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Following Christ in the Carmelite tradition through prayer, community, and service
Following Christ in the Carmelite tradition through prayer, community, and service
Lay Carmelites (TOCarm) are Roman Catholic men and women, married or single, who seek to live the Gospel according to the traditions and spirituality of the Carmelite Order, while remaining in their families, careers, and parishes. The Carmelite Way is an 800-year-old proven path to holiness embraced by over one hundred doctors, saints, and blesseds of the Church, including Saint Teresa of Avila, St John of the Cross, and St Therese of Lisieux.
We are one of twelve Lay Carmelite communities in the Greater Toronto Area.
WELCOME
WELCOME
Welcome to Our Community
Welcome to Our Community
Our community was founded in 2010, and meets at St Luke's Catholic Church in Thornhill, Ontario.
Lay Carmelites are committed to following Jesus Christ according to the traditions and spirituality of Carmel. We draw inspiration from the Prophet Elijah, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints of Carmel. Our charisms are contemplative prayer, community, and service.
Whether you are exploring Carmelite spirituality or discerning a possible vocation as a Lay Carmelite, we invite you to learn more about our community.
NEW TO CARMELITE SPIRTUALITY?
NEW TO CARMELITE SPIRTUALITY?
Join our free monthly online webinar and discover the Carmelite way of prayer and daily life.
No commitment
Ask questions
Attend from home
Visit the Webinar Page for a list of upcoming topics. Reserve Your Place through the Contact Us form.
THREE PILLARS
THREE PILLARS
Prayer
Prayer
Daily prayer is at the heart of Carmelite life. We strive to cultivate an ongoing relationship with God through Scripture, the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, and personal prayer.
Community
Community
The Carmelite journey is not walked alone. We gather regularly for prayer, formation, fellowship, and mutual support as members of the Carmelite family.
Service
Service
We seek to bring Christ to others through our families, parishes, workplaces, and communities by living lives of faith, charity, and witness.
WHAT IS A LAY CARMELITE?
WHAT IS A LAY CARMELITE?
A Vocation for Ordinary Life
A Vocation for Ordinary Life
Lay Carmelites (TOCarm - Third Order Secular Carmelites) are practicing Catholics who feel called to live the traditions and spirituality of Carmel.
Our members include married and single adults, professionals, retirees, parish volunteers, and people from many different walks of life. We share a common desire to seek God through prayer and to grow in holiness within the Carmelite tradition.
FEATURE ARTICLE
FEATURE ARTICLE
July 16: What is the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel?
July 16: What is the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel?
On July 16, Carmelites throughout the world celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patroness of the Carmelite Order.
Discover the history, spirituality, and significance of this important feast.
COMMUNITY LIFE
COMMUNITY LIFE
Community Life
Community Life
Our community gathers on the first Saturday of the month for a Monthly Meeting:
Morning Prayer
lectio divina
fellowship
formation and study
At times, the Monthly Meeting is replaced by:
annual regional retreat
annual regional days of recollection during Advent and Lent
provincial convocation
We are blessed to be part of the Canada East–New York Region (CENY), in the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province (PCM), and the worldwide Lay Carmelite Order.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
TUE, JUL 7 - Wed, JUL 15, 2026
(Optional) Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. A Lay Carmelite Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Condensed format).
THU, JUL 16, 2026
(Optional) Parish Brown Scapular Enrolment Ceremony. After parish 9 AM Mass. Holy Rosary Parish, 139 Martin St, Milton, ON L9T 2R3. Organized by Our Lady of the Rosary CSG. Following Mass, a first-class relic of St. Thérèse of Lisieux will be displayed in the church for the veneration of the faithful.
(Optional) Parish Brown Scapular Enrolment Ceremony. After parish 9:30 AM Mass. Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 480 Rathburn Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9C 3S8. Organized by Mary Mother of Carmel LCC.
(Optional) Annual Regional Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Parish Mass 7 PM. St Martin of Tours Parish, 1290 McBride Ave, Mississauga, ON L5C 1M8. Parish Brown Scapular Enrolment Ceremony to follow. Organized by Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel LCC. Refreshments afterwards. Following Mass, a first-class relic of St. Thérèse of Lisieux will be displayed in the church for the veneration of the faithful.
SAT, AUG 15, 2026
Monthly Meeting - Community Picnic. 9 AM Mass at St Mark's Parish in Stouffville. 10 AM - 2 PM Monthly Meeting, Lunch, and Games at local resort (same place as last year). Cost $10. Bring Christian Prayer, lawn chair, and sun protection. See your email for more details.
FRI, SEP 18 - SUN, SEP 20, 2026
(Optional) Annual Regional Retreat (replaces Monthly Meeting). Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre, Niagara Falls, ON. Registration opens July 2. Retreat Director: Fr Chris Kulig, OCarm. Amy will make her Temporary Profession, and Colette will make her Final Profession. Cost: $27 - $330. We will arrange carpooling. See your email for more details.
VISITING US
VISITING US
Interested in visiting? Visitors are welcome to learn more about our community.
Before attending a meeting, we ask prospective members to contact us so we can answer questions and help determine whether the Lay Carmelite vocation may be right for you.
You should be:
A baptised, practicing Roman Catholic
At least 18 years old
Interested in prayer and spiritual growth
Drawn to Carmelite spirituality
Seeking a deeper relationship with God
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