July 2010 Professions

On the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, July 16, 2010, four of our members, Ramona Zelasko, Diane Gray, Mary Miranda and Maron Burke, celebrated the Rite of Definite Promise into the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. The rite was celebrated during the 6 PM Mass at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Georgetown, TX. Fr. Will Straten, Associate Pastor of St. Helen’s celebrated the Mass and Fr. Howard Goertz and Msgr. Louis Pavlicek concelebrated. A reception followed afterwards at the priest’s residence.

What is the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order?

*Who are we?
*What is the foundation of Carmelite life?
*What is required of Discalced Carmelite Seculars?
*What is the timetable for becoming a Discalced Carmelite Secular?






What is the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order?
Discalced Carmelites Seculars are members of the Carmelite family of the 16th-century reform of St. Teresa of Jesus. Discalced means shoeless. St. Teresa’s followers wore sandals rather than shoes, a practice which distinguished them from Carmelites of the Ancient Observance. These followers are present in the modern world as friars, enclosed nuns and Seculars.


Who Are We?
Discalced Carmelite Seculars come from all walks of life, from every level of education and from every type of work. They are Catholic laypersons over the age of 18 (married or unmarried) or ordained diocesan priests or deacons.

There are more than 45,000 Discalced Carmelite Seculars worldwide and more than 6,000 in the United States. They gather in canonically erected communities or recognized study groups under the guidance and leadership of the order.


What is the foundation of Carmelite life?
The following principles of the Rule of Saint Albert, written for the hermits on mount Carmel in the 13th century, guide Carmelite life today:

-Living in allegiance to Jesus Christ

-Being diligent in meditating on the law of the Lord

-Giving time to spiritual reading

-Participating in the liturgy of the church, both the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours

-Arming themselves with the practice of the virtues

-Seeking interior silence and solitude

-Using prudent discretion in all that they do.

(from “Constitutions of the Secular Order of the Teresian Carmel,” 2003


What is required of Discalced Carmelite Seculars?
The Secular’s obligations can be summarized by the “6 Ms”:

(1) Meditation. A suggestion is 30 minutes each day.

(2) Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and, if possible, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours.

(3) Mass. Daily, if possible.

(4) Mary. Every day, Seculars express devotion to Mary. Their primary devotion is to imitate Mary in “reflecting on [all these things] in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

(5) Meetings. Seculars are called to communities whose members have made a commitment to one another. Meetings consist of formation, information and fellowship.

(6) Mission. Seculars share in the Carmelite mission of knowing God so God can be known.



What is the timetable for becoming a Discalced Carmelite Secular?
The entire period of formation commonly requires about six years.

Attendance at 12 monthly meetings of the community is required, so the Aspirant may be supported by its members as he or she learns more about Secular life and discerns
whether he or she has a vocation to the order.

First period of formation

A minimum of two years is required for study and growth in prayer, the apostolate and community life. At the end of this time, the council of the community may invite the candidate to make a Temporary Promise of poverty, chastity and obedience to the order.

Second period of formation

At least three years precedes the Definitive Promise. Either period of formation may be extended if the council and the individual in formation agree that doing so is in the best interest of the candidate.


(1) Source: Oklahoma Province OCDS Aspirancy Brochure

May 2010 Monthly Reflection

Come to me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light. - Matthew 11:28-30

March 2010 Silent Retreat

The Triumph of the Cross Study Group Silent Retreat was held March 19 - 21, 2010 at Cedarbreak Retreat Center in Belton, TX.

Our retreat which began Friday night at 6 p.m. Joining us on Saturday were also visitors from the Waco study group.

Our presenter at the retreat was Father Jerome Early. He gave five very lively and thought provoking talks about community based on St. Teresa Benedicta, St. Frances DeSales, the history of community in the Bible in Acts, and St. John of the Cross.

The retreat ended with mass on Sunday, March 21st at 11:00 a.m.

February 2010 Monthly Reflection

"Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Beth-sa'ida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him, and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened."

Mark 6:45-52

January & February 2010 Clothings

In January and February 2010, we celebrated 2 clothings at St. Helen's Catholic Church during the Morning Prayer. Kim & Carole asked to be admitted to the period of formation in the community and received the scapular and the constitution of the secular order.

January 2010 Monthly Reflection

"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. Take heed then how you hear; for to him who has will more be given, and from him who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away." - Luke 8:16-18

December 2009 Christmas Party

We had our Christmas Party on December 12, 2009. In this meeting, we also recognized Dora and Lois for their dedication in establishing our community. Hope you enjoy our photos!

December 2009 Monthly Reflection

The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:5-9

October Meeting

Our monthly meeting was graced with Father Walter Carr giving us a talk on the topic "Prayer".
Father opened the presentation with the statement that prayer is both natural and necessary.

Quoting St. Agustin, "Prayer is the soul breathing". "Those who cease to breath die". Breathing is natural and healthy and Father compares this, breathing, with prayer. "Prayer is Love" and to love is to want the happiness of others. We can accomplish this through prayer. We heard many scripture passages taken from Acts telling us that the early church was in continual prayer. "Pray without ceasing" as Carmelites. Thank you Father for your inspiring words.