Our Community
Living the Carmelite charism in the world
Who We Are
The Coastal Community of St. John of the Cross is a lay Carmelite community affiliated with the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). We are men and women from diverse backgrounds and vocations—married and single, young and old, working professionals and retirees—united by a common call to contemplative prayer and the Carmelite way of life.
We live "in the world" but seek to cultivate interior silence, detachment, and union with God in the midst of our daily responsibilities. Our community provides formation, spiritual support, and fraternal fellowship as we journey together toward deeper intimacy with Christ.
Our Carmelite Heritage
The Carmelite Order traces its origins to Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the 12th century, where hermits gathered to live lives of prayer, silence, and devotion to God. Inspired by the prophet Elijah and guided by the patronage of Our Lady, these early hermits sought to "live in allegiance to Jesus Christ" through contemplative prayer.
In the 16th century, St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross reformed the Order, emphasizing radical poverty, interior prayer, and mystical union with God. This reform—the Discalced Carmelites—gave birth to a profound spiritual tradition that continues to guide souls today.
The Third Order, now known as the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS), allows lay people to participate in this rich tradition while living their vocations in the world.
Community Life
Monthly Gatherings
When: 4th Friday of each month
Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Precious Blood of Christ, Pawley's Island
Our monthly meetings include communal prayer, formation talks, Lectio Divina, and fraternal sharing. All inquirers are welcome to attend and discern their call to Carmelite life.
Optional: On the 2nd Sunday of the month, we carpool to Columbia for Formation Study.
What We Do Together
Prayer & Formation
- Liturgy of the Hours (communal prayer)
- Lectio Divina and Scripture study
- Formation in Carmelite spirituality
- Study of the writings of Carmelite saints
Community & Service
- Fraternal sharing and mutual support
- Community celebrations and retreats
- Prayer for the Church and world
- Spiritual friendship and encouragement
The Carmelite Rule of Life
Daily Prayer
Members commit to a period of silent prayer each day, seeking to cultivate an interior life of silence and contemplation. We also pray portions of the Liturgy of the Hours and dedicate time to spiritual reading.
Simple Living
Following the spirit of poverty and detachment, we seek to live simply, valuing what is essential and letting go of excessive attachment to material goods, comfort, and worldly pursuits.
Fraternal Charity
We support one another in prayer and friendship, building a community that reflects Christ's love. This includes regular attendance at monthly meetings and maintaining bonds of fraternal charity.
Service to the Church
Carmelites are called to serve the Church through prayer, witness, and charitable works. We offer our lives as a hidden sacrifice of prayer for priests, missionaries, and the needs of the world.
Join Us
If you feel drawn to the contemplative life and the Carmelite tradition, we invite you to visit our community. Whether you are simply exploring or seriously discerning a call to Carmelite life, you are welcome to attend our monthly gatherings and learn more about this way of life.
For more information about visiting, please contact us.