Join our online
Carmelite Reading Circle
Welcome to the “Carmelite Reading Circle,” a sanctuary for those seeking profound spiritual exploration and communal sharing of insights drawn from sacred texts. Rooted in the rich Carmelite tradition of contemplation, this reading club offers an immersive journey into the depths of spirituality, mysticism, and the human soul. Through a curated selection of texts from Carmelite mystics like St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and other luminaries, members embark on a transformative quest to understand the inner workings of the spiritual life.
Each session of the Carmelite Reading Circle is an opportunity for participants to delve into timeless writings, exploring themes of prayer, solitude, divine intimacy, and the transformative power of love. Facilitated discussions foster an environment of shared inquiry, inviting diverse perspectives and personal reflections that enrich the collective understanding of these profound spiritual teachings.
The Carmelite Reading Circle through the ancient practice of spiritual reading in common fosters a sense of community and support among its members. It serves as a space where individuals can share their spiritual journeys, struggles, and triumphs, finding solace and guidance in the collective wisdom of the group. Through this shared exploration of Carmelite spirituality, participants not only deepen their understanding of these timeless teachings but also cultivate a sense of connection, empathy, and spiritual growth.
Every year there are opportunities to join different reading circles. So watch out for books that interests you and join one of our reading circles. The Carmelite Reading Circle welcomes you to join in this transformative journey in the company of fellow pilgrims and friends.
Online Carmelite Reading Circle 2025:
Transform Your Heart with St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Are you ready to deepen your faith and transform your heart? In 2025, the Carmelite Friars of Oxford, in collaboration with Dr. Susan Muto of Epiphany Institute of Formative Spirituality, invite you to embark on a life-changing spiritual journey through the Twelve Little Ways to Transform Your Heart, a book authored by Dr. Muto and inspired by the wisdom of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
Over twelve months, starting in January 2025, this online reading circle will guide you through one “little way” each month, offering you an opportunity to grow closer to God, cultivate a grateful and trusting heart, and embrace simplicity and love in your daily life.
Let yourself be guided through 2025 by the wisdom of Saint Thérèse and the guidance of your facilitators, Dr. Susan Muto and the Carmelite friars of Oxford. Together let us learn what it means to walk with Jesus in love, simplicity, and trust.
January 28th (start)
February 25th
March 25th
April 29th
May 27th
June 24th
July 29th
August 26th
September 30th
October 28th
November 25th
December 30th (conclusion)
Upon registration you’ll receive an introductory email to the programme.
At the beginning of each month, we will be guided in reading one of the twelve “little ways” and accompanying each way will be questions for reflection. You may want to respond to them, perhaps by dialoguing with them in a meditative reading journal, kept over the year.
Then we meet at 7pm (UK time) on Zoom every last Tuesday of the month during which time we respond to further questions people may have, sharing our thoughts.
All sessions will be recorded so no one misses anything.
Each session will be a time for reflection, friendship and prayer.
To obtain your copy of Twelve Little Ways to Transform Your Heart, please visit Carmelite Book Service here (UK / Europe) or Epiphany online bookstore here (US / North America)
Susan Muto, Ph. D., is executive director of the Epiphany Association and dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality. She holds a doctorate in English literature from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Muto has been teaching the literature of ancient, medieval, and modern spirituality for over forty years.
Monthly Subscription
£10.99
Yearly Subscription
£99.99
Past readings
If you wish to gain access to any of these readings, please email admin@carmelite.uk.org
Sayings of Light and Love
In this monthly online reflection series, Dr. Susan Muto and the Carmelite friars in Oxford will explore with you the precious jewels of insight and experience from The Sayings of Light and Love by St. John of the Cross. Over these twelve months, we will become companions on a faith journey, led by none other than the saint who wrote these Sayings, in his own hand. Each thread he weaves in this tapestry of truth illumines our union with God. Each merits our willingness to let their wisdom take root in our heart, all the while knowing, as our dear Master says, that without God we can do nothing. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you would not want to miss. Let yourself be guided through out 2023 by Saint John of the Cross, the great master of the spiritual life.
Enter the Narrow Gate
On this journey we will draw for guidance upon Chapter 7 of the Rule of Saint Benedict in which he traces the twelve steps of humility. Each of them merits our awe-filled attention as we appraise their wisdom and allow it by the grace of God to take root in our heart. Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bypass the road to perdition and follow Jesus to new life (Matthew 7:13-14).
Let yourself be guided through 2024 by the classical Christian insights of Saint Benedict of Nursia and the guidance of your facilitators, Dr. Susan Muto author of Enter the Narrow Gate, and the Carmelite friars of Oxford. Together let us learn what it means to evade the seductive claims of the wide road and enter the way described by Jesus as the path to heaven.