The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites

Ruins of Mt. Carmel Church

The Community of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross of Modesto, California, meets once a month at Lady of Fatima Church in Modesto, California.

Our Community was formed by a few women who had a love for Jesus Christ and felt drawn to Carmelite spirituality and the writings of the Carmelite saints. At first, they met monthly studying the writings of St. Teresa of Avila and other Carmelite saints and formation materials. Later they became a recognized OCDS study group. During group meetings, they prayed Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, had a teaching from their spiritual assistant, formation lessons, business meeting, and a social time. As they became more organized and structured they followed the criteria for becoming a Carmelite Community. The Modesto community was canonically established August 03, 2001.

We welcome visitors that are practicing Catholics. There is an application process before you may attend on a regular basis. Our OCDS Community is dynamic and full of zeal for the Lord and their Community. Many of our members are active in their parishes. Being a Secular Carmelite is about contemplative prayer and action.

If you feel a calling, please contact us and arrange a month to visit. We will welcome you, tell you about our Community, and encourage you as you discern whether you want to start a journey in the formation to be a Carmelite.