OCDS - Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites - Washington Province/USA
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
and St. Teresa of Jesus
Nearly four hundred years ago, the great Carmelite reformers St. Teresa of Jesus and
St. John of the Cross responded to God's call to return to their original Carmelite roots,
a way of life animated by contemplative prayer under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God.
Secular Carmelites are Catholic men and women, either married or single, lay or clerical, who live out this heritage of contemplative prayer in daily life. While going about their everyday occupations, secular Carmelites give witness to the value of prayer and contemplation in a world that is seeking intimacy with God.
Following in their footsteps, generations of Carmelites have realized in the Carmelite way of life a means of developing a close relationship with God and a wonderful foundation for serving God's people.
We are to ponder the law of the Lord, by day and by night, in silence and in solitude, so that the word of God may dwell abundantly in the hearts and on the lips of those who profess it.
(Carmelite Constitutions)
If you are eighteen years or older and intrigued by...
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A centuries-old tradition which encourages growth in closeness to God in every aspect of life in today's world
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A Rule of Life and a formation program that fosters the Carmelite tradition of prayer and Teresian spirituality in a way appropriate for lay persons
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Participating in monthly meetings with a community of other spiritually-minded men and women, who share a common interest in prayer, and a
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Special association with the Discalced Carmelite Friars with the opportunity for spiritual guidance
...then, consider becoming a Secular Carmelite!
Community meets from
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
on dates provided.
January 21, 2024
February 25, 2024
March 10, 2024
April 21, 2024
May 19, 2024
June 23, 2024
July 14, 2024
August 18, 2024
September 22, 2024
October 20, 2024
November 24, 2024
December 22, 2024
Note: Bold dates are NOT the third Sunday.
Council members for the Discalced Lay Community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Teresa of Jesus
Our Group Mission
Reflect,
Saint Teresa of Avila — also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus — was God's instrument to found the Discalced Carmelite Order, a mystic, a writer and the first woman Doctor of the Church. She is widely regarded as a friend to all who seek God in Spirit and Truth. During the dramatic years of her activity in founding 15 monasteries of nuns throughout Spain, Teresa resolved innumerable intercommunity, financial, legal and spiritual problems — all while dealing with her own poor health. After 20 years of intense service to the Church, she died at the age of 67 — though her teachings, wit and wisdom have transcended the centuries.