Growing the next generation of Carmelite priests and brothers to serve community

Our Carmelite Students are inspired to help people transform their lives and reach their potential. They are by people’s sides during the good and difficult times. They assist people to deepen their faith through Carmelite spirituality so as to enjoy a life of meaning and purpose. Today, our Carmelite Students are in various stages of Carmelite training.

Educating them will see our Order grow both here in Australia and in Timor-Leste.

Among a population of 1.3 million, today there are 1.26 million Catholics in Timor-Leste. It is Asia’s most Catholic nation. Despite the large proportion of Catholics in the country, there are only 220 priests among three dioceses to serve the faithful.

Giving young Timorese men an opportunity to become priests is giving them direction - a way out of poverty by leading a more purposeful life. Your donation can help provide these students with accommodation, text books and educational material, basic living expenses, and a foundational education.

Your donation will also give them the gift of a vocation. A future where they will provide spiritual and practical support, transform communities with hope and a better chance at life. They will also take on leadership roles as the Church also serves the social welfare needs of the Timorese people. It is a substantial responsibility on the Church and the demand for leaders continues to grow.

What these young Carmelite students are learning today is shaping them into caring and compassionate men of tomorrow, who will be providing spiritual and practical support to people in need.

There is an urgent need for more priests. The Carmelite Student Education program will help to meet this urgent need.

You can support the next generation of Carmelites.

IMAGE: Young Carmelite students
Carmelite student ordained

Accompanying Australians and Timorese on their life journey through spiritual and pastoral care

Every day the Carmelites are in communities giving a helping hand to someone in need. It may be providing comfort and companionship to a frail or elderly person, celebrating a birth or marriage, or teaching young people life-transforming skills that can lead them to a job or career.

We do all this by offering pastoral and spiritual companionship to people. And since 2001 we have worked with the Timorese to not only rebuild their communities but also to help them recover from the hurt of their painful past.

You can support our Carmelites serving communities.

IMAGE: Carmelites offering Mass / in service
Carmelites with Australians chatting

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land throughout Australia and Timor-Leste. We recognise their connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to First Peoples, their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.