FORMATION STEPS
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.
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 during an official Clothing Ceremony.
3 Stages in the Formation Program
Clothing
At the beginning of the period of formation, a large, ceremonial Brown Scapular will be given to the candidate, 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.
First Promise
After receiving the Scapular, preparation to make the First/Temporary Promise 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.
Preparation for the Final Promise
Final Promise
Preparation for the Final/Definitive Promise 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.
The Definitive Promise
I, (Devotional Name in Carmel)
inspired by the Holy Spirit, in response to God’s call,
sincerely promise to the Superiors of the Order of the Teresian Carmel,
and to you my brothers and sisters,
to tend toward evangelical perfection
in the spirit of the evangelical counsels of
chastity, poverty, obedience, and of the Beatitudes,
according to the Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
for the rest of my life.
I confidently entrust this, my Promise,
to the Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Carmel.
Vows
Any member who feels called by God to make vows of chastity and obedience for life may petition the local community council not less than three years after the Definitive Promise.
The vows are strictly voluntary. The promise makes one a full member of the Order. The vows do not change that status. The member must be informed of both the serious obligation and the rich graces associated with the vows. As with the promises, they are not binding under pain of sin.
The vows entail a greater moral responsibility. The binding force of these vows, freely made, renders more visible the bond of love and commitment that exists between Christ and His Bride the Church.
During the Vow Ritual, one makes this petition: