Please Meet...Jeffery Smialek, O.Carm.

It always gives us great joy to introduce to you a future Carmelite. Jeffrey Smialek professed his Solemn Vows last month. Please meet…

Name: Jeffery Smialek, O.Carm.

Born: July 12, 1975, Chicago, IL

Solemn Profession of Vows: May 8, 2005, Whitefriars Hall, Washington, DC

Currently: I am in Theology studies and preparing for ordination at the Washington Theological Union and Whitefriars Hall in Washington, DC.

I know I was called to the Carmelites while I was in graduate school and was visiting with a Carmelite who taught me in high school. He asked me when was I going to join? I was kind of shocked at first, but things fell into place through the intercession of St. Thérèse and Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The most rewarding aspect of my ministry is being able to learn the fundamental truths of our faith in order to deepen my own understanding and to help others come to a more mature faith as well.

The greatest challenge in my ministry is having to take tests, write papers, and the general demands of schoolwork! Jeffery Smialek, O.Carm.

The greatest influence on my vocation was Father Timothy Andres, O.Carm., who taught me in school.

My favorite scripture passage: “So that we might exist for the praise of His glory.” Ephs. 1:12

I chose life with the Carmelites because of my deep respect and admiration for them. While I was a student at Mount Carmel H.S. in Chicago, I got to meet many fine Carmelites, who exemplified all the best of Carmelite life and truly inspired me to follow them more closely.

Five years from now I hope to be teaching religion and history at one of our Carmelite high schools.

Three words people use to describe me: intelligent, responsible, and compassionate. Article reprinted from Between Friends, the newsletter of the Little Flower Society, Summer 2005.