Question and Answer Series #4

Author: Cindy A. Perazzo, T.O.Carm.
Lay Carmelite Crest

Carmelite Q&A #4

Crest of Lay Carmelite Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

This Question-and-Answer Series was begun in the attempt to clarify questions and/or concerns that came up during the 2019 Lay Carmelite Convocation in Chicago, IL.

Cindy A. Perazzo, T.O.Carm., Coordinator of Lay Carmelites
for the Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary

I hope you are getting something good out of these Q&A e-mails. There were so many questions during the Convocation that really need to be clarified. Here is Q&A Series #4.


QUESTION:

We have been unable to find a bank or credit union willing to open a checking account for us without incurring a monthly service charge due to the size of our community funds. We can’t afford these charges. What should a community do in such a situation?

ANSWER:

It can be difficult these days in regard to opening small organizational bank accounts. You may have to keep hunting for a bank or credit union that will open an account but they are around. It seems as though credit unions are still open to servicing a small account. Once you do find a financial institution willing to work with you it will be necessary to prove you are part of the Carmelite Order (a religious organization). The Lay Carmelite Office can provide you with a “letter of good standing,” which is usually effective in proving that you are in fact eligible for an account like this. Contact me for more information or to request a letter. You will also need an EIN (Federal) number. Follow the instructions in the Community Manual to obtain an EIN number online.


QUESTION:

Are attendance requirements (75%) for active and passive voice calculated over a two (2) or three (3) year period.

ANSWER:

Our Interprovincial Statutes (See Carmel’s Call pages 59-123) are out of date. The Interprovincial Commission is in the process of revising them. The time period was changed from 2 years to 3 years a number of years ago. This matches our 3-year terms for community elections.