Lay People

Introduction

From the beginning, the Carmelites assisted groups of lay people who disired to live a better Christian life through their devotion to Our Lady, their prayer, their charity. In time, the groups which were better organized gathered together into a well-structured institution with specific obligations: this became known as the Carmelite Third Order, true school of holiness and of ecclesial commitment, with a Rule of its own.

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Third Order

The Third Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel is an association of lay people who, in response to a call from God promise to live the Gospel in the spirit of the Carmelite Order and under its guidance.

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Confraternities

The Scapular Confraternity of Carmel is an association of the faithful who strive for the perfection of charity in the world in the spirit of the Carmelite Order. Through their free commitment, they participate in the life of the Order and its spiritual benefits in an intimate communion of thought, ideals and works, together with Mary.

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Devotees

The following of Christ and of Mary, as understood and lived according to the charism of the Order, is the ideal of the faithful in the Carmelite Family. They can rely on the help and support of all the brothers and sisters who share in the same ideal. The members of the Carmelite Family live their commitment in various ways: in solitude, in community, in the apostolic life, on the streets of the world, working with Mary for the Kingdom of Christ.

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Contact Lay Carmelite Office

To contact the office of Lay Carmelites and question regarding Lay Carmelites, please write to:

General Delegate T.O.C.

Very Rev. Josef Jancar, O.Carm.

Email: jjancar@ocarm.org

International Secretary T.O.C.

Ms. Vladimira Polisenska, T.O.C.

Email: lay.secretariat@ocarm.org

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Lay Carmelite Solitude

by D. J. Fontana-Schmidt, TOC

On January 4, 2008, I made promises to God, as I celebrated my Temporary Profession as a Lay Carmelite. If it is God's will, I will receive Permanent Profession in a year and a half. Thinking back, as the day of Profession approached,

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Lay Carmel in Britain

Lay Carmelite Communities
Since the earliest days of the Order, lay people have been integral members of the Carmelite Family. You can access information about each of the Third Order Chapters and Carmelite Spirituality Groups in Britain by visiting the Communities section of this website (via the menu on the left) and clicking on the relevant map pins and ensuing bubbles for further information.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lay Carmelite

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1. What are the basic steps to become a Lay Carmelite?
2. What constitutes the formation period, and what does profession mean?
3. Does a Lay Carmelite profess vows? If so, what are they?

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What is a Lay Carmelite and how Do I Become One?

By NATALIE MIERAS, T.O.CARM., AND MARGIE MCCALESTER, T.O.CARM.

Do you feel that there is something missing in your life? Do you feel that you might like to be closer to Jesus Christ, walk nearer to Him, and be more like Him? Do you feel that there is never the correct time to pray, or even just the time to pray? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then perhaps Carmel and the life of a lay Carmelite is exactly what you are looking for.