Formation in the School of Carmel
The Secular Discalced Carmelites, after the example of their Founders, has its own formation program and style, based on the Discalced Carmelite saints and authorities for the whole Church - the Doctors: Teresa of Jesus, John of the Cross and Therese of Lisieux.
Formation is accomplished in accordance with the Formation Program set forth by the Washington Province. Its purpose is to prepare individuals inspired by the Holy Spirit to live a spiritual life according to the charism and principles of Discalced Carmelite spirituality.
Intimately united with the action of the Holy Spirit is that of the Virgin Mary.
Mary, the Mother of believers, is for us a model of committed and prophetic contemplation.
This contemplative-apostolic example of hers is stressed in formation to help us understand and practice what it really means to follow Christ. Mary is the perfect model of a disciple of the Lord.
Formation is accomplished in accordance with the Formation Program set forth by the Washington Province. Its purpose is to prepare individuals inspired by the Holy Spirit to live a spiritual life according to the charism and principles of Discalced Carmelite spirituality.
Intimately united with the action of the Holy Spirit is that of the Virgin Mary.
Mary, the Mother of believers, is for us a model of committed and prophetic contemplation.
This contemplative-apostolic example of hers is stressed in formation to help us understand and practice what it really means to follow Christ. Mary is the perfect model of a disciple of the Lord.
Formation Steps
The period of introduction to the life of the Secular Carmelite is a process of at least six years duration.
At each step of formation, the local council, by a majority vote, will discern if the candidate has a vocation to Carmel and invite him or her to receive the Scapular, make Temporary and Definitive Promises. An interview with the Council of the community and a letter of intent is required at each stage of Formation.
I.Visitor
A person exploring a vocation in Carmel should attend a minimum of 3 meetings prior to being considered for entrance into Aspirancy. This allows the applicant to become more familiar with the community, the style of life and service to the Church proper to the Secular Order of Teresian Carmel. It also provides the community opportunity for discernment.
II. Aspirancy
The introductory Aspirancy period normally lasts one full year (12 sessions) after which a candidate may be admitted into the Community's Formation Program. At the beginning of the period of formation, a large, ceremonial Brown Scapular will be given to the candidate at a clothing ceremony. This is an outward symbol of affiliation with the Order and a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary is both Mother & Model of Carmel. A smaller brown wool scapular or scapular medal is worn for everyday use.
III. Temporary Promise
After receiving the Scapular, preparation to make the Temporary Promise (First) is 24 sessions over a 2+ year period, deepening the life of prayer. When making the Temporary Promise, the candidate's baptismal name is retained to which the candidate may add an approved devotional name.
IV. Definitive Promise
Preparation for the Definitive Promise (Final) is 36 sessions over a 3+ year period, preparing the candidate for a lifetime commitment to Carmel and a promise to live the evangelical counsels and the spirit of the Beatitudes for life.
VI. Life Formation
Ongoing Formation is the responsibility of each Definitively Promised member; and should be pursued in accordance with the Formation Outline of the Province. This is a lifelong program with the goal of continuing and deepening the Carmelite vocation.
At each step of formation, the local council, by a majority vote, will discern if the candidate has a vocation to Carmel and invite him or her to receive the Scapular, make Temporary and Definitive Promises. An interview with the Council of the community and a letter of intent is required at each stage of Formation.
I.Visitor
A person exploring a vocation in Carmel should attend a minimum of 3 meetings prior to being considered for entrance into Aspirancy. This allows the applicant to become more familiar with the community, the style of life and service to the Church proper to the Secular Order of Teresian Carmel. It also provides the community opportunity for discernment.
II. Aspirancy
The introductory Aspirancy period normally lasts one full year (12 sessions) after which a candidate may be admitted into the Community's Formation Program. At the beginning of the period of formation, a large, ceremonial Brown Scapular will be given to the candidate at a clothing ceremony. This is an outward symbol of affiliation with the Order and a sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary is both Mother & Model of Carmel. A smaller brown wool scapular or scapular medal is worn for everyday use.
III. Temporary Promise
After receiving the Scapular, preparation to make the Temporary Promise (First) is 24 sessions over a 2+ year period, deepening the life of prayer. When making the Temporary Promise, the candidate's baptismal name is retained to which the candidate may add an approved devotional name.
IV. Definitive Promise
Preparation for the Definitive Promise (Final) is 36 sessions over a 3+ year period, preparing the candidate for a lifetime commitment to Carmel and a promise to live the evangelical counsels and the spirit of the Beatitudes for life.
VI. Life Formation
Ongoing Formation is the responsibility of each Definitively Promised member; and should be pursued in accordance with the Formation Outline of the Province. This is a lifelong program with the goal of continuing and deepening the Carmelite vocation.
