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Who are the Lay Carmelites?
The Lay Carmelite Order (historically known as the Third Order) is an association of mainly laypersons who are full members of the Carmelite Order. It is a vocation and a serious lifelong commitment for those who feel called to deepen their relationship with Christ through the Carmelite Order's rich 800 year old tradition and charism of prayer adapted with a special rule for secular life. Seeking above all to live a life in complete allegiance to Christ, we also draw inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary and the prophet Elijah. We seek to know Christ in a contemplative spirit, interiorizing the Word and being a prophetic witness to the world. Group Information We generally meet on third weekends of the month at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers. On community days, members share the Rosary, Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, a business meeting, sack lunch, formation in Carmelite spirituality, and Lectio Divina. Periodically we will have a Day of Recollection or retreat which involves more spiritual reflection. You can browse the books in our Carmelite-related group library (we have many, many more cassette tapes in addition to what is listed here) with a simple username and password on LibraryThing: http://www.librarything.com/catalog/LayCarmeliteArkansas. Schedule 2009
Carmelite and Catholic Links
Are you hearing Carmel's call? If you feel drawn to the Carmelite charism and are interested in visiting a meeting, contact the chapter director Larry Krugler at (479)925-1148 or formation director John Alspaugh at (479)855-3419. There is one active group and several isolates belonging to the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary in the Northwest Arkansas region including members in Eureka Springs, Berryville, Cassville MO, and Siloam Springs. For information on a potential group at St. Mary's in Siloam Springs, contact Eileen Baatz at (479)549-5725 An overview of the process: If you are interested, you are invited to come to meetings (look for the brown scapulars!) and get a feel for the group. After deciding to seek reception, prospective members undergo "Phase 1" formation lessons for at least 9 months in preparation for Reception. Lessons continue in "Phase 2" for about 2 years until Profession at which point temporary promises for 3 years are made. After 3 years, promises may be renewed or final promises made. Professed Lay Carmelites continue to participate in ongoing formation through the group. |
