The Lay Carmelites are part of the Family of Carmel – hermits, nuns, sisters and friars. They are involved in the mission of the Church to contribute to the sanctification of the world by living the Carmelite Charism according to one’s particular state in life. The Lay Carmelite lives this spirituality after the examples of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and the Prophet Elijah.

Being a Lay Carmelite is not just a devotion added to life but a way of life; it is a calling from God to a vocation to join the Brothers and Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. The Lay Carmelite way of life is based on the three-fold Charism of Prayer, Community, and Service.

Lay Carmelite candidates receive formation and discern for a period of six years and then make a formal profession of promises, which gives them a legal status within the Order and the Church. Candidates must be Catholic and at least age 18, in good standing, who sense this call by God to live more deeply his or her baptismal promises as a member of the Carmelite Family.

St. Joseph’s Lay Carmelite Community meets every third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 9:30 pm in the school, room 24, at Our Lady of Lourdes.