Brown Scapular

Goal:
By now, a regular prayer life is taking shape and a commitment is becoming solid.  Focus now is on seeking and preparation for making Temporary Promise, so correct information is important.

Duration:  
A minimum of 24 Sessions in two years. This period can be extend for one year (OCDS Stat III:4).

Way of Life:

1. Attend and participate in monthly community meetings and   formation sessions
2. Practice meditative/ silent prayer daily for at least 30 minutes
3. Pray Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.  Night prayer is encouraged.
4. Participate in daily Mass as far as possible.
5. Participate frequently in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
6. Engage in a daily examination of conscience.
7. Fast on the vigils of the Carmelite feasts listed in our Statutes
8. Wear the small brown scapular or scapular medal daily.
9. Participate in the community apostolate.

Materials:

• The Way of Perfection, Volume Two of The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila
• Rule of St. Albert
• Constitutions of Discalced Carmelite Secular Order
• OCDS Provincial Statutes Washington Province of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Requirements to make the Temporary Promise:

1. At the invitation of the Council, and after completing 24 sessions, the Council interviews the candidate.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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Course of Studies

Year One:

• The Way of Perfection - November to October
• Retreat - June
  

Year Two:

• OCDS Legislation - November to May
• Retreat - June
  
• OCDS Legislation and Requirements of the Promise - July to October