Formation for Temporary Promise
OCDS Legislation (Rule of
St. Albert, Constitutions, and Statutes)
The outline represents study of OCDS Legislation (Rule of Albert, Constitutions with its footnotes and Provincial Statutes). The objective is to facilitate integration of the Carmelite way of life within the context of Baptism and the universal call to holiness.
Our Identity, Values and Commitment
Following Jesus in the Teresian Secular Carmel
Witnesses to the Experience of God
Serving God’s Plan
With Mary, The Mother of Jesus
Formation in the School of Carmel
Organization and Government (Constitutions VII: 37-60 and footnotes and OCDS Provincial Statutes IV)
The Way of Perfection
The goal of studying the Way of Perfection is to become familiar with the purpose of Teresian Carmel, identify the foundations of prayer and explore the diversity of paths and practical insights on prayer as presented by St. Teresa of Jesus. Her writing of the Way of Perfection is an excellent introduction to the understanding of Teresian Carmelite spirituality and its main element of contemplative prayer. Through the sharing of her own experiences, Teresa explains the fundamental elements of prayer, while giving counsel on the weakness of the human condition and its struggles in prayer as one ascends the mountain of Carmel to seek Divine Union with the "One Whom we know loves us".
Way of Perfection
Requirements to make the Temporary Promise:
The outline represents study of OCDS Legislation (Rule of Albert, Constitutions with its footnotes and Provincial Statutes). The objective is to facilitate integration of the Carmelite way of life within the context of Baptism and the universal call to holiness.
Our Identity, Values and Commitment
- Rule of Albert
- Origins of Carmel
- Fundamental Elements of a Vocation
Following Jesus in the Teresian Secular Carmel
- Theology of the Promise
- Evangelical Counsels
- Beatitudes
Witnesses to the Experience of God
- Prayer Life
- Daily Life
- Community Life
- Liturgical Life: Mass & Liturgy of the Hours
Serving God’s Plan
- Individual Apostolate
- Community Apostolate
With Mary, The Mother of Jesus
- Catechesis of the Brown Scapular
- Authentic Marian Devotion in the Teresian tradition
- Authentic Devotion to St. Joseph in the Teresian tradition
Formation in the School of Carmel
- Discerning an OCDS Vocation
- Process of Formation
Organization and Government (Constitutions VII: 37-60 and footnotes and OCDS Provincial Statutes IV)
- International
- National
- Provincial
- Local
The Way of Perfection
The goal of studying the Way of Perfection is to become familiar with the purpose of Teresian Carmel, identify the foundations of prayer and explore the diversity of paths and practical insights on prayer as presented by St. Teresa of Jesus. Her writing of the Way of Perfection is an excellent introduction to the understanding of Teresian Carmelite spirituality and its main element of contemplative prayer. Through the sharing of her own experiences, Teresa explains the fundamental elements of prayer, while giving counsel on the weakness of the human condition and its struggles in prayer as one ascends the mountain of Carmel to seek Divine Union with the "One Whom we know loves us".
Way of Perfection
- Overview of life of St. Teresa of Jesus
- Teresa’s vision for Discalced Carmelite way of life
- Life of Prayer
Requirements to make the Temporary Promise:
- At the invitation of the Council, and after completing 24 sessions, the Council interviews the candidate.
- At the time of the interview, a letter of intent is submitted. The candidate’s letter of intent states why the s/he feels prepared and wants to make the Temporary Promise.
- The Council must then discern whether to admit the person to the Temporary Promise or recommend that the person continue an additional year of initial formation. Input from the Director of Formation and the Formation Team is highly recommended as part of the discernment process.
