The Carmelite Story …
 We do not know exactly
when the forbears of the Order of Carmelites first came to
Mount Carmel: it was around the year 1200 AD. They settled
in a small valley on the western slope of the mountain, near
a spring known since antiquity as the "spring of Elijah".
The Carmelites shared many of the spiritual
aspirations of the hermits and pilgrims in the Holy Land at
the time of the Crusades: the commitment to poverty and simplicity
of lifestyle, their desire for spiritual freedom, their intimacy
with the Scriptures and their longing to hear the Word of
God in the quiet of solitude, the central place given to love,
their wish to build a brotherhood in which they could learn
to see Jesus in each other.
These values continue to inspire Carmelite
life today.
The Carmelite travels the most demanding
journey of all … the journey inwards into one’s
own heart.
 As
Prophetic Contemplatives …
Carmelites find inspiration in the persons
of Elijah, prophet of Mount Carmel, and Mary, the first disciple
of the Lord.
Like them, Carmelites create an open space
in themselves in order to recognise God, and so embark on
the most demanding of all journeys, the journey into one’s
own heart. As prophets they are called to share this experience
of God with all people.
In Ministry …
 Carmelites work in many and varied
ways … Welcoming people to participate in their life
and spirituality…
 in Parish life
hospitality
education and formation
spirituality programs
communications
retreat work.
 Through
Our Life Together…
Carmelites are called to share their commitment
to Christ within a community.
They live a common life — sharing their
time, their income, their wisdom, their talents, their prayer.
The way of poverty, chastity and obedience offer great freedom
to live life fully.
Finding
out what God wants – Discerning My Personal Vocation
Discernment is experiencing with understanding
and commitment
the presence and guidance of God in my whole life….
Ernest Larkin, O.Carm
For further information please contact:
Fr Paul Sireh, O.Carm
Carmelite Community
4 Bennett Street
Wentworthville NSW 2145
Phone: (02) 9631 8302
Fax: (02) 9631 1567
Email: psireh@tpg.com.au
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