Seeking to follow Jesus in the spirit of Mt. Carmel

Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites

Do you feel called to a deeper life of prayer? Are you interested in following Jesus more closely?

The OCDS Community of the Immaculate Heart of Mary invites you to consider life as a secular Discalced Carmelite - a beautiful way of life open to Catholics who are called by God to this vocation.

Embrace spiritual disciplines for the good of the church.

As secular Carmelites, we embrace spiritual disciplines in union with the universal church. These include praying the Liturgy of the Hours and practicing mental or contemplative prayer daily.

Experience real community.

We also gather as a community once a month to strengthen and support each other, and to receive ongoing formation in the ways of Carmel. We study the writings of Carmelite saints, including Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Therese of Lisieux.

“Many and varied are the ways in which our saintly forefathers laid down how everyone… should live a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ- how pure in heart and stout in conscience, he must be unswerving in the service of his Master.”

— The Rule of St. Albert

Deepen your Christian commitment.

Let’s walk in the presence of the living God together! Share your email so we can support you more fully as you test and discern a possible vocation as a secular Carmelite.