Third Orders...?

[krazykatlady]

Can someone please explain to me the reasons for joining a Third Order or a Secular Order. What is the point? When you are a member of a Third Order, what does it entail? Are there any tasks that you have to perform on a daily basis and do you have to give money to the order?

Could someone please share their experiences of being a member and tell us how daily life has changed as a result.

Lastly, what are the benefits of joining? I mean, if you’re going to join a Third Order, why not become a Nun or a Priest?

I am a third order Carmelite. I guess I could become a nun but my husband might object.
I felt a very powerful call to be a third order Carmelite and after I attended a couple of meetings I knew for sure that this was my home.
My life has changed through daily recitation of the morning and evening Liturgy of the hours, a half hour of contemplative prayer, the Rosary, and daily Mass as often as I can. In addition we are expected to read and study the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. John of the Cross, and other Carmelite saints. I have the support and prayers of twelve other wonderful sisters and brothers in Carmel and once a year we go on retreat. Union with Christ is our final goal and this can only be obtained through holy living and intense prayer. This involves a constant dying to the self, one step forward and two steps backward, it seems.
It is a huge commitment but I have found true joy!
The only money involved is dues which are minimal.

 

[lak611]

Nobody can really tell you which third order/confraternity/secular order would appeal to you.

You really have to search and investigate all of the orders, and believe me there are alot out there! And don’t just search out the bigger orders like the Benedictines, Carmelites or Dominicans. There are alot of smaller ones out there that might have what you are looking for. It can get abit maddening at times, but you should also have some fun on your journey. As many have said here, each order has different charisms, and you just have to find the one that appeals to you on a personal level. Are you conemplative, do you want to do missionary work, maybe teach, or how about evangelization? Also, if its possible, try and find one that is fairly close to your home, so you can join in on some of the meetings, They are important for your spiritual guidance in the order. Remember, there is an order out there that has something for you, but you must be patient, pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance, and it will fall into place.

I searched for about 6 months before I found where I, and the Holy Spirit wanted me to be. And I found it deeply interesting, because as I found out about all of the different orders and their missions, I also found out alot about myself.

Here’s a great site that I think has every order imaginable on it (I think!)

rosmini.org/order/#trapp

Thanks for the link. I will check it out. Evangelization is what would interest me the most. Contemplative or teaching does not appeal to me.

 

[St_Gabriel]

I am a third order Carmelite. I guess I could become a nun but my husband might object.
I felt a very powerful call to be a third order Carmelite and after I attended a couple of meetings I knew for sure that this was my home.
My life has changed through daily recitation of the morning and evening Liturgy of the hours, a half hour of contemplative prayer, the Rosary, and daily Mass as often as I can. In addition we are expected to read and study the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. John of the Cross, and other Carmelite saints. I have the support and prayers of twelve other wonderful sisters and brothers in Carmel and once a year we go on retreat. Union with Christ is our final goal and this can only be obtained through holy living and intense prayer. This involves a constant dying to the self, one step forward and two steps backward, it seems.
It is a huge commitment but I have found true joy!
The only money involved is dues which are minimal.

I am very attracted to the Carmelites and I think this is where the Lord is leading me. I have already been enrolled in the scapular and have read many of the writings you mentioned above. I doubt I will officially join in my immediate future but I do see it as a definate possiblity much further down the road. Please pray for me as I discern whether or not it’s for me. My grandmother has been a member for over 60 years and she has been my primary influence.

 

[krazykatlady]

I am very attracted to the Carmelites and I think this is where the Lord is leading me. I have already been enrolled in the scapular and have read many of the writings you mentioned above. I doubt I will officially join in my immediate future but I do see it as a definate possiblity much further down the road. Please pray for me as I discern whether or not it’s for me. My grandmother has been a member for over 60 years and she has been my primary influence.

I will pray for you!

 

[Godlovestrength]

hop on over to the spirituality forum where we hang out
I am a Benedictine Oblate
we also have Carmelites, Franciscans, Dominicans, Opus Dei (not technically a third order), and several othres.

just search on seculars
secular
third order
oblate
or the indivitual religious order
secular associate
associate

Hey I’ve never seen this in spiritually where are you on it please
thanks
Godbless