Introduction to me as the Carmelite Vocations Director

Praised be Jesus Christ! Welcome to “our” Carmelite vocation blog. I am Fr. Michael Mary, the Vocations Director for the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming. Through this website, I hope to be able to better explain our vocation process, our charism and how we fit into the great Carmelite family. Also I will answer common questions that vocations have who are looing into our community. Our main vocations page is at the Carmelite Monks’ website here. I will use this website to add personal thoughts and updates for those interested in discerning with us.

I am part of the Carmelite Monks. We are diocesan community in the Catholic diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming under Bishop Steven Biegler. We have four priests and twenty brothers. Our monastery is in the mountains of Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park.

I have been a Carmelite for nearly 22 years. But my superior, Fr. Daniel Mary, has been a Carmelite since 1991. That is 31 years, so he has me beat. I remember what it was like to discern a Carmelite vocation. It takes a lot of courage and magnanimity. I remember asking, “Could God really be calling me?” I also thought that I was a nobody. But Jesus and Mary call whomever they will. That very well may be you. It is worth giving it a try since the church needs you.

What the Carmelite Monks do

I love being a Carmelite monk because we live a hidden, cloistered contemplative life in the wilderness of Wyoming. Our monks chant in Latin the Carmelite liturgy including a daily sung mass. We have two hours of mental prayer. We also get up for midnight office, so I drink plenty of Midnight Vigils Blend Coffee.

You can see image of us on our Carmelite Monastery Images Page. Thanks and God bless!