HISTORY
In September 1929, a Religious Community was founded in New York
City by Mother M. Angeline Teresa under the guidance of Patrick
Cardinal Hayes of New York: the Community known as the Carmelite
Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.
Together with six other Sisters who were to be the first members
of this Congregation, Mother Angeline Terersa began the great
apostolate of caring for the elderly in a unique and different
way. Not only were the physical and spiritual needs of the
individual met, but of equal importance home-like residences were
to be established where the dignity and independence of each
elderly person would always be respected and maintained.
On September 29th, 1931, the first Home was opened in the Bronx.
ACTIVE LIFE
As women of the Church inspired by Mother M. Angeline Teresa, the
Sisters seek to respond with faith, courage and love to the
healing ministry of Christ. Their philosophy is best expressed in
the words of their Foundress:
"Our apostolate is not only to staff and operate up-to- date
homes for the aged, but as religious, it is to bring Christ
to every person under our care. Bringing Christ means
giving them His compassion, His interest, His loving care,
His warmth morning, noon and night. It means inspiring the
lay people who work with us, to give the same type of
loving care."
The Sisters are involved in many areas of work in caring for the
elderly. Some serve as administrators, social workers, nurses,
resident advocates, pastoral care workers, business workers, and
so forth.
Regardless of the specific job, though, each Sister is concerned
with the total well-being of the resident and seeks to make the
later years some of the richest in the individual's homeward
journey to God.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
As Carmelites, the Sisters endeavor to combine the active life
with the contemplative. Early in their training they learn that
the fruit of their active labors depends on a deep spiritual life
and great faith and trust in God. Our Blessed Mother of Mt.
Carmel is the principal Patroness of the Congregation, and the
Sisters wear the brown habit of Carmel with the brown scapular
which symbolizes the Order's special devotion to and love of
Mary.
Through the Vows of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity, the Sisters
consecrate their entire lives to Christ and seek to remain
faithful Spouses, witnessing to His love in all that they do.
FORMATION
Postulancy: eight months
Become familiar with religious life as it is lived each day
and be exposed to the work of the apostolate in direct care
of the aged in one of the houses of the Congregation.
Novitiate: two years
A firm foundation in the spiritual life is established. The
Rules and Constitutions of the Congregation are studied; and
the three Vows of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity are com-
pletely examined so as to make the Novice fully aware of all
that her commitment to Christ entails.
Juniorate:
First profession of vows is made on completion of the
novitiate. The vows are renewed each year until Final
Profession is made, usually at the end of five years. The
active apostolate among the elderly is begun at one of the
houses of the Congregation.
NOTE: On January 21, 1984 Mother M. Angeline Teresa, the
Foundress went to her Eternal Reward. She had the great
consolation of seeing the Congregation grow beyond her
expectations. At the present time the Sisters have 27
residences for the aged, and care for almost 6,000 elderly
men and women each day.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Age: 19-35
Education: high school diploma or equivalent
Health: good physical and mental health
Attitude: sincere desire to serve Christ through the elderly
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Write to:
Vocation Director
St. Teresa's Motherhouse
600 Woods Road
Germantown, NY 12526
Copyright, 1985, 1994, Society for Religious Vocations
The above religious community is a Sponsor of the Society for
Religious Vocations and an Affiliate of the Institute on
Religious Life. For a copy of the above information on this
community, PROPERLY FORMATTED AND WITH PICTURES, please contact
William Fairman (Clergy/Religious Forum) or write/call:
Mr. William D. Fairman
Society for Religious Vocations
10016 South Komensky Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 424-4550 (VOICE & FAX)
