Lay Carmelites are members of a Roman Catholic community that originated on Mount Carmel over 800 years ago. They are an "association mainly of lay persons. Its members, responding to a special call of God, freely and deliberately commit themselves to live in the following of Jesus Christ according to the traditions and spirit of Carmel under the authority of the Prior General of the Carmelite Order. The call to Carmel, a call to seek God's will in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life, roots Lay Carmelites in a love of those with whom they live and work, in the search for God's presence in all circumstances, and in solidarity with God's people everywhere." (Statutes I, 1:1)

Lay Carmelites share in a tradition of holiness embraced by St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux, Bl. John Soreth, St. Mary Magdalen de' Pazzi, and others.

This site contains information on Carmelite spirituality, communities, vocation, and resources.