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.

Update on Aid to Haiti

The CCW sisters are now collecting for this year’s sea container to be shipped in late September, 2011 to the Little Sisters of the Incarnation in Haiti. Materials needed include canned food. Canned food such as vegetables, fruit, tuna, chicken, ham, or other meats are especially useful to the Haitian people. Shipping regulations prohibit our sending dry foods such as rice, beans, flour, boxed cereal or the like. We will not be accepting clothing for this shipment.

Two particular projects need help with funding. We would like to send solar panels that will help supply power for the Little Sisters. We are also working toward getting playground equipment for the children at the orphanage so that they will have a means of recreation and exercise.

Financial assistance is a constant need for the people of Haiti. Many items need to be purchased to help rebuild homes and to provide food.

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"

CCW Year Long Anniversary Celebration!

On Christmas Day, 2010 the Carmelite Community of the Word sisters began a year of celebration marking two very important anniversaries—the 40th anniversary of the founding of the community on July 23, 1971 and the 10th anniversary of being established as an Institute of Diocesan Right on September 23, 2001.

Anniversary festivities will include classes offered to the public throughout the diocese on the Gospel of Matthew and Carmelite Spirituality, as well as a special celebration to be announced later in the year. A special anniversary prayer is being prepared and will be featured on this website so that anyone who wishes can join with us in this prayer.

Click on the “2011 Lenten/Spring Program” link to the right to find the complete schedule of the Gospel of Matthew classes. Carmelite Spirituality classes will be scheduled in the Fall of 2011.