October 9–11, 2026 | Germantown, New York

The Carmelite Sisters welcomed ten young women to their Motherhouse in Germantown, New York, for a Vocation Discernment Retreat held October 9–11, 2026. The participants came from communities throughout New York State, including Ellenville, Cheektowaga, Stony Brook, and Cohoes, as well as Dubuque, Iowa; Bridgeport, Connecticut; and Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.

The retreat offered the young women an opportunity to learn more about Carmelite spirituality, religious life, and the process of discerning God’s call. Sister Helena of Mary presented conferences on the history and mission of the Sisters and the vocation discernment process. Father Justin Cinnante, O.Carm., a Carmelite friar from the Province of Saint Elias, gave a conference on Saints Thérèse and Teresa: Following God’s Will.

Throughout the weekend, the young women experienced the rhythm of Carmelite community life by joining the Sisters for Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, meals, and informal gatherings. These shared moments provided meaningful opportunities for conversation, prayer, and personal encounter.

One of the highlights was a vocation panel featuring five perpetually professed Sisters. The participants asked thoughtful questions about faith, religious life, community living, and prayer, gaining valuable insights into the joys and challenges of a religious vocation.

The Meet & Greet was another memorable part of the weekend! With snacks, lively conversations, dancing, fellowship, and even a fun game of charades, the young women enjoyed getting to know one another and forming new friendships.

We are grateful to each of these young women for sharing this special weekend with us. Please continue to pray for them as they seek to follow God’s will and discern the vocation to which He may be calling them. May the Lord guide them, strengthen them, and fill their hearts with peace and trust as they continue their journey.

Save the Date: Our Next Vocation Discernment Retreat

Our next Vocation Discernment Retreat will take place November 12–15, 2026, at the Carmelite Sisters’ Motherhouse in Germantown, New York. Arrival is scheduled between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12.

Please check this page for additional details and registration information. We look forward to welcoming more young women who wish to learn about Carmelite life and prayerfully discern God’s call!

https://www.carmelitesisters.c...

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9)