Formation
The purpose of formation is: "to prepare the person to live the charism and spirituality of Carmel and its following of Christ in serviced to it's mission." (Const. 32) and "the preparation of individuals inspired by the Holy Spirit to live a spiritual life according to the principles of Discalced Carmelite spirituality". (Ratio #6)
Anyone contacting a Community for the purpose of exploring the nature of the Secular Carmelite Vocation and/ or seeking to attend one or more meetings falls into the category of Visitor.
A Visitor will be given a Vocation Brochure, and may be invited to a restricted visit, defined as a visit that does not include admission to any formation classes. After attending a minimum of three meetings, the Visitor may be invited by the local Council to enter the initial period of introduction to the Order in the next available Aspirancy class.
At each step of formation, the local council will discern if the candidate has a vocation to Carmel, and invite them to receive the Scapular or make Temporary of Definitive Promise. An interview the the Council of the community and a letter of intent is required at each stage of formation.
The Aspirancy period normally lasts one full year (12 sessions) after which a candidate may be admitted into the Community's Formation Program during an official Clothing Ceremony. During the Clothing Ceremony, a large ceremonial Brown Scapular will be giving to the candidate, and outward symbol of affiliation with the Order and a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary is both Mother and Model of Carmel. A small wool scapular or scapular medal is worn for everyday use.
After receiving the ceremonial Scapular, the candidate studies for 2 years (24 sessions), deepening the life of pray to prepare for the First/Temporary Promise. When making this promise, the candidate's baptismal name is retained, to which the candidate may add an approved devotional name.
After making the First/ Temporary Promise, the candidate studies for 3 years (36 sessions), preparing for a lifetime commitment to Carmel, in preparation for the Final/ Definitive Promises.
Ongoing formation is the responsibility of each Definitely Promised member, with the goal of continuing and deepening the Carmelite vocation.
Anyone contacting a Community for the purpose of exploring the nature of the Secular Carmelite Vocation and/ or seeking to attend one or more meetings falls into the category of Visitor.
A Visitor will be given a Vocation Brochure, and may be invited to a restricted visit, defined as a visit that does not include admission to any formation classes. After attending a minimum of three meetings, the Visitor may be invited by the local Council to enter the initial period of introduction to the Order in the next available Aspirancy class.
At each step of formation, the local council will discern if the candidate has a vocation to Carmel, and invite them to receive the Scapular or make Temporary of Definitive Promise. An interview the the Council of the community and a letter of intent is required at each stage of formation.
The Aspirancy period normally lasts one full year (12 sessions) after which a candidate may be admitted into the Community's Formation Program during an official Clothing Ceremony. During the Clothing Ceremony, a large ceremonial Brown Scapular will be giving to the candidate, and outward symbol of affiliation with the Order and a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary is both Mother and Model of Carmel. A small wool scapular or scapular medal is worn for everyday use.
After receiving the ceremonial Scapular, the candidate studies for 2 years (24 sessions), deepening the life of pray to prepare for the First/Temporary Promise. When making this promise, the candidate's baptismal name is retained, to which the candidate may add an approved devotional name.
After making the First/ Temporary Promise, the candidate studies for 3 years (36 sessions), preparing for a lifetime commitment to Carmel, in preparation for the Final/ Definitive Promises.
Ongoing formation is the responsibility of each Definitely Promised member, with the goal of continuing and deepening the Carmelite vocation.
National Formation Program
The three US provinces have united to create a nation formation program. The new formation program materials consist of a handbook for Formators, and six formation manuals (one for each level). These can be obtained by:
1. Printing them directly from www.ocdswashprov.org/national-formation-program .
2. Purchasing 8.5" x 11" softcover paperback books directly from Lulu Press at cost.
An overview of the formation program is as follows:
Additional information can be found on www.ocdswashprov.org/national-formation-program
1. Printing them directly from www.ocdswashprov.org/national-formation-program .
2. Purchasing 8.5" x 11" softcover paperback books directly from Lulu Press at cost.
An overview of the formation program is as follows:
- Aspirancy Year
- Formation I, Year A: Way of Perfection
- Formation I, Year B: History and Charism
- Formation II, Year A: Ascent of Mount Carmel
- Formation II, Year B: Interior Castle
- Formation II, Year C: Story of a Soul
Additional information can be found on www.ocdswashprov.org/national-formation-program
