Lay Carmelites seek God's presence in prayer while living an active life in the world. This duality of silent prayer and active ministry was practiced by the first Carmelite hermits who migrated to Europe during the Thirteenth Century.

Lay Carmelites today practice:

• Celebration of the Eucharist
• Liturgy of the Hours
• Contemplative prayer
• Devotional prayers and practices of the larger Church

For Reflection

• "The challenge of Carmel is to seek God's presence in prayer while living an active, busy life in the midst of the world." (Provincial Statutes I, 3:1)

• "For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy." (St. Therese of Lisieux, Manuscript C, 25r)

• "Prayer is life, it is not an oasis in the desert of life." (Bl. Titus Brandsma, Notes for a Retreat)