In 1968 the final break with 'religious life' came when the house was sold and members lived individually in their own homes. The Institute has spent the best part of 20 years searching for the right direction and after this time of painful development the Institute began to grow and become better known. Aims Members try to live according to the spirit of the Gospel. Being involved in secular affairs they strive to make the love of God a reality to the people around them. For members of The Leaven their consecration means that by vows of poverty, chastity and obedience they bind themselves to an absolute personal love of Christ and commit themselves to an all-embracing love of their fellow human beings.
Membership is open to single women and widows.
They live in their own homes, have their own work and interests, take part in parish activities according to their individual circumstances and strive to bring Christ into every circumstance, every occupation and every place. They wear no external sign of their consecration. The Leaven shares in the rich heritage of the Carmelite Order and follows its tradition of contemplative-apostolic life. The individual apostolate of members of The Leaven is rooted in a life of prayer. The life of Mary is the model for the members of the Institute and the zeal of Elijah is an inspiration to those who seek close union with God in a world often hostile or indifferent to Him.