Carmelite Vocation Office PO Box 3079, 68 Carmelite Drive, Middletown, New York 10940, Tel (845)-344-2225, Text (845) 596-8845
@ Copyright 2011, Carmelite Friars, North American Province of Saint Elias, All rights reserved
CARMELITE FRIARS
......Seeking the face of God through prayer, fraternity and service
North American Province of Saint Elias
What Do Carmelites Do?
by Br. Robert Bathe
Spiritual writers who capture the essence of the emerging
kingdom of God posit charity as a defining characteristic of a life
imitating Jesus. All of our Carmelite work is to be done with
charity. For the Carmelite friar, work is seen in many ways.
Described as service, ministry, chores, or study, our work
captures a dimension of life oriented toward communion with
God and neighbor.
Throughout history, religious service in the Church has taken on
two distinct forms one monastic and the other apostolic. The
Carmelites follow a unique tradition that calls us to live a double
charism, that of action in the midst of the people, and that of a
deeply intimate relationship with God in prayer and discovery. As
challenging as this might sound, with self knowledge and
extensive training, the young Carmelite friar is ready to work in
whatever capacity is required. Carmelite Friars learn that
becoming empty is a spiritual discipline which allows the spirit of
God to move freely using us an instrument of God. This is the goal
of a friar with an eye toward seeing our neighbors’ needs and
allowing ourselves to be at Gods’ service.