Invitation to join Lay Carmelites

The Sacred Heart Lay Carmelites of Tucson are planning a “Meet and Greet” for Catholics in our diocese this coming January for those who may be discerning a vocation to be a Third Order Lay Carmelite. We began in Tucson in 1954 and represent the oldest Lay Carmelite Community in the state of Arizona. It consists of both active members who dedicate their time and gifts to the community in various capacities, and inactive members who offer prayers and sacrifices for the community’s prayer intentions. 
 
Lay Carmelites engage in ongoing study of the Carmelite Saints and Doctors of the Church, and spiritual formation rooted in the tradition and spirituality of Carmel. We are Carmelites of the Ancient Observance known as the Order of Carmelites, or O. Carm’s, a religious order of the Catholic Church that is more than 800 years old. A brief presentation on the history of Carmel will be given including its roots beginning with the Prophet Elijah (or) St. Elijah.  
 
Carmel has three phases of formation. Whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed, in Carmel Jesus will become the most important person in your life, as will Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, through your affectionate, personal, and lively relationship with her Son. The Holy Eucharist, liturgy, the Scriptures, community life, retreats and various types of prayer nourish this bond.  

Do you feel called to live your baptismal vows more fully, while taking up a journey of love and growing closer to God with the support of spiritual community?  Send your questions to the Event Coordinator Sylvia Mayer-Martinez at [email protected] or call: (520) 270-5111. 
 
This event will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at St. Cyril’s Parish. It will begin with Mass at 8:00 a.m., followed by a Meet and Greet the Carmelites, a presentation on the History of Carmel and quotes by the Carmelite Saints. Meditations and reflections will follow to aid the discernment of the participants.  
 
St. Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church, wrote: “Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being what God wants us to be.”  Are you struggling to find clarity in the chaos of modern life? Feeling isolated on your spiritual path? You may be called to be a Third Order Carmelite, open to Catholics from all walks of life. How about you, “Are you called to Carmel?”