The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) is an integral part of the Carmelite Order. They live according to the Rule of St Albert and have their own Constitutions. They are composed mainly of lay people, but also of secular clergy.
Like the Friars and Sisters, prayer is central to their lives, they spend time each day in prayer and in the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours. Members of the Secular Order try to attend daily Mass whenever possible. They are especially called to live a life modelled on Mary in allegiance to Christ and encouraged to study the writings of the Carmelite saints of the Discalced Order, especially St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross. They attend a meeting of their community each month.
One must attend meetings of the community for some time before being accepted into formation. A Carmelite vocation must be discerned both by the person themselves and by the community they wish to join.
Provincial Delegate (Ireland): Fr. Vincent O’Hara, OCD
St Teresa’s Church, Clarendon Street, Dublin
Tel: +353 (1) 671 8466
The National President (Ireland): Paula Gallagher, OCDS
Provincial Delegate (United Kingdom): Fr. Matthew Blake, OCD
Carmelite Priory, 41 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BB
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7937 9866
The National President (United Kingdom): Annette Goulden, OCDS