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Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS)

We are a community of lay persons who live according to the spirit of the Order of Discalced Carmelites in our secular state of life.

Our calling is to live in the world an evangelical life of fraternal communion instilled with the spirit of contemplative prayer and apostolic zeal according to the example and teaching of the Carmelite saints, especially Saint Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Therese of Lisieux.

==> Carith Community Members: Check out the formation schedule for 2026-2027 and the member portal (private) and candidate portal (private)

About Us

Our community began in 1991 in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. We meet on the second Sunday of each month at St. Anne Church (St. Paul of the Cross Parish) at 10:30 a.m. Catholics who feel called to live the spirituality of Carmel are most welcome. Please reach out to our President through the Prayer Request… Continue reading About Us

Prayer Request and Contact Form

If you would like to know more about our community or if you have a request for our prayers then please contact us.

What We are Reading

Our Candidate Formation year (April 2026 – March 2027) will be following the National Formation Program: Aspirancy, Formation I Year A, and Formation II Year A. Our Community Formation is reading St. John of the Cross Studies 2026 (March 2026 – October 2026). Our Ongoing Formation is reviewing the Formation Handbook (May 2026 – TBD).… Continue reading What We are Reading