The congregation would be established and function in Cincinnati, Ohio and assume its affiliation with the Province of St. Therese of Lisieux.  The Church as well as the Friars are currently headquartered in Cincinnati as well.  The Rule incorporates aspects of the Carmelite Rule of the Ancient Observance and the Rule of the Reform of St. Theresa of Avila.  The Order is semi-contemplative in that it has active ministry in the world while at the same time a monastic and contemplative spirit.  The first women who commit to establishing the congregation would have as their first responsibilities, reviewing the rule and developing the program of formation for the sisters who would join the community. The founding members would collaborate on issues such as location of the Motherhouse, means of acquisition, living in community, and method of sustaining the community. 

Initially, the congregation would function under the tax exempt status of the Church with the goal of eventual recognition of the congregation as a tax exempt organization.  With the hoped for growth of the congregation, there would be the option of planning for expanding the congregation and establishing communities in other areas. Should you feel drawn to accept this invitation, we would ask you to email us to begin the process of discussion, discernment and dialogue.

The American Traditional Catholic Church

Cor ad cor loquitor

The Church wishes to establish a community of nuns to assist in the ministerial work of the Church.  This congregation would be a part of the Carmelite Order within the jurisdiction of the American Traditional Catholic Church.  The order would be, just as the Friars of the First Order, a traditional order in both theory and practice.  Traditional vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are taken along with a fourth vow of hospitality.    Once established, the congregation would minister as teachers, nurses or social services however, as in the case of the Friars, no limit on membership would be imposed.  That is, any female who meets the canonical requirements for admission would be turned away simply because they are not called to be teachers, nurses or social workers.  Until the congregation is established and able to sustain itself, sisters may work in secular occupations while working towards establishing itself as a self-sustaining community.

A traditional habit is worn (see photo, courtesy of Gothic Garments) and a daily schedule that integrates prayer and work is observed.  The Church as well as the Order mandates that the habit shall not be modernized nor altered as it is the outward sign of consecration of the individual to God.  Dispensations are given to individuals (Sisters and Friars) who work in secular settings that would prevent wearing of the habit (e.g. government based social service agencies, hospitals of other denominations, public schools K – 12).  In these cases, members are expected to observe a modest form of dressing and to wear their habit at all other times outside of work.  The founding sisters may find it more to their preference to establish themselves rather than exercise the option of “duality” in dress.

To contact us by email: atcc@atcc-torcc.org

To contact us by post:

 

The Discalced Carmelite Servants of Mercy

American Traditional Catholic Church

P. O. Box 53193

Cincinnati, OH  45253

A SPECIAL INVITATION