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Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites Community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St. Teresa of Jesus Dear Inquirer, Welcome to the website of the Secular Order
Discalced Carmelites of Cincinnati, Ohio! It is my belief that it was not mere
“coincidence” that brought you here, but an inspiration by the Holy Spirit,
moving you to seek a deeper spirituality within the Catholic Church, a fuller
way to live out your baptismal promises and the “abundant life” which Jesus
gives. You have found it! On behalf of our Cincinnati community, I hope you
enjoy browsing our website and I pray it will be of benefit to you in your
spiritual journey. “Members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites are faithful members of the Church, called to life ‘in allegiance to Jesus Christ’ through ‘friendship with the One we know loves us’ and in service to the Church. Under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in the biblical tradition of the prophet Elijah and inspired by the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, they seek to deepen their Christian commitment received in baptism.” (O.C.D.S. Constitutions I:3) Our local community is comprised of about 40 men and women of various ages, vocations, and occupations who, along with the friars and nuns, are called by God to participate in the spiritual charism of the Discalced Carmelite Order, union with God through contemplative prayer. While we accept diocesan priests and deacons into our Secular Order, we are largely made up of laity seeking to live holy lives through Carmelite spirituality proper to our secular state of life. This goal is in accordance with the teachings of Vatican Council II and the “universal call to holiness.” The Community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Teresa of Jesus has been canonically established within the Province of the Order of Discalced Carmelites of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Typically, we meet monthly on the fourth Sunday of each month from January to November at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Price Hill, a suburb of Cincinnati. Our meetings begin at 1:00 with small group formation, followed by a general meeting at 2:00, study of the Carmelite saints, and ending in church with Exposition, Adoration, Evening Prayer, and Benediction. Should you desire more information, I am happy to talk with you. Please feel free to telephone me at (513) 522-9851, email me at: tmk10@aol.com, or write me at the address below. May Our Lord and Lady of Mount Carmel bless and watch over you! Yours in Christ, Debbie Koch, OCDS
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