Discalced Carmelite Seculars are practicing members of the Catholic Church, married or single, who feel the call to a closer relationship with God in prayer and under the protection of Our Lady of Mt. As a result, they share the same charism with the religious, each according to their particular way of life. It is one family with the same spiritual possessions, the same call to holiness and the sa
me apostolic mission. Secular members contribute to the Order the benefits proper to their own secular state of life. WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION OF CARMELITE LIFE?
-Live in allegiance to Jesus Christ
-Be diligent in meditating on the law of the Lord
-Give time to spiritual reading, especially the works of the Saints and of the Order
-Participate in the church’s Liturgy, both the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours
-Be concerned for the needs and the good of others
-Arm ourselves with the practice of the virtues, as we live an intense life of faith, hope, and charity
-Seek interior silence and solitude in our life of prayer
-Strive to deepen our prayer life which leads to service in God’s Kingdom on Earth
-Use prudent discretion in all that we do
-Participate in frequent and meaningful reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
THE SECULAR'S OBLIGATIONS - "6Ms"
1. Meditation/Silent Prayer. A suggestion is 30 minutes each day.
2. Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer & if possible Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours.
3. Daily, if possible.
4. Mary. Every day, Seculars express devotion to Mary.
5. Meetings. Seculars are called to communities whose members have made a commitment to one another through formation, information and fellowship.
6. Mission. Seculars share in the Carmelite mission of knowing God, so God can be known.
