I might soon be in formation for a Carmelite Third Order

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Hi everyone. I have been interested in the religious life for some time. However, my mental disorders prohibit me from actually joining a convent. I talked to my priest the other day and I was convinced that a third order or a secular order is what I am called to be a part of.

I was waiting in my car outside of a church this morning when a lady walked up to my car and motioned for me to roll down my window. She proceeded to tell me that she had noticed that I wear the brown scapular and that she was so proud of my devotion to Mary. I told her thank you and she mentioned that she was in formation to join a Carmelite Third Order based out of a larger city in my state. I realized then that I should look in to this Carmelite Third Order as well. What had been holding me back was the fact that I wouldn’t have a ride to the monthly meetings but then I realized I could catch a ride with my new friend and so now I have a renewed encouragement to join in formation for the Carmelite Third Order. She told me that she would get me some literature about this Carmelite Third Order and I was very appreciative of this.

So, now I am on my way to possibly becoming a member of a third order. 😃 What recommendations do all of you have for me? I already pray the rosary every day as my obligation to wear the brown scapular includes. Also, please pray for me and keep me in your prayers. Thank you.
 
That’s excellent! I would recommend that you purchase a shorter version of the Liturgy of the Hours called Christian Prayer. It is an excellent way to get started with the universal prayer of the Church. You can purchase it online from several retailers, including Amazon:

amazon.com/Christian-Prayer-Catholic-Book-Publishing/dp/0899424066

Also, schedule a weekly Holy Hour in Adoration if you don’t have one already. It increases your devotion to the Eucharist, which is necessary in any vocation. 😃

God bless you! 🙂
 
Awesome! The Carmelite Third Order is a meaningful and beautiful community.In addition to the Rosary, you might want to check out the Little Office of Our Lady which is a daily prayer discipline which will enrich your soul. I am praying for you!
 
CarmeliteGirl25 said:
That’s excellent! I would recommend that you purchase a shorter version of the Liturgy of the Hours called Christian Prayer. It is an excellent way to get started with the universal prayer of the Church. You can purchase it online from several retailers, including Amazon:

amazon.com/Christian-Prayer-Catholic-Book-Publishing/dp/0899424066

Also, schedule a weekly Holy Hour in Adoration if you don’t have one already. It increases your devotion to the Eucharist, which is necessary in any vocation. 😃

God bless you! 🙂
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Lrabbitt said:
Awesome! The Carmelite Third Order is a meaningful and beautiful community.In addition to the Rosary, you might want to check out the Little Office of Our Lady which is a daily prayer discipline which will enrich your soul. I am praying for you!
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Ok, thanks to both of you! 👍 I will definitely see about doing these things. 🙂
 
Holly3278 said:
Hi everyone. I have been interested in the religious life for some time. However, my mental disorders prohibit me from actually joining a convent. I talked to my priest the other day and I was convinced that a third order or a secular order is what I am called to be a part of.

I was waiting in my car outside of a church this morning when a lady walked up to my car and motioned for me to roll down my window. She proceeded to tell me that she had noticed that I wear the brown scapular and that she was so proud of my devotion to Mary. I told her thank you and she mentioned that she was in formation to join a Carmelite Third Order based out of a larger city in my state. I realized then that I should look in to this Carmelite Third Order as well. What had been holding me back was the fact that I wouldn’t have a ride to the monthly meetings but then I realized I could catch a ride with my new friend and so now I have a renewed encouragement to join in formation for the Carmelite Third Order. She told me that she would get me some literature about this Carmelite Third Order and I was very appreciative of this.

So, now I am on my way to possibly becoming a member of a third order. 😃 What recommendations do all of you have for me? I already pray the rosary every day as my obligation to wear the brown scapular includes. Also, please pray for me and keep me in your prayers. Thank you.
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That’s wonderful news, Holly. I’m not clear, though, whether this is the Secular Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.S.) or the Lay Carmelites (T.O.C.) . . .??? 🙂
 
FCEGM said:
That’s wonderful news, Holly. I’m not clear, though, whether this is the Secular Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.S.) or the Lay Carmelites (T.O.C.) . . .??? 🙂
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I believe that they are the Lay Carmelites. I would not be a nun, I would still be a lay person.
 
Holly3278 said:
Hi everyone. I have been interested in the religious life for some time. However, my mental disorders prohibit me from actually joining a convent. I talked to my priest the other day and I was convinced that a third order or a secular order is what I am called to be a part of.

So, now I am on my way to possibly becoming a member of a third order. 😃 What recommendations do all of you have for me? I already pray the rosary every day as my obligation to wear the brown scapular includes. Also, please pray for me and keep me in your prayers. Thank you.
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Hi Holly:

I am a Secular Franciscan (Candidate). Aside from devoting yourself to prayer, I would advise you to study a lot about the Carmelite Family, its spirituality and saints. In that way you will appreciate the beauty of the family you be a member of. You can learn a lot from these forums.

I am grateful for Brother JR:), Marauder and the other Franciscans whose posts have greatly helped me with my formation.👍

In Christ,

albertziggy:rolleyes:
 
Holly3278 said:
I believe that they are the Lay Carmelites. I would not be a nun, I would still be a lay person.
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Yes, I understand, Holly; I’m a Secular Discalced Carmelite (for lay men and women and diocesan priests) so was naturally curious about which of the Carmelite Orders you would be joining. 👍
 
Awesome, Holly! I, myself, am seeking to enter a Carmelite Secular Order. Please pray for me too! Thanks!
 
FCEGM said:
That’s wonderful news, Holly. I’m not clear, though, whether this is the Secular Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D.S.) or the Lay Carmelites (T.O.C.) . . .??? 🙂
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First, Holly, how wonderful. I am also a secular Carmelite, though I need to find a community where I live now. I second the suggestion that you start beginning to learn how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours (in the form of the 1 volume Christian Prayer- Catholic Book Publishing Co. or Daughters of St. Paul have versions). I would suggest that over the Little Office of the BVM, because as far as far as I know most third orders pray the LOH.

Frances, I think Holly may have been a bit confused by your response as many non-carmelites don’t know of the two branches. 👍

Holly, there are two branches of the Carmelite family. The Carmel of ancient observance (O.C.) and the Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D)- ie the branch formed by the reforms of Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. We are all one happy Carmelite family and both branches have third/secular orders for lay people. The third order for the O.C. is TOR (third order regular) and those of us in third order for the O.C.D. are referred to as Secular Discalced Carmelites.

I hope this was not too much info 🙂
 
The ability of lay people (living within the world) to belong to religious orders (in various ways) in the Catholic, Anglican, United Methodist, and United Church of Christ traditions is such a gift for people seeking and called to develop spiritual depth within these charisms. Bless all of you on your journey.

*I should add that the credit for this obviously goes to the Roman Catholic Church!
 
I also feel called to find a secular Carmelite third order.

Does anyone know if there is an age limit?

Marital requirements? I am divorced for 25 years and both my ex and I have not remarried. But he is adamant against annulment.
 
Ohiomom said:
First, Holly, how wonderful. I am also a secular Carmelite, though I need to find a community where I live now. I second the suggestion that you start beginning to learn how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours (in the form of the 1 volume Christian Prayer- Catholic Book Publishing Co. or Daughters of St. Paul have versions). I would suggest that over the Little Office of the BVM, because as far as far as I know most third orders pray the LOH.

Frances, I think Holly may have been a bit confused by your response as many non-carmelites don’t know of the two branches. 👍

Holly, there are two branches of the Carmelite family. The Carmel of ancient observance (O.C.) and the Discalced Carmelites (O.C.D)- ie the branch formed by the reforms of Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. We are all one happy Carmelite family and both branches have third/secular orders for lay people. The third order for the O.C. is TOR (third order regular) and those of us in third order for the O.C.D. are referred to as Secular Discalced Carmelites.

I hope this was not too much info 🙂
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Everything here is great except for the name of our third order.

I am a Order of Carmelites (our correct initials are O.Carm.) also called the Carmelites of Ancient Observance, we are also known as The Brothers of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel (this is what we are called in our documents).

Our third order is no TOR (TORs are Third Order Regulars of the Franiscians which is an order of priests) they are know as Third Order Carmelites and the initials are T.O.Carm…
 
recklev said:
I also feel called to find a secular Carmelite third order.

Does anyone know if there is an age limit?

Marital requirements? I am divorced for 25 years and both my ex and I have not remarried. But he is adamant against annulment.
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recklev, one must be at least 18 years old. I think you fit the bill. 😉 Anyone who has no impediment to receiving the Sacraments is welcome to seek admission, so it doesn’t seem that your marital status will be a problem. It’s a great life! 🙂
 
I’m drawn to the O.C.D.S. but there is no receptive community where I live (in South Korea). How can I join then without moving, or at least complete requisite reading and practices of formation prior to finding a community to join? Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

God bless and keep you.
 
If I have a favorite order it is probably the Carmelites! I pray you have a wonderful experience within this vocation! 🙂
 
oamdg said:
I’m drawn to the O.C.D.S. but there is no receptive community where I live (in South Korea). How can I join then without moving, or at least complete requisite reading and practices of formation prior to finding a community to join? Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

God bless and keep you.
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It may be different in South Korea, but in the U.S. it used to be that one was able to become a Secular Discalced Carmelite as an Isolated member, unattached to a specific Community. That has changed here as it is important both to discern a vocation and to be formed within a Community. You should contact the Order in South Korea, though, to see if they still such a program forming Isolated members. I hope one day you will be able to respond to your attraction to the Order. 🙂
 
My wife & I were just last night talking of looking into 3d order as there is a community in our area. What are the general requirements?
 
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