Lay Carmelites

Our Community was formed at St. Frances Cabrini Church in November, 1996. At present we have 20 members. We meet monthly at the Cabrini Center, usually on the 4th Saturday of each month from 9 A.M. To 12 Noon. Active practicing Catholics between the ages of 18 and 70, men and women, are eligible to apply to join our Third Order.

We are more than a conventional prayer group. Carmel is a CALL from God, and a VOCATION. We are dedicated primarily to Carmelite spirituality, which involves all aspects of our daily lives in accordance with the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church, which includes daily praying of the Liturgy of the Hours.

We are a part of the larger Order of Carmelite friars and nuns, the first and second orders. We all follow the Rule of St. Albert. The Rule outlines the way we live our lives by modeling the lives of Jesus, Mary, and the Prophet Elijah. It emphasizes three basic elements of Carmel: prayer, service, and community.

The ceremonial scapular, a symbol of our Lay Order, is worn when we are in community. We wear the scapular when attending Lay Carmelite functions such as retreats, days of recollection, and Carmelite feast day masses.

The Carmelite Way is a vocation for life and requires a strong commitment from each member to attend monthly meetings and to participate in the formation classes in which all aspects of Carmelite Spirituality are taught.

For further information please contact: Director: Rita Becker (352) 799-8352 erbeck@tampbay.rr.com     

Formation Director: Ed Lauriha (352) 686-6323 ehriha@bellshouth.net