The Lay Carmelite Order is the secular branch of the Order of Carmel, and consists principally of Catholic Lay people. The Call to Carmel is a Vocation.
To be a Lay Carmelite is to be a true member of the Carmelite Order, and a person of deepening prayer. Requirements for a pre-candidate are to be a practicing Catholic of at least 17 years of age, and have a special love for Our Blessed Lady. After admission, Lay Carmelites wear the Brown Scapular of our Lady of Mt. Carmel as their Habit, attend daily Mass and Communion if possible, pray Morning and Evening Prayer as the official prayer of the Church, and also pray the Rosary.
They must read Sacred Scripture, attend monthly meetings in a way of growing and sharing in Carmel’s community life and attend retreats and days of recollection appointed annually. Lay Carmelites share in the prayers, Masses, fasting, acts of self-denial, apostolic works and spiritual advantages of the Carmelite Order.
They meet on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the Barre Library. Contact Jo Ann D'antonio for more information.