WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A LAY CARMELITE?

The Lay Carmelite is expected to participate in the daily celebration of the Eucharist when possible.  He/she should spend about one-half hour in meditation each day, that is reflecting on the Scriptures, using Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, or some other appropriate type of personal reflective prayer. The Lay Carmelite also prays in union with the Church through recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours – Morning and Evening Prayer.

Lay Carmelites attend a monthly community meeting .  They wear the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel daily as an external sign of dedication  to Mary, as a sign of trust in her motherly protection, as well as an expression of their desire to be like Mary in her commitment of Christ and to others.

Candidates meet monthly with the formation director for a two hour class in the Phase 1 formation program. After a year of instructions they may be considered for Reception into the Order. The two hour classes in the Phase 2 formation program begin after Reception and continue for a period of two years. At the completion of the Phase 2 formation program candidates may be eligible for Profession. In addition to the formation classes the candidates also attend monthly community meetings.