The Postulant Program

Fr. Ralph-Elias Haddix, our new Prior, is directing the Postulant Program which began in January. Noah Scheibmeir and John Joseph Morris (nickname Jack) are discerning their call to the Order of Discalced Carmelites. They are now in their third month of Formation/discernment. Their adjustment from the secular realm to the religious venue seems to be going along as scheduled in its practical and spiritual sense, i.e., growing in charity, detachment, and humility.

The Postulants were welcomed into the Monastery with a blessing for “a holy journey'' in their formation. The   Introductory Rite took place in our chapel during evening Prayer.

Noah and Jack have two classes a day from Monday to Thursday (inclusive); a 4-hour work period on Fridays; a reflection paper read on Saturdays; and, every other Friday a personal meeting with the Postulant Director. They also have assignments to assist at the Eucharist as lector or server, as well as, "meal duties" (clean-up).

The time of "getting to know you," with each other and the professed community also seems to be an enjoyable experience, with no lack of conversation!

“Please pray for Noah and Jack. THANK YOU!”

Fr. Ralph-Elias Haddix, O.C.D. Postulant Director

The Program for our Simply Professed Students

All seems to be going well with our students, Br. John-Mary and Br. Emmanuel. Both are candidates for the Brotherhood.

Each week they have a class on some related Carmelite topic given by one of the Friars of our community. Each Friday as well they do housework and follow the monastery schedule of prayer together.

Br. John-Mary is taking a class virtually from Fr. Stephen Payne, O.C.D. through the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and another class on Saint Teresa of Jesus. from one of our neighbors Fr. André Brouillette, S.J.

He is involved in three apostolates: The first is called the Capuchin Mobile Ministries. It is led by two Capuchin friars, who conduct outreach trips several days each week to the homeless in Boston.

The second apostolate is called Carmel Cast. He is working with another friar producing, editing, and co-hosting video series which introduces Carmelite Spirituality.

The third apostolate is called Evangelium, a student group at Boston College. He will give a talk on Contemplation and Evangelization.

Brother John-Mary also cooks bread and many dinners; he makes beer for Christmas and other special occasions.

Br. Emmanuel is taking classes through St. John Seminary toward his master’s in theology. For his apostolate, he participates in a young adult group and is active in their outreach to the poor.

Presently both students are putting together a 5-8 minute video for each day of Lent. This program is sponsored by the Semi Province of Austria. It will include reflections for each day of Lent and Advent.

Please pray for our young men in studies.

Fr. Bonaventure, O.C.D.
Student Master

Masses for your Prayer Intentions

In Holy Week we relive the terror of Good Friday followed by the hope-filled-victory of Easter Sunday. We wish that you all could join us at Mass through these days but our door remains locked. We pray that everyone will remain safe.

A special Mass began here on the first Saturday of each month to help us all through the pandemic. We will pray for all those infected with the covid19 virus, their caregivers, the deceased, their families and friends, and all of us waiting for the vaccine.

Please join us if you will in praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us all. If you wish your intentions to be included, please send them to us using the button above. They will be placed by the tabernacle.

May you all remain safe!

From the Prior’s Desk

Greetings to our extended FAMILY and HAPPY EASTER!
May you be abundantly blessed on this Day of Resurrection!
May your Easter Season be graced-filled!
May you always live in the radiance of what awaits us all…Resurrection! And, may our lives reflect our Praise and Gratitude for all that we have received since our last Easter celebration!

All of you remain in our love and prayers!

In the Heart of Carmel,

Fr. Ralph-Elias Haddix, OCD
Prior

Associates of Brighton Carmel
Supporting the Discalced Carmelite Friars
166 Foster Street, Brighton, MA 02135-3902

brightonfriarsocd.org