Carmelite Sisters for the Aged & Infirm
Contact
Sr. Helena of Mary, O.Carm.
Vocation Director
600 Woods Rd
Germantown, NY 12526-5639
srhelena@stmhcs.org
www.carmelitesisters.com
Dioceses
Albany, NY Altoona-Johnstown, PA Boston, MA Brooklyn, NY Cincinnati, OH Columbus, OH Covington, KY Davenport, IA Joliet, IL New York, NY Palm Beach, FL Springfield, MA
Mission
The community received the decree of pontifical approbation on July 16, 1957. Not only were the physical and spiritual needs of the elderly to be fully met, but, of equal importance, home-like residences were to be established where the dignity and independence of each resident would always be respected. We currently staff facilities for the elderly, such as nursing homes and some assisted living and independent living residences. The call to Carmel is a call to serve the Church through prayer and sacrifice. The Order of Carmel dates to its spiritual founder, the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel, 900 years before Christ.
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent, one year work experience following high school, good physical and mental health, a sincere desire to serve Jesus in the elderly.
Formation
Postulancy: normally ten months, during which the candidate is in an internship program in one of their nursing homes to experience their mission. Novitiate: normally a two-year program. During the second year, the novice spends two months in one of their mission houses. During the junior professed period, the temporarily vowed sisters, in addition to attending two one-week formal study programs per year, may be granted permission to further their formal education. The final professed formation includes, in addition to a yearly retreat, periodic community workshops and attendance at a month-long renewal program every ten years.
Province
N/A
International
One house in Ireland
Belated Vocations
Exceptions to the age limit are rare and made on an individual basis.