Lay Carmelites of Oswego, New York
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The Order of Carmelites (O.Carm.) arrived in the U.S. during the latter half of the 1800’s: one group, from the German Province, settled in Kansas in 1864; the other from the Irish Province, made its homebase in the New York area in 1889.
The Lay Carmelites of Oswego, New York had its beginnings in 1957. The Lay Carmelites were based at St. John’s Church at Erie St., Oswego. The church, rectory and school were eventually closed down years later, due to Diocese attritions.
The first reception took place on July 6, 1958, which was officiated by Rev. Harold Quinn, the pastor of St John’s Church at that time. Two years later on June 12, 1960, the first profession of vows took place. It was made to Rev. Kilian J. Healy, Prior General of the Carmelite Order. Anne O’Brien was the first Prioress. The original members of the first local Lay Carmelite Community were: Mary Cooker, Mary Kinefic, Mary Finn, Elsie Schneider, Theresa Cooker, Jessie Daley, Catherine Todardo, Catherine McPeak, Mary Alice Woods, and Alma Daley. Members who joined later were: Lilian DeSantis, Lena Pheiffer, Emma Newstead, Florence Reidy, Catherine Roche, Agnes Farrell, Edith Tonkin, Beatrice Donovan, Loretta Flavin, Rose Barsi, Marie Altimonda, Mabel Bresnak, Ann Thompson, Madelyn Myers, Florence Hourigan, Anna West, Virginia Rauss, Susan Hall, Jane Gentile, Rose Fick, Margaret Dowdle, Margaret Marano, Jeanne Kraft, Shirley Whalen, Ida Costa and Inez Jacobs. All these members have already passed away, except for the following surviving members: Rose Barsi, Inez Jacobs, Alma Daley, Jeanne Kraft, Shirley Whalen, and Rose Fick.
On July 16, 2006, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Lay Carmelites of Oswego formally “received” one of its new members, Remigio “John” A. Alejandro, Jr. into its Order. The Rite of Reception was held at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. It was officiated by the Rev. Fr. George Wurz. That same month, the Lay Carmelites of Oswego published the maiden issue of its community newsletter: REGINA CARMELITAS which is circulated monthly among community members and friends of the Lay Carmelites of Oswego.
The year 2007 marked the 50th anniversary of the Lay Carmelites in Oswego. On July 14, 2007 Eileen Sprague, a local of Oswego was formally received into the Third Order with a Rite of Reception conducted during the Mass at St. Mary's Church which was officiated by Rev. Richard Morisette. A special consecration Mass for the local Chapter was also held on July 16, 2007 at St. Mary's convent. The Mass was celebrated by Rev. John Smegelsky.
On December 12, 2007, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, James Oldenburg was formally received into the Third Order after completing 12 months of initial formation in Carmel. The Rite of Reception was held at St. Mary's convent and was officiated by Rev. Richard Morisette and Deacon Philip Kehoe.
As of February 2008 present active membership are as follows: Rosemary Hanagan (Formation Director), Rose Barsi, Eileen Sprague, James Oldenburg, Charlotte Ponzi, and John Alejandro (Community Director).
To become a Lay Carmelite in North America, a pre-Candidate should be a practicing Catholic, seeking spiritual guidance in Christian living. Potential members also need a special love for Our Blessed Mother, and must be at least 17 years old, single or married. For more information about the Lay Carmelites of Oswego: (315) 216-6727, (315) 342-4796 or email: gatekeeper@oswegocarmelites.com . The official website of the Third Order of Carmelites in North America, Eastern Province, is: www.carmelites.com.
