Carmelite Community of the Word

History and Charism

Beginnings
The initial foundation of the Carmelite Community of the Word took place on July 23, 1971 in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania when fourteen former Sisters of St. Ann created a new community with the assistance of Bishop James J. Hogan. Upon his appointment to the diocese in 1987 Bishop Joseph V. Adamec affirmed our ministry and encouraged us to continue using our talents to further the mission of this diocesan “Household of God”.

On September 23, 2001, Bishop Joseph Adamec completed our petition to be established as a Religious Institute of Diocesan Right.

Our Name
Carmelite — Our Carmelite heritage, founded on Mary, Mother of Carmel, and as exemplified in the spirituality of Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux is of particular significance to us.

Community — We freely choose to share every aspect of our lives. By vowing celibate chastity, we agree to share our human affections; by vowing poverty our material goods, talents, and needs; and by obedience, the decisions of our lives. This total sharing ultimately overflows into the world community.

Of The Word — We believe that as individuals and as a community we have been called and formed by God’s Word. That the person of Jesus and the Scriptures, is at the heart of our spirituality and ministry. It gives shape to our lives of penance and service as we, like Jesus, seek to enflesh it.

Active Community
We see ourselves as primarily women of prayer who choose to engage ourselves actively in ministerial labors that contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ.

As those especially called to divine service, we recognize the connection between election and ministry; and once having meditated upon and believed in the Word of God, we accept our call to be heralds of the good news to others.

Our ministries flow from an intimate union with Christ and be motivated by a sincere love for those to whom we are sent.

Symbols
LOGO — the logo represents our lives rooted in the Word of God. The SIMPLE CROSS, without a corpus of Jesus, reminds us that as we serve others, we sacrifice ourselves. As Jesus died for us so too are we to die for others. The open BOOK symbolizes sacred scripture. As women of prayer, we respond in faith to God’s Word.

RING — the ring is a symbol of the permanency of a Sister’s commitment to religious live as a member of the Carmelite Community of the Word.

BIBLE — the Scriptures hold great meaning to us as Carmelite Sisters of the Word.

HABIT — the habit is worn to testify to simplicity of and witness to the Sister’s dedication to religious life and to the community.



"Christmas Reflection" Two passages from Scripture that have always stirred my soul during the Advent/Christmas season are ". . .Be it done unto me according to your Word." (Luke 1:38) and " . . .He shall be called Emmanuel, God is with us." (Isaiah 6:14) Click here to read more... "Christmas Prayer " When Jesus came to us as man, He scattered the darkness of this world, and filled this holy season with his glory. Click here to read more... "Haiti Update... December 2007 " Haiti continues to be a country of drastic contrasts. In the midst of dire poverty and scarcity of resources there appear glimmers of hope and progress. Click here to read more... 2008 Spring Schedule Days of Reflection Retreats Classes Click here to read more...	HISTORY & CHARISM OUR NAME ACTIVE COMMUNITY SYMBOLS History and Charism Beginnings The initial foundation of the Carmelite Community of the Word took place on July 23, 1971 in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania when fourteen former Sisters of St. Ann created a new community with the assistance of Bishop James J. Hogan. Upon his appointment to the diocese in 1987 Bishop Joseph V. Adamec affirmed our ministry and encouraged us to continue using our talents to further the mission of this diocesan “Household of God”. On September 23, 2001, Bishop Joseph Adamec completed our petition to be established as a Religious Institute of Diocesan Right. Our Name Carmelite — Our Carmelite heritage, founded on Mary, Mother of Carmel, and as exemplified in the spirituality of Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux is of particular significance to us. Community — We freely choose to share every aspect of our lives. By vowing celibate chastity, we agree to share our human affections; by vowing poverty our material goods, talents, and needs; and by obedience, the decisions of our lives. This total sharing ultimately overflows into the world community. Of The Word — We believe that as individuals and as a community we have been called and formed by God’s Word. That the person of Jesus and the Scriptures, is at the heart of our spirituality and ministry. It gives shape to our lives of penance and service as we, like Jesus, seek to enflesh it. Active Community We see ourselves as primarily women of prayer who choose to engage ourselves actively in ministerial labors that contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ. As those especially called to divine service, we recognize the connection between election and ministry; and once having meditated upon and believed in the Word of God, we accept our call to be heralds of the good news to others. Our ministries flow from an intimate union with Christ and be motivated by a sincere love for those to whom we are sent. Symbols LOGO — the logo represents our lives rooted in the Word of God. The SIMPLE CROSS, without a corpus of Jesus, reminds us that as we serve others, we sacrifice ourselves. As Jesus died for us so too are we to die for others. The open BOOK symbolizes sacred scripture. As women of prayer, we respond in faith to God’s Word. RING — the ring is a symbol of the permanency of a Sister’s commitment to religious live as a member of the Carmelite Community of the Word. BIBLE — the Scriptures hold great meaning to us as Carmelite Sisters of the Word. HABIT — the habit is worn to testify to simplicity of and witness to the Sister’s dedication to religious life and to the community.

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