A Life in Community

As a community we have taken to heart the recommendations of the Second Vatican Council calling all contemplative nuns to rekindle the original spirit of their Order. By looking back to the intentions and charism of their founder they were to give them an outward expression more in conformity with the times and culture in which they live.

Saint Teresa of Avila, the Foundress of our Order, was convinced of the importance of a vibrant community life to sustain and support our lives of silent prayer. Each day a specific time is set aside when we can recreate, talk, and share special interests together.

On certain feast days, too, and on special occasions, the timetable may be modified to allow extra time for personal relaxation or community celebration. And during the course of the year, other occasions arise for more personal contact with each other or for sharing ideas at a deeper level.

Our lives of prayer and intercession are informed by daily access to newspapers and other journals. Fiction and books of general interest are available, as well as specifically spiritual reading, since we value its potential for keeping us in touch with life's realities. However, we do not participate in outside social events and only rarely make use of the more intrusive forms of media, such as television, film or radio. Instead we seek within the community the resources we need for enjoyment and entertainment, encouraging each other’s gifts and talents.

Our primary relationship with the outside world is defined by our enclosure. This important dimension of Carmelite existence means, in practice, that we do not go out of the monastery unless it is strictly necessary nor permit visitors to come inside. Designated guest areas outside the enclosure permit the Sisters to meet visitors or conduct necessary business and the Public Chapel is open throughout the day for those who wish to worship with us. But the enclosure remains a place reserved to the community alone where each member can commit herself undisturbed to silence and prayer. At the same time we believe that our vocation holds us at the heart of the world and we make its deepest concerns our own. It is a life for others.