1.  Lay Carmelite Rule and Statutes

Every Lay Carmelite should be joyous that the Lay Carmelite Statutes were approved in May and September, 1990, by the Carmelite Provinces of the Most Pure Heart of Mary and of St. Elias, respectively. They were promulgated on January 1, 1991, and are now in force. It is a fine document to lead the Lay Carmelite Order into the 21st century.

The Statutes were formulated by representatives of Lay Carmelite communities in North America who gave many days in meetings held at Aylesford in Darien, Illinois. Chapters all across the land were then asked to evaluate the second draft and present recommendations for further consideration. Another revision was formulated and again communities were given copies to evaluate. After compiling all this data, a final draft was given to the Provincial Councils of both Provinces for approval. This approval was given with two minor changes.

This lengthy process met the procedural style which the Magisterium of our Church mandated in the Vatican II documents, namely, that a collegial form of decision-making be used, enabling people to be involved in sharing their experience in faith matters for the common good. We are proud that Lay Carmelites met this important challenge and extended their talents, meeting the needs of our growing numbers of communities. Surely, this beautiful evidence of emerging lay participation captures the spirit of renewal which Church leaders signaled as important for modern times.

These new Statutes reflect the Lay Carmelite spirit that is emerging across the land. We hope that as we become more familiar with them and live them out well in our daily lives, we will see an increased dedication and love in the family of Carmel for the Order, for the Church and for all who make the journey in our world with us.