Christ by serving others.

 

LAY CARMELITES (Third Order)

The Lay Carmelite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary (historically known as the Third Order) is an association mainly of laypersons. Its members, responding to a special call of God, freely and deliberately commit themselves “to live in the following of Jesus Christ” according to the charism, traditions and spirit of Carmel under the authority of the Prior General of the Carmelite Order. The members, though not in Religious Life, choose to live out their baptismal commitment according to the spirit of the Carmelite Order. Members are brothers and sisters of the Carmelite Family and sharers in the same call to holiness and in the same mission of the Carmelite Order.  

Rejoice always.
Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thes 5:16-18

Within their state in life, Lay Carmelites seek to live in the presence of God 24 hours a day. In fact, the entire Carmelite family, in its task of living out its consecration to Christ, seeks to live in the presence of the living and true God who, in the person of Christ, lives in our midst; it is a family that seeks divine intimacy.

Lay Carmelites, imbued with the spirit of the Order, try to live its charism in a silent listening to the Word, making their whole life a prayer by allowing themselves to be caught up by the Spirit for the wonderful works that God accomplishes and which require their commitment and worthwhile contribution.

Lay Carmelites, according to the constant tradition of Carmel, are to cultivate in the greatest degree possible prayer in all its forms: mental prayer and aspirational prayer, as well as the traditional practices. Above all they should learn from the Virgin how to praise the Lord and to rejoice in God their Savior in their ordinary daily life.

LAY CARMELITE FORMATION

LAY CARMELITES FORMATION : Phase 1

During Phase I, which is approximately 12 months, a candidate will attend a separate class examining an overview of the History of the Order, the Carmelite Rule, the Local Provincial Statutes, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Elijah our spiritual founders, and other Saints of the Order as well as some Carmelite prayer forms - in particular the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina. At the end of this stage of Initial Formation if the person feels called and ready they may ask to be Received into the Carmelite Order and be given their Ceremonial Scapular which is the outward symbol of lay membership. 

LAY CARMELITES FORMATION : Phase 2

Formation now continues for approximately 2 years with more in-depth study of our roots and traditions within Carmelite spirituality, our responsibilities as a Lay Carmelite to the community, and to our daily prayer life. When this is completed, a member can request Temporary Profession. If the community council agrees that a person is being called by God to continue on in this vocation they can make a Profession of Promises for three years. 

LAY CARMELITES FORMATION : Phase 3

During the third stage of Initial Formation the person will live the life of a Professed Lay Carmelite for three years. They attend all community meetings, Days of Recollection and other opportunities to grow in their Carmelite life. As were Phases 1 and 2, this is also a period of discernment. After a period of three years the person may ask to make their Final Profession as a Lay Carmelite for life. 

Ongoing Formation. This begins after Final Profession and continues for the life of the Carmelite. Ongoing formation entails a continual exploration and study of the varied aspects of life in Carmel including, but not limited to, the life of prayer, Sacred Scripture, the Saints and Blesseds, and apostolic ministry. Ongoing Formation is part of each community’s monthly meeting but can reach far beyond the meetings to their personal spiritual reading and study. Ongoing Formation becomes a pattern for a life lived in allegiance to Jesus Christ. 

Understanding Lay Carmelites:            A call to prayer

The Carmelite call is fundamentally a call to prayer. Lay Carmelites are deeply involved in spiritual practices including daily Mass, frequent Communion, and reciting the Divine Office. We engage in mental prayer, practice the presence of God, and dedicate time to spiritual reading. Frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament and the observance of silence are also key aspects of our spiritual discipline. We take a vow of obedience to God and the Superiors of the Order, and a vow of chastity according to our personal state of life.

  What is the relationship that Carmelites have with Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the Prophet Elijah?

Mary is Patroness, Sister and Mother to all Carmelites. Lay Carmelites have to live this relationship, imitating her virtues, listening to the Word of God in and through daily life. Lay Carmelites stand with Mary, cooperating with the mysterious will of God who desires salvation for all people. Elijah is an example of prophetic action, a life spent in service of God, a service that finds its source in a profound experience of God in prayer. Lay Carmelites see in the prophet of Carmel a model for a life spent testifying in deeds of love to God’s presence in the world.

The distinctive meaning of Lay Carmelite ministry

The Lay Carmelite is called to the Family of Carmel to be deeply involved in the mission of the Church, to contribute to the transformation of the secular world. A Lay Carmelite does this by sharing in the charism of the Carmelite Order. We find in Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and in the Prophet Elijah the models for this way of Gospel living. Profession of promises as a member of the Lay Carmelites is an intensified commitment to the living of one’s baptismal promises. Being a Lay Carmelite is not just a devotion added to life; it is a way of life, a vocation. By entering the Order, the Lay Carmelite takes upon him/herself the Carmelite charism of prayer, community, and service to others. The call to Carmel, a call to seek God’s will in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life, roots Lay Carmelites in a love of those with whom they live and work, in the recognition of God’s presence in all circumstances, and in solidarity with God’s people everywhere.

"Being a Lay Carmelite has deepened my faith and connected me to a supportive community dedicated to God's will and service to others."

A devoted Lay Carmelite