Becoming a Secular Carmelite

We welcome prospective members that are practicing Catholics to come and visit us. There is an application process before you may attend on a regular basis. Our Community is dynamic and full of zeal for the Lord and our Community. Many of our members are active in their parishes.

Being a Carmelite is about contemplative prayer and action. If you feel a calling please contact us and arranged a month to visit. We will educate you about our Community as you discern whether you want to start formation to be an OCDS member.

There are many aspects and considerations one should reflect on in deciding to pursue becoming a Carmelite. A candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing, who feels called by God to live out their baptismal vocation by following Carmelite spirituality. One must be free from any impediments and able to receive the Sacraments.

The mission, goals and objectives we strive to achieve are as follows…

Mission

The mission of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, Community of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross in Modesto, California is to live a holy life in communion, by adhering to our baptismal vow, attaining virtues, living the beatitudes, following the Rule of Saint Albert, and subscribing to the charism of Carmelite spirituality and traditions under the authority of the General Delegate for the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.

Goal

The goal of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, Community of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross in Modesto, California, is to commit ourselves to our Carmelite promise by forming, learning, praying and participating in Carmelite community life and the mission of the Church.

Objectives

The objectives of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, Community of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross in Modesto, California, is to form members as they are discerning and living their vocation.

The objectives will be reached by:

  • Attending the Carmelite monthly meetings
  • Participating in the formation groups
  • Comprehending teachings
  • Reading Carmelite books
  • Studying the Constitution and Statues
  • Praying the Divine Office
  • Praying and meditating
  • Fasting
  • Attending Mass frequently
  • Volunteering in their Carmelite community
  • Developing interpersonal relationships with members
  • Attending Carmelite retreats

All Carmelites commit to spending time and effort to achieving these goals and objectives with considerable support and direction by member Carmelites. We welcome anyone who wishes to contemplate and investigate the possibility of joining us in our journey to reach a union with god.

The following link explains more in detail about what is involved in being a Secular Carmelite: http://ocds-carmelite.blogspot.com/2009/01/6-ms-on-being-carmelite.html?m=1