OCDS Community of
Bl. Anne of St. Bartholomew
Welcome to our Community!
Who are the Secular Carmelites?
Secular Carmelites are found all over the world. We are men and women- whether married or single, young or "wise in years"- called to live out a specific vocation in the world. That vocation starts with the charism of prayer. Our holy Mother St. Teresa of Ávila stated that, "the life of prayer is just love to God and the custom of being ever with Him". Prayer is the very central part of our vocation, and yet there is much more that it entails.
​
To start with, a "Secular Carmelite is: a practicing member of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and inspired by St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, makes a commitment to the Order to seek the face of God in prayer and service for the good of the Church and the needs of the world" (Ratio 69).
​
This is a summation of many parts that fit together to form and guide the daily life of a secular. We are spiritually formed "in the Scriptures and lectio divina, in the importance of the Liturgy of the Church, especially the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours, and in the spirituality of Carmel, its history, the works of the Order's saints, and formation in prayer and meditation" (Constitutions 35).
Our Spiritual Home
We have the privilege of holding our meetings at the Carmelite monastery in Little Rock, AR. We meet once a month to form community. This is not our only "home", however.
​
Our Carmelite community here in Little Rock is one of many secular communities across the United States. Each of these communities is part of a larger group. In the United States, we have the Oklahoma Semi-Province of St. Thérèse, the Washington Province, and the California-Arizona Province. Arkansas falls under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma Semi-Province of St. Thérèse. For this reason, their website is a great resource to have at your fingertips. You will find multiple links to their site as you navigate through our pages.​​ ​Beyond these brief facts, the hierarchy of the Order extends all the way to Rome.
Daily Life
The daily life of the Secular Carmelite includes: praying the Liturgy of the Hours, Mass (if possible), and Mental Prayer. We also commit to live in the spirit of the beatitudes, as well as to practice the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
Liturgy of the Hours
Secular Carmelites are called to pray the Liturgy of the Hours at least twice a day for Morning and Evening Prayer. Night prayer is recommended, and we are strongly encouraged to do a good Examination of Conscience before going to sleep for the night.
Mass
As Carmelites, we are called to attend daily Mass whenever possible, according to the limits of our state in life. For those times that you are unable to make it in person, Mass online (and a spiritual communion) can be helpful!
Mental Prayer
St. Teresa of Ávila stated that, "mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us." In Carmel, we are called to spend at least 30 minutes each day in the practice of mental prayer, with an attitude of interior silence and solitude.