Religious Orders that live the active life serve the Church through an active apostolate and are typically referred to as sisters. This can be in the form of teaching or preaching, ministering to the sick or to the poor, or any other form of work that serves the needs of God’s people. Religious Orders that live the contemplative life serve the Church through lives of prayer and are typically referred to as nuns. They live in monasteries and do not leave the monastery to serve actively. They pray for souls, for the Church, and for the needs of the world. This is their "work." Women in both forms of religious life - the active and the contemplative - are consecrated to God and are committed to the spiritual life and lives of prayer. Dedication of their lives to God is the singular purpose which motivates their work and their every deed.
A typical day in our life:
Yes, we leave the monastery for doctor and dental appointments and to attend to business or errands that others cannot take care of for us. In addition, we strive to be a pro-active community with regard to community and spiritual growth and so we attend Carmelite Association meetings - collaborative meetings with other Carmels – Ongoing Formation meetings, and occasional Vocation events.
We do indeed talk, primarily during recreation, which is twice each day, and on recreation days. Throughout the day we strive to keep conversation to a minimum, talking when necessary to accomplish our tasks. Silence is an important element for creating an atmosphere of recollection and prayer- silence in speech as well as in our actions. Our meals are in silence while we listen to a reading from a spiritual book.
Our work include attending to the daily affairs that keep our monastery operating, such as:
Families are most welcome to visit. We have two guest houses to accommodate them. We do not typically go home to visit family unless a parent is in poor health, in which case we send the sister home to visit and help out when there is a need.
The age-range for joining our community is 21 - 45.
Please see our page on "Vocation Discernment." Also "carefully observe what way your heart draws you, then choose that way with all your strength." (An old Hasidic saying from the Jewish tradition)
Some of our basic requirements are:
You would first:
Formation is six years (Please see our page on Formation Process)
Our Formation Director will guide and direct you throughout your time in formation. She will be assisted by a formation team to present classes to you during your years of formation in Carmel.