About Our Community

Who we are

The members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites are faithful members of the church, "called to live in allegiance to Christ" "through a friendship with the one who we know loves us" and in service to the Church. Under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the biblical tradition of the prophet Elijah and inspired by the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, they seek to deepen their Christian commitment received in baptism. (OCDS Constitutions, #3)

Our Rule of Life

Secular Carmelites commit themselves to the following:

Living in allegiance to Jesus Christ;
Being diligent in meditating on the law of the Lord;
Giving time to spiritual reading;
Participating in the church's liturgy, both the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours;
Being concerned for the needs and the good of others in the community;
Arming ourselves with the practice of the virtues, as we live an intense life of faith, hope and charity;
Seeking interior silence and solitude in our prayer life;
Using prudent discretion in all that we do

OCDS Constitutions, #6

The Daily Life of a Secular Carmelite

Members of our community commit to living their Carmelite vocation in the following ways:

A minimum of 30 minutes of mental prayer each day
Attendance at Daily Mass (if possible given one's duties)
Daily recitation of Morning and Evening Prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours (and Night prayer if possible)
Daily devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Attendance at the monthly community meetings

Want to learn more about the daily life of a Carmelite? Visit our formation page for reflections from members of our community

Want to learn more?

If you think you might be called as a Secular Carmelite, please contact us! We would love to meet you at one of our monthly community meetings. Contact Erin Miller or Patty Marvin for more information.

Council of the Community of the Holy Family

President - Patty Marvin

Councilors - Gabe Giralt, Jenny Smetana, Cindy Tochek

Formation Director - Erin Miller