MINISTRIES:
WHAT WE DO & WHOM WE SERVE
The Carmelite life combines the activities of prayer, community living, and ministry. As Carmelites, we serve in schools, hospitals, parishes, retreat centers, nursing homes, prisons and in any area that we can share our spirituality.
PARISH PRIEST
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SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
The majority of men entering into the Carmelite formation program study to be priests. Religious order priests are different from “secular” priests in that they belong to a religious community and focus on the precepts of the religious institution. These values, in turn, help the priest to understand God within the Carmelite family. The values of Mary and Elijah, along with our saints and rich history, help shape the way we interact with the people of God. Carmelite Friars look to their Provincial for assignments, which can be local, regional, or international. The main role of a priest in the Church is to provide sacramental ministry to the people of God.
Directing a person spiritually is one of the most valuable skills in the Church. People who desire to grow spiritually, often need a spiritual director at various times. As a spiritual director, the friar helps the person to listen to what God is saying in their life.
TEACHER
Carmelite Friars have been working as teachers for centuries. We work in primary, secondary, and collegiate levels of education, with some of our men going on to work in administration. Our men teach Math, Chemistry, Science, English, and Religion. Often times a friar finds a secondary vocation in teaching, requiring more training so as to complete state certification.
CHAPLAINCIES
A chaplain works within a community such as a school, hospital, nursing home, fire and police departments, all particular communities within a larger community. These men take the values of the Order of Carmel and serve the people of God within the particular institution.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Carmelite Friars also serve as Campus Ministers in High School and Colleges. As a campus minister, the friar provides spiritual guidance to the school community.