For The Catholic Messenger
Three people, including one from the Diocese of Davenport, professed temporary promises, and one made a definitive promise to the Secular Discalced Community of St. Joseph and the Prophet Elijah. The promises were made Aug. 15 at St. Anthony Parish in Matherville, Illinois.
Gail Devereaux of Prince of Peace Parish in Clinton, along with Brad and Aurora Johnson of Sacred Heart Parish in Moline, Illinois, made their temporary promises – which last three years. Lynn Carlton of St. Mary Parish in Keithsburg, Illinois, made her definitive (life) promise.
Father John Thieryoung, pastor of the Illinois parishes of St. Catherine Parish in Aledo, St. Anthony in Matherville and St. John in Viola, is the spiritual assistant to the Community of St. Joseph and the Prophet Elijah and celebrated the Mass.
The Secular Discalced Carmelite Order is an arm of the Discalced Carmelite Order. The three “arms” share the Rule of St. Albert, which is also shared by the Carmelites of the Ancient Observance. The friars, nuns and seculars each have their own constitution. Each province has its own statutes. The Moline group’s community is in the Eastern Province of the United States, the Province of the Immaculate Heart of Mary — also referred to as the Washington Province after Washington County, Wisconsin.
Carlton said, “This is a vocation. As seculars we make promises of poverty, chastity and obedience, lived in accordance with our individual state in life. To be a member you must be a practicing Catholic, 18 years of age or older, and called to this vocation. A Secular Discalced Carmelite can be man or woman, married, single or a diocesan priest.”
The group meets once a month at St. Mary Parish in Moline.
Other members from the Diocese of Davenport include Donna Enderle, Carol Green, Barb Grothe, Eileen Heinold, Geri Heninger, Teresa Jackovich, Mary Jo Jensen, Harlan and Leslie Schadt, Ursula Schock, Annette Terronez and Barb Wardell.