Lay Carmelites - Toronto Area
A Lay Carmelite community at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Thornhill, serving the Toronto area.
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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 Catholics, married or single, who seek to follow Jesus Christ and live the Gospel in the spirit of the Carmelite Order, while remaining in their families, careers, and parishes.
The Carmelite way of life is an 800-year-old spiritual tradition centred on contemplative prayer, community, and ministry. It has given the Church many saints and spiritual teachers, including St Teresa of Avila, St John of the Cross, and St Thérèse of Lisieux.
Our community was founded in 2010, and meets at St Luke's Catholic Church in Thornhill, Ontario. We are one of seven Lay Carmelite communities in the Greater Toronto Area, serving Catholics from Toronto, York Region, and surrounding cities.
NEW TO CARMELITE SPIRTUALITY?
NEW TO CARMELITE SPIRTUALITY?
Join our free monthly online webinar and discover the Carmelite way of prayer and daily life.
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Visit the Webinar Page for a list of upcoming topics. Reserve Your Place through the Contact Us form.
THE THREE CHARISMS
THE THREE CHARISMS
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.
St Therese and the elevator to heaven [AI generated]
FEATURE ARTICLE
FEATURE ARTICLE
Little Flower with Big Heart: St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Little Flower with Big Heart: St. Thérèse of Lisieux
by Mariana
I used to think the title “Saint” was reserved for extraordinary figures, those who performed great signs, found new religious orders, or did big, unforgettable things. And as an ordinary, “little” woman, I figured I’d never be one.
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
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. Registration opens July 2. We will arrange carpooling. See your email for more details. Update: Rooms were fully booked in three days; communter options available.
SAT, OCT 3, 2026
Monthly Meeting. MP: Memorial of the BVM in OT (OptMem, GRC); Cel (Mem BVM) 1383, Ps (Sat Wk2) 845, Hymn #17; Lectio: Mt 21.33-43; Formation: Way of Transformation 57-67.
(Optional) Parish Brown Scapular Enrolment. After morning Mass. St Patrick's Parish, 215 Pine St, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0. Organized by Our Lady of Hope CSG. A Day of Recollection, directed by Fr Domenic Borg, OCD, will follow.
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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