“I Choose All!” How the Lord Called Me to Be a Lay Carmelite
"I Choose All!" How the Lord Called Me to Be a Lay Carmelite - Busted Halo
In Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations), the voice of the Second Vatican Council urged lay people to rise up in their roles within the larger body of Christ, stating, “…may every opportunity be given them so that, according to their abilities and the needs of the times, they may zealously participate in the saving work of the Church” (#33).
Besides raising families, managing homes, and working in professions, lay people are called to be actively involved in their local Church and community — but what about those who feel called to something more?
Succinctly defined, laypersons (whether they’re single or married) who strive for Christian perfection under the guidance of a religious order while still living in the world do so within Lay Third Orders. These men and women are considered members of a particular religious community in a tertiary branch, and they make promises for life to live within the charisms of the order they select.
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