Teresian Companions

The spirituality of Carmel is for everyone who desires to deepen their union with God. We extend the beauty of our spiritual heritage and the unique charism of our community with the Laity. With St. Teresa of Avila as our spiritual mother, we all wish to live our bond of faith, hope, and love with Christ. Through their cooperation, lay persons support the sisters and brothers contemplative life and facilitate their Carmelite mission to be zealous for the Lord God of hosts.

The Lay Associates are those who live fully their baptismal consecration intimately united to Mary the Splendor of Carmel and in the spirit of St. Teresa of Avila. This way of life invites them to a commitment of prayer and fraternal charity regarding all peoples. They have a missionary intent to bring the Teresian Carmelite vision and Gospel values into the context of their respective familial, parochial, social or political responsibilities, which allows the family of Teresian Carmelites to act more profoundly in the world.

We are a unitive community of consecrated men and women, and lay associates. Our life is contemplative and active, fusing the eremitical and apostolic life. The associate members are an integral part of our Way of Life. Therefore, they require more in depth education to interact appropriately and effectively as part of our community family. It is necessary for our associate members to internalize the spirit of our Carmel. This includes an understanding of the boundaries, roles and distinguishing features of both the consecrated and associate members.

People seeking to become associate members of our Teresian Carmel must initially participate for six months in our weekly Friday evening formation program. After this time, they may request participation in six months of introductory classes to our Carmelite Way of Life. The next step is a one-year introduction to Carmelite spirituality, followed by three years of in depth formation. On the forth year of formation a lay member is prepared to make their final promises.

Lay associates are educated in the use of the Liturgy of the Hours, prayer, meditation, the Carmelite Way of Life, the spirit and charism of our Teresian Carmelite Community, the writings of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and other Carmelite saints. Members of our Lay Associate in formation, meet for two hours monthly for prayer, education, training and discussion. In addition, associates are required to read and study assigned material in preparation for group meetings.

Our requirements for lay people to become members of our Teresian Carmel are more extensive and involved than that of the main Order of Carmel. Due to the close association and collaborative nature of our consecrated members and lay associates, it is imperative that the lay associates develop a knowledge, understanding and reverence for the Teresian Way of Life that is unique to our Carmel.

For more information, please e-mail us at carmelsol@aol.com or call (508) 752-5734.