Welcome to the Carmelite Community of the Word

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us;
and we have seen his glory, the glory of an only son
coming from the Father, filled with enduring love.”
(John 1:1)

The Carmelite Community of the Word

     is a Religious Institute of Diocesan Right.

          The Sisters pronounce public vows of

               celibate chastity, poverty and obedience

                    and dedicate themselves to apostolic ministry.

Responding in faith to this Word, we see ourselves as primarily as women of prayer who choose to engage ourselves actively in ministerial labors that contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ, particularly in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Led by the Spirit, we seek this Word as revealed in Scripture and received by the Church in order that our lives might bear fruit in contemplative prayer and apostolic service.

Formed in the tradition of Carmel, we seek first the reign of God through lives that unite prayer, penance and service in such a way that we can be called true daughters of the Church.

HAITI DISASTER

On January 12, 2010, the country of Haiti was rocked by a massive 7.0 earthquake. The epicenter of the quake was 10 miles west of the capital city, Port au Prince and the devastation to that city was, as Haitian President René Préval said, “unimaginable.” The magnitude of this disaster is hard for us to comprehend. Thousands of people have lost their lives, buildings destroyed, families split apart. Initial estimates of losses have doubled and tripled as search and rescue efforts continue.

In addition, tremors from the earthquake were felt miles away in the Central Plateau villages of Hinche and Pandiassou, as well as countless other towns and villages. Aftershocks continue to add to the losses, the fear, and devastation.

For over 20 years the Carmelite Community of the Word, Inc., through its Hands & Hearts Mission Program, has treasured a collaborative relationship with the Little Sisters of the Incarnation-a native Haitian Religious Community dedicated to the spiritual, social and educational development of the people of Haiti. They need our help more than ever as they undertake the task of re-building their country from the inside out. The Little Sisters have sustained damage to their homes in Port au Prince and Pandiassou, and are sleeping outside because they fear total collapse as the result of aftershocks.
In the midst of their own struggles, the Little Sisters continue to care for the Haitian people, with an immediate plan to care for some 3000 refugees coming from Port au Prince to Pandiassou.

You can find more information about Haiti and the Little Sisters of the Incarnation by clicking on the “Haiti Update” tab on the left column of this home page.

If you would like to join our efforts, please send your contributions to:

Carmelite Community of the Word, Inc.
394 Bem Road
Gallitzin, PA 16641

Please memo your check: "Haiti Earthquake Relief"