By Dr Jane Yeomans, RCSG member

On Saturday 17 January 2026 the Redditch Carmelite Spirituality Group (RCSG) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its establishment.

We were very fortunate that the snow which had caused major disruption in the Midlands and elsewhere in the UK had disappeared during the previous week. Thankfully, therefore, our invited guests were able to travel. We were privileged to be joined by Fr Brendan O. Carm., our Prior Provincial. He was accompanied by two other members of the Reading Carmelite Community, Br Matt, O. Carm. and Fr Tony, O. Carm. 

Veronica Errington, Teresa Kelly and John Fellowes represented the National Council and some members of the Birmingham Third Order Chapter also joined us. 

Fr Brendan celebrated Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) Church and gave a most interesting homily. He first of all debunked a few myths about St Anthony (whose memorial occurred on 17th January), then went on to talk about being called by God (reflecting the readings, which were about the anointing of Saul in 1 Samuel 9 and the calling of Levi in Mark 2), making links to our Carmelite vocation. 

After Mass we had lunch in OLMC Parish Centre, including cake and a Nonsecco (non-alcoholic fizz) toast. Teresa Kelly made a short speech on behalf of the National Council, then we presented Susan Porter, our group convener, with a bouquet of flowers to thank her for her leadership of our group and for all her hard work in organising the 10th anniversary celebration.

Carmel is a worldwide religious family that first came to Britain in 1242. The Carmelite charism (a charism is the special characteristics or values) is threefold: prayer, community and service. Contemplation in the Carmelite tradition is an intersection of these three. Many religious orders and approaches to spirituality emphasise contemplation. What is distinctive about the Carmelite approach is our relationship with Mary and Elijah. This relationship reflects the origins of the Carmelite order, where a group of hermits settled on Mount Carmel (associated with Elijah) and dedicated themselves to Mary. 

The Third Order of Carmelites are lay people who commit themselves to living as part of a praying community, sharing in the Carmelite charism. Spirituality groups are part of the Lay Carmelite family. They were set up in 2006 as a means of outreach, aiming to spread Carmelite spirituality to a wider audience. Spirituality groups are ecumenical and thus welcome members from all Christian denominations who have an interest in the contemplative aspect of their walk with God and in deepening their prayer life.

The RCSG was established as part of the outreach initiative, specifically after a very well attended ‘Come and See’ event was organised in Redditch in June 2015. The motto for the group is: ‘mission not maintenance’, reflecting the outward looking stance of a spirituality group, which, as has already been emphasised, is open to anyone who is interested in Carmelite spiritualty. 

As a Carmelite group we are of course dedicated to St Elijah and to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In addition, our group is dedicated to St Euphrasia Elavuthinkal, a Keralan Carmelite nun canonised in 2014, reflecting the large and thriving Keralan community attending OLMC church in Redditch. 

The RCSG meets on the third Saturday of every month (except August) from 11am until 2pm at the Bridge Centre, Evesham Road, Headless Cross, Redditch, B97 4JX (car park and entrance to the small hall are at the back of the centre). 

Meetings always involve a spiritual input about some aspect of Carmelite spirituality, Lectio Divina (praying with scripture) and time to socialise, including a shared lunch. 

Our 2026 programme includes input about the mystical theology of St John of the Cross (2026 is the 300th anniversary of his canonisation and the 100th anniversary of his proclamation as a Doctor of the Church, so it is fitting that he is a focus for some of our spiritual input this year) and study of selected chapters from Elizabeth Ruth Obbard’s latest book: ‘Waiting in Hope with Mary’. We also have a day of recollection in July at the Olde House Retreat in Southam, near Coventry.

New members are always welcome. For further information about RCSG, please contact Susan Porter: [email protected] or 07789 741900.

Redditch Carmelite Spirituality Group