Formation

Formation

ASPIRANCY

The process of discernment begins with an introductory conversation between the Vocation Director and the candidate. Questions about our way of life will be answered and discussed. Under the direction of the Vocation Director and after becoming acquainted with the community through visits, the candidate will be invited to a two-three month live-in experience. This is an extended opportunity to live our life and share directly in our community prayer, meals, work, and recreations. During the year of aspirancy the candidate will be encouraged to frequent the sacraments, meditate on Scripture daily, and will be given works on Carmelite spirituality to be read and studied.

POSTULANCY

If the decision is made to continue the process, the candidate is then accepted as a postulant. The postulancy is a period of one to two years. This time allows the candidate to experience more deeply the rhythm of Carmelite life. During this time she becomes acquainted with the basics of Carmelite spirituality and history, along with the charism of our Order.

NOVITIATE

After the period of postulancy, the candidate becomes formally incorporated into the community as a novice. The novitiate begins with the rite of initiation in which the candidate is given the habit of the Order with the veil. This is a two year period during which the novice learns and interiorizes Carmelite Spirituality as taught by our Rule, by our founder St. Teresa, and by our other Carmelite Doctors and saints.

TEMPORARY PROFESSION

Temporary profession follows the novitiate. By religious profession, the sister pledges herself by public vow to live according to the three evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. This is a period during which the sister increases her practical understanding and knowledge of Carmelite spirituality in order to interiorize it more completely and prepare herself adequately for the consecration of solemn vows.

All day long let us surrender ourselves to Love, by doing the will of God, under His gaze, with Him, in Him, and for Him...-St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

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