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WHAT IS A LAY CARMELITE?

A Lay Carmelite is a Catholic man or woman who feels called by God to live the spirituality of the Carmelite Order while remaining in ordinary life.

Unlike priests, religious sisters, or monks, Lay Carmelites continue to live in their homes, work in their professions, care for their families, and participate in parish life. Their vocation is to seek God in the midst of everyday life through prayer, community, and service.

Lay Carmelites are members of the worldwide Carmelite Family, which traces its origins to the hermits who lived on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land more than 800 years ago. Inspired by the Prophet Elijah and devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, they sought to live in God's presence through prayer and contemplation.

Today, Lay Carmelites continue that same tradition.

A Vocation

Being a Lay Carmelite is more than joining a spiritual organization or attending monthly meetings.

The Church recognizes the Lay Carmelite vocation as a genuine calling from God. Through a period of formation and discernment, members learn to integrate Carmelite spirituality into every aspect of their lives.

Lay Carmelites make promises to live according to the Rule of St. Albert, the Third Order Rule, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What Do Lay Carmelites Do?

Although each person's journey is unique, Lay Carmelites generally strive to:

• Develop a deeper life of prayer

• Participate in the Eucharist regularly

• Pray the Liturgy of the Hours

• Practice lectio divina (prayerful reading of Scripture)

• Learn from the Carmelite saints and spiritual writers

• Participate in community life

• Serve others in their families, parishes, workplaces, and communities

The goal is not to become busy with activities, but to grow in friendship with God and allow that relationship to transform daily life.

Who Can Become a Lay Carmelite?

Lay Carmelites come from many walks of life.

Our members include married and single adults, parents, grandparents, professionals, retirees, parish volunteers, and people from many different cultural backgrounds.

While each person is unique, most are drawn to:

• A deeper relationship with God

• A structured prayer life

• The spirituality of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and other Carmelite saints

• A supportive faith community

• A desire to live the Gospel more fully

Candidates must be practicing Roman Catholics who are willing to participate in formation and community life.

Why Carmel?

Carmelite spirituality teaches us to discover God's presence in ordinary life.

Rather than escaping the world, Lay Carmelites seek to bring a contemplative spirit into the world. We strive to live with attentive hearts, listening for God's voice in prayer and responding to His call in daily life.

The Carmelite saints remind us that holiness is not reserved for a few extraordinary people. God calls each of us to become saints through faithfulness, prayer, and love.

Could God Be Calling You?

Many Lay Carmelites describe their vocation as a feeling that something was missing in their spiritual lives—a desire for deeper prayer, a stronger relationship with God, or a greater sense of purpose.

If you feel drawn to prayer, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Carmelite saints, or a more contemplative way of living the Gospel, we invite you to learn more.

We would be pleased to answer your questions and help you discern whether the Lay Carmelite vocation may be right for you.

Interested in learning more?

Step 1 – Ask about Becoming a Lay Carmelite or Attend a Free Webinar

Step 2 – Visit a Community Meeting

Step 3 – Begin Inquiry Formation

FORMATION PROCESS

Inquiry > Initial Formation > Temporary Promises > Final Promises > Lifelong Formation

Becoming a Lay Carmelite is a journey rather than a single event.

The Carmelite vocation develops gradually through prayer, study, community life, and discernment. Formation provides an opportunity for both the individual and the community to determine whether God is calling a person to this way of life.

The process unfolds over several years and includes several stages.

Inquiry

The journey usually begins with a simple question:

"Could God be calling me to Carmel?"

Those interested in learning more are invited to contact our community and meet with members to discuss the Lay Carmelite vocation. During this time, inquirers learn about Carmelite spirituality, community life, and the commitments involved.

There is no obligation to continue. The purpose of the Inquiry period is simply to explore and discern.

Initial Formation

Those who feel called to continue may enter a period of formal formation.

During formation, candidates study:

The history and spirituality of Carmel

• Sacred Scripture

• Prayer and contemplation

• The Rule of St. Albert

• The Carmelite Constitutions

• The lives and writings of the Carmelite saints

• The mission of the Lay Carmelite Order

Candidates also participate in the prayer and community life of the local community.

Formation is not merely academic. Its purpose is to help individuals grow in their relationship with God and discern whether the Carmelite vocation is truly their calling.

Temporary Promises

After a period of formation and discernment, candidates who feel called to continue may make temporary promises.

These promises express a commitment to live the Carmelite way of life according to the Rule of St. Albert and the Constitutions of the Lay Carmelite Order.

The period of temporary promises provides additional time for growth and discernment while living the vocation more fully.

Final Profession

After several years of formation, prayer, and community life, members may be invited to make their Final Profession.

Through this lifelong commitment, Lay Carmelites publicly promise to live the Carmelite vocation according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Order.

Final Profession is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to prayer, community, service, and ongoing spiritual growth.

Ongoing Formation

Formation never truly ends.

Lay Carmelites continue to study, pray, and grow throughout their lives. Monthly meetings, retreats, regional gatherings, spiritual reading, and personal prayer all help members deepen their relationship with Christ and remain faithful to their vocation.

Discernment Is Important

Not everyone who begins the formation process is called to become a Lay Carmelite, and that is perfectly normal.

Formation is a time of mutual discernment. The individual seeks to discover God's will, while the community seeks to determine whether the person is suited to the Lay Carmelite vocation.

The goal is not simply to complete a program but to discover where God is calling each person.

Interested in Learning More?

If you feel drawn to prayer, Carmelite spirituality, and a deeper relationship with God, we invite you to contact us.

We would be happy to answer your questions and help you begin the discernment process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Lay Carmelite?

A Lay Carmelite is a Roman Catholic man or woman who feels called to live the spirituality of the Carmelite Order while remaining in ordinary secular life. Lay Carmelites continue to live in their homes, work in their professions, care for their families, and participate in parish life while following a path of prayer, community, and service.

Is this the same as becoming a priest, brother, or nun?

No. Lay Carmelites (TOCarm - Third Order Secular Carmelite) are members of the Carmelite Order, but they do not take religious vows like priests and brothers (OCarm - First Order Carmelite), cloistered nuns (OCarm - Second Order Carmelite), or religious sisters (OCarm - Third Order Regular Carmelite). Most Lay Carmelites are married or single adults who live and work in the world.

Do I have to be Catholic?

Yes. The Lay Carmelite vocation is intended for practicing Roman Catholics who are in full communion with the Catholic Church.

If you are not Catholic but are interested in Carmelite spirituality, we would still be pleased to answer your questions and suggest resources for further reading.

Do I have to wear a habit?

No. Lay Carmelites do not wear religious habits in daily life.

Members are enrolled in the Brown Scapular and may wear the Brown Scapular as a sign of their commitment to the Carmelite way of life. The large Ceremonial Scapular is worn only at community meetings and events.

What is the Brown Scapular?

The Brown Scapular is an official sacramental approved by the Church. It is an outward sign of being part of the Carmelite Family. It serves as a reminder of our commitment to follow Christ under the guidance and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What is the difference between the Lay Carmelites, the Scapular Confraternity, and Brown Scapular Enrolment?

All three are connected to the Carmelite family, but they involve different levels of commitment.

Brown Scapular Enrolment is the simplest connection to Carmel. A Catholic is enrolled by a priest and wears the Brown Scapular as a sign of devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. There are no meetings, formation classes, or promises required beyond living a Christian life and fostering devotion to Mary.

The Scapular Confraternity is an association of the faithful linked to the Brown Scapular. Members share spiritually in the prayers and good works of the Carmelite family. The Confraternity encourages a deeper commitment to prayer and Marian devotion but does not require attendance at meetings or a formal formation program.

Lay Carmelites are members of the Carmelite Order itself. After a period of inquiry, formation, temporary promises, and final profession, Lay Carmelites publicly commit themselves to live the Carmelite charism in daily life according to the Rule of St. Albert and the Constitutions of the Lay Carmelites. Lay Carmelites participate in community meetings, ongoing formation, personal prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, and service to the Church.

A simple way to understand the difference is:

• Brown Scapular Enrolment: Wear the Brown Scapular and foster devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

• Scapular Confraternity: Share spiritually in the Carmelite family and its prayers.

• Lay Carmelites: Become a professed member of the Carmelite Order while remaining a lay person, living the Carmelite vocation through prayer, community, and service.

How often does the community meet?

We meet on the first Saturday of each month at St. Luke's Parish in Thornhill, Ontario.

The meeting format for communities in the PCM is: Morning Prayer, lectio divina, community business, fellowship, and ongoing formation.

Can I attend a meeting before joining?

Yes.

We encourage prospective members to contact us before attending a meeting. This allows us to answer questions, explain what to expect, and help determine whether the Lay Carmelite vocation may be right for you.

How long does formation take?

Formation is a gradual process that unfolds over several years. The purpose of formation is not simply to complete a program but to discern God's call and grow in the Carmelite way of life.

Specific timelines may vary according to individual circumstances and the needs of the community.

Is there an age requirement?

Candidates must be 18 years old. While there is no upper age limit, individuals should be able to participate actively in the life of the community and formation process.

Do I need to know a lot about Carmelite spirituality before I begin?

No.

Many members begin with little knowledge of Carmelite spirituality. Formation is designed to help candidates learn about the Carmelite tradition gradually over time.

A desire to grow closer to God is more important than prior knowledge.

What are the expectations of members?

Lay Carmelites are expected to participate regularly in community life, develop a consistent prayer life, attend monthly meetings, and continue their spiritual formation.

Members strive to live the Carmelite charisms of prayer, community, and service in their daily lives.

Is there a cost to join?

Only Professed Members pay annual dues.

Do I have to live in Thornhill?

No.

Our members come from various parts of the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities. However, regular participation in monthly meetings is an important part of Lay Carmelite life. Due to its location in Thornhill, we are the closest community to north and east Toronto, North York, east Vaughan, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, and areas north of the Greater Toronto Area.

Can I belong to other Catholic organizations?

Many Lay Carmelites are active in their parishes and participate in a variety of Catholic ministries, apostolates, and organizations.

If you belong to a Catholic organization that involves a distinct vocation, formation program, or period of commitment (for example, another Third Order or similar lay vocation), you would normally be asked to discern which vocation God is calling you to follow. Such commitments must generally be relinquished before Reception into the Lay Carmelites (typically about one year after entering formation).

The key question is whether you have the time, availability, and commitment to participate fully in the Lay Carmelite vocation. Our formation program, monthly meetings, prayer life, and community responsibilities require a genuine commitment of time and energy.

If you are uncertain whether another organization may affect your eligibility, we would be happy to discuss your particular situation.

Carmel and Following Other Spiritualities (2021)

How do I get started?

The first step is simply to contact us.

We would be happy to answer your questions, learn a little about your spiritual journey, and help you discern whether God may be calling you to the Lay Carmelite vocation.