Cleveland Carmelites

Our Life

Cleveland Carmel Monastery Saint Joseph statue

Teresa of Avila did not want to burden her sisters with many rules and regulations; rather, she wanted them to possess that inner peace of heart that Christ wishes to bestow in abundance. The attitudes and values that she conveys about life flow with a wonderful sense of God's boundless love and care.

The atmosphere of prayer inspires all the activity of a Carmelite’s life—so much so that we tend to speak of prayer always in the singular: our life is of prayer, not prayers. Prayer becomes an attitude, a reverent approach to all of life. The liturgical cycle of the Church is the flowing rhythm of our life that gives shape and purpose to our days. Celebrating Eucharist, opening oneself to an hour of quiet solitary prayer in the morning and afternoon, gathering four times a day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, praying for the needs of our Church and world, carving out time for spiritual reading and on-going formation, tackling chores around the house, coming together for the evening meal and recreation, sharing the joy and challenges of living in a small community setting are all vital elements that claim our focus and give energy to our life and mission.

Bishop Mike with Sr. Bernadette, Sr. Donna, Sr. Barb and Sr. Maria

Lauds – As a community of faith we begin our day in praise of God. We sing joyfully, pray the psalms, listen to Scripture, sing the Benedictus, and offer intercessory prayer for our church and world.

Midday Prayer – We pause to give God praise in the middle of our work day. It is a midday moment of rest when we come together in mindful attention praying the psalms and listening to Scripture.

Vespers – We give thanks to God for the day and the opportunity to be of service. We continue the rhythm of praying the psalms and listening to Scripture. We again are mindful of all the intentions that have been commended to our prayer and sing the Magnificat as we remember the Blessed Virgin Mary’s fidelity and care.

Office of Readings – During the evening hours we bless the Lord through song, psalms, and readings. This is a time of ending our community prayer together and a time of preparation for the next day in our liturgical life.

Night Prayer – Each sister begins the night’s rest by praying psalms and scripture in solitude. As Simeon, the elder prophet in the temple, blessed the Lord, so we too bless the Lord as we approach the quiet of the night.