Facilitating spiritual journeys, growth and community
Encouraging contemplation, independent and free thinking, and an attitude of simplicity, humility and grace are the cornerstone of the Carmelite Centre. Located in the heart of Middle Park, Victoria, the Carmelite Centre helps people to explore Carmelite spirituality, social justice, religious art, faith formation, wellbeing, healing and prayer.
You can support the Centre outreach to more in our community.
Providing skills or higher education to the youth of Timor
Education provides a pathway of learning but more importantly hope and opportunity. For the children and young adults of Timor-Leste being able to continue their education by going on to higher learning such as Secondary School, University or a Trade College not only gives them skills but will enable them to one day earn a decent living. This will change their life and the lives of their families and communities.
The Scholarships program helps young adults stay in school. Today there are 30 young adults benefiting from learning because of caring and compassionate Australians. Join them and give a young person hope for a better future.
You can read more of the scholarship students whose lives have changed because of caring people just like you. Click here.
Support a young adult today and give them the gift of a scholarship that can truly transform their future.
IMAGE: Young Timorese adults studying
Scholarship students (group photo)
Empowering Timorese children and youth so as to break free from poverty
Learning new skills or receiving a good education is vital in helping to empower people with a way out of poverty.
Did you know that Timor-Leste is the poorest country in our region? And over 70% of Timor-Leste’s population is under the age of 30. Half are children. Few go to school. The majority live in absolute poverty.
As our neighbour we cannot turn our back on them.
Our Education = Freedom program not only helps Timorese children or young adults to learn to read and write, but it also helps them to learn a trade, to get a job or to even go on to tertiary studies and become a professional.
When you support our Education = Freedom program you also give Timorese children and young adults more than just the gift of education. You are giving them access to basic health care and medicine, nutritious food, clothing, books and school equipment, so they can transform their lives and reach their potential.
For children living in remote villages around Zumalai, our Boarding House is providing them with a roof over their heads, good food on the table and an environment to study. Our goal is to expand our Boarding House so more children from remote villages are able to go to school.
Right now there are over 400 children and teenagers attending a Carmelite school. Every day they learn, they receive a good nutritious meal, and they believe they can realise their hopes and dreams.
However, there are hundreds more who because of poverty are unable to reach their potential.
Your support can be life-changing for a Timorese child. Show your support today.
IMAGE: Children at school
Children learning, playing sports, eating
Maintaining a national treasure filled with theology, spirituality and personal enrichment
The Carmelite Library of Spirituality has been described as a national treasure and a haven for those seeking spiritual nourishment and purpose in life. Today it is a place to read inspirational stories of key people throughout religious history. A place to undertake theological and spiritual research, the Carmelite Library is filled with books where people can come together to discuss faith, attend lectures, and discover ways to be a support for each other. It is a special place holding many materials not available in any other Australian library.
You can support this national treasure today.
IMAGE: Library books especially historical theological books
Front door of The Carmelite Library
Growing the next generation of Carmelite priests and brothers to serve community
Our Carmelite Students are inspired to help people transform their lives and reach their potential. They are by people’s sides during the good and difficult times. They assist people to deepen their faith through Carmelite spirituality so as to enjoy a life of meaning and purpose. Today, our Carmelite Students are in various stages of Carmelite training.
Educating them will see our Order grow both here in Australia and in Timor-Leste.
Among a population of 1.3 million, today there are 1.26 million Catholics in Timor-Leste. It is Asia’s most Catholic nation. Despite the large proportion of Catholics in the country, there are only 220 priests among three dioceses to serve the faithful.
Giving young Timorese men an opportunity to become priests is giving them direction - a way out of poverty by leading a more purposeful life. Your donation can help provide these students with accommodation, text books and educational material, basic living expenses, and a foundational education.
Your donation will also give them the gift of a vocation. A future where they will provide spiritual and practical support, transform communities with hope and a better chance at life. They will also take on leadership roles as the Church also serves the social welfare needs of the Timorese people. It is a substantial responsibility on the Church and the demand for leaders continues to grow.
What these young Carmelite students are learning today is shaping them into caring and compassionate men of tomorrow, who will be providing spiritual and practical support to people in need.
There is an urgent need for more priests. The Carmelite Student Education program will help to meet this urgent need.
You can support the next generation of Carmelites.
IMAGE: Young Carmelite students
Carmelite student ordained
Accompanying Australians and Timorese on their life journey through spiritual and pastoral care
Every day the Carmelites are in communities giving a helping hand to someone in need. It may be providing comfort and companionship to a frail or elderly person, celebrating a birth or marriage, or teaching young people life-transforming skills that can lead them to a job or career.
We do all this by offering pastoral and spiritual companionship to people. And since 2001 we have worked with the Timorese to not only rebuild their communities but also to help them recover from the hurt of their painful past.
You can support our Carmelites serving communities.
IMAGE: Carmelites offering Mass / in service
Carmelites with Australians chatting
