LIVING THE RULE OF CARMEL

The Novitiate is a time of learning.  Although religious formation is an ongoing process and does not stop even after one has professed religious vows, the novitiate is especially dedicated to an intense exploration of one's vocation, Scripture and Church documents studies, community life and prayer, and integrating the Rule and Constitutions of the Order to daily living.  An essential aspect of religious formation touches on work.

The Rule of Carmel says "You must have some sort of work to do, so that the devil may find you always occupied, lest because of your idleness he manage to find some way of entering into your soul.  In this you have the teaching and the example alike of the blessed apostle Paul, in whose mouth Christ spoke, who has been appointed and given by God as preacher and teacher of the nations in faith and truth; if you follow him you cannot go astray." (Rule of Carmel, Chapter 20)

"BLACK FRIDAY" BAKING 

Baking some pretzels, rolo, and nut delicacy for our employees at St. Teresa's Motherhouse in thanksgiving for all they do for the Sisters throughout the year!

FIRST THANKSGIVING DAY IN CARMEL!

Our four novices celebrated their first Thanksgiving Day in Carmel with much gratitude and excitement.

Sharing her first impression, Sr. Hope Therese has this to say: " It was beautiful. It really made me feel at home. The altar was beautiful; the tables were set up very nicely.  I missed my family but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.  At this point, I’m really getting more attached to the Sisters. They’re becoming more and more like my own family."  Sr. Mary Catherine also shared the same sentiment with an added reflection on Thanksgiving Day's Eucharistic meaning for her. "My first Thanksgiving here was very exciting!  To see the combination of Eucharist, Mass, and the dinner we had with the Community, was very significant for me."  "I truly enjoyed my first thanksgiving in Carmel with my Sisters.  The turkey and all the trimmings were wonderful! The tables were beautiful and I really felt I was with my Carmelite family" added Sr. Maureen Paul.  Sr. Luke Mary was speechless and could only agree on what have been said so far!

(L to R:  Sr. Mary Catherine, Sr. Hope Therese, Sr. Maureen Paul, Sr. Luke Mary)

Remembering All Carmelite Souls

On November 3, 2012, the Carmelite Friars of the St. Elias Province, celebrated a Mass of Remembrance for their deceased members.  The Eucharistic celebration was held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middletown, New York with Very Rev. Mario Esposito, O.Carm., as the main celebrant.  The celebration was also attended by other Friars of the St. Elias Province, Third Order Carmelites, Brothers in Formation and their Directors, Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and Novices, as well as many other friends of the Carmelite family.  After Mass, the congregation walked in solemn procession to the cemetery located within the grounds of the shrine for the blessing and prayers for the dead.

May Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Gate of Heaven, intercede for all the souls of the faithful departed! May they rest in peace!