Question and Answer Series #21

I hope all is well!  I wanted to give you a few Q&As for the month of October 2023.

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

QUESTION:

Our Community has a question as we read the updated form of Carmel’s Call. It states on page 23 that daily prayer expectations include Morning, Evening, and Night prayer. We were surprised at Night prayer being included as an expectation rather than a personal goal. Can you clarify for us? Also any word as to when the printed update for the next section will be available?

ANSWER:

Well, we do consider the Rule for the Third Order of Carmel (paragraph #38) (International Rule) as our constitutions but local statutes always take precedence. This can at times be confusing when there are differences. There aren’t too many — the one you inquired about and just a few others.  So, to specifically answer the original question, the North American provinces only require Morning and Evening prayer. You can find this by referring to page 66 of our Provincial Statutes (Carmel’s Call, pages 61-123).

QUESTION:

We recently had a question from some of the Community members about the appropriate times to wear the large ceremonial scapular.

ANSWER:

A Lay Carmelite is never to wear the Ceremonial Scapular as an individual to daily Mass or to any political or other activist activities — even church related. Below are some additional directives taken out of the Provincial Statutes (Carmel’s Call, Twelfth Edition)

Chapter 10 - Symbol of Membership (paragraph #5)

1. [...the Ceremonial Scapular...] is worn outside normal street clothing during functions of the community and the Carmelite Order. Respecting the Ceremonial Scapular as the habit of a Lay Carmelite, there are to be no other decorations on it. The traditional small brown cloth scapular or scapular medal may be worn under one's clothing in daily life.
2. In daily life, and especially while engaged in the service of the Church, Lay Carmelites may choose to wear a pin, pendant, or ring with the Carmelite shield as a sign of their membership in the Order. When wearing one's Lay Carmelite Scapular or any insignia of the Order, one must be very conscious of one's responsibility to act in a way that brings only credit to the Order.
3. When gathering as members of a Lay Carmelite Community or when asked to represent the Carmelite Order at a Parish or Diocesan function, one may wear the Lay Carmelite Ceremonial Scapular.
4. The Ceremonial Scapular is normally worn or placed in the casket for burial. Some prefer the ancient custom of wearing a habit similar to the Religious in the Order for burial which the individual would have pre-arranged. The Lay Carmelite Community must defer to the members of the family regarding the burial arrangements of their loved one.

QUESTION:

Partial Attendance. Our community’s partial attendance is high for about 4-6 members. Will you please give us parameters to work within for our policy?

ANSWER:

In January 2019 I addressed partial attendance in a letter that was sent to all directors. I’ve included this information below:

Attendance: I still hear from Community Directors who have difficulties with members who attend meetings sporadically or arrive late/leave early, missing a good portion of the meeting.  This partial attendance is harmful to those who are absent in this way on a regular basis and to the community who sees this behavior and wonders why it is allowed. Since there is no Provincial Statute or policy right now that covers this issue of arriving after the meeting begins and/or leaving before the last element is completed (partial attendance) I have given each community council permission to create a local policy which may include a partial attendance percentage given.

The Director should relay to the community when a policy like this has been developed and when it is to take effect. You should be given ample notice prior to any policy implementation. Should a member have extenuating circumstances she/he should discuss this with the director or one of the elected councilors in order to come to an agreement.

It would be fair for your council to consider that if members miss any significant part of either the first half of the meeting (typically, prayer, Lectio Divina, Homework from the Order, and business) Or ongoing formation that attendance could be considered 50%. I would not recommend “parceling out” any less than 50% (i.e. 25%, 20%, etc.).

I hope you are experiencing a nice fall so far. And that you have had some time to enjoy all of the Carmelite webinars that have come up recently.