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Are you called to follow Christ
in prayer,
community,
and ministry
as a Lay Carmelite?
Initial formation is a 6-9 year
journey of discernment and growth. The Lay Carmelites use a program similar to the religious branches of the Carmelite
family. "The purpose of the novitiate, by which life in an
institute begins, is to give the novices a greater understanding
of their divine vocation, and of their vocation to that
institute. During the novitiate the novices are to experience
the manner of life of the institute and form their minds and
hearts in its spirit. At the same time their resolution and
suitability are to be tested." (Code of Canon Law, art.
646)
Admission
Candidates meet with the community director to discuss their
vocation. Candidates must:
- be Catholics in good standing
- be at least 17 years old
- feel called by God to live
more strongly their baptismal vocation as members of the
Carmelite family through a deeper formation in Christian
values according to the particular charism of the Carmelite
Order.
Formation Program
Formation is a time of
discernment and growth (spiritual, intellectual, and communal).
Formation meetings are held once a month and facilitated by the
community's formation director. Formation is divided into four
phases:
Preparation for Reception (9 months - 2 years): An
introduction to the Carmelite way of life. This "trial
period" includes sessions on prayer and scripture,
community, ministry, Rule and Statutes, Carmelite saints, and
Carmelite history and traditions. At the end of this phase,
candidates may request membership into the Order.
Preparation for Temporary Promises (2 - 3 years): A
deepening of the member's prayer life, sense of community, and
call to ministry. Some session topics include Carmelite
spirituality, Scripture, life of prayer, silence, spiritual
direction, sacraments, Carmelite role models, living in
community, and being a contemplative in an active world. At
the end of this phase, members may request to make Temporary
Promises.
Preparation for Final Promises (3+ years): A special
time of discernment and living the life of a Lay Carmelite.
Relevant topics of study are selected by the formation group.
At the end of this phase, members may request to make Final
Promises.
Ongoing Formation (life): Formation does not end after
Final Promises. Members continue to meet for monthly formation
meetings, selecting topics of interest related to Carmelite
spirituality. Topics might include Carmelite charisms in
Church documents, written works of a Carmelite saint, or other
areas of interest.
| A Prayer for Discernment
You have led me to desire
your will and often your will seems beyond me, but you O
God are my friend and I know that you are with me
always. In your presence, calm my fear. Grant me the
desire to be still in your presence, to gaze on you and
to feel your gaze. Grant me eyes to see you in your
creation, and to recognize in humanity the image and
likeness of your Son. Grant me ears that are attentive
to your Word. May I respond with love to your call.
Grant me the desire to reach out and embrace all people
with your love, to be your hands in the world. Grant me
the courage to echo in my life the Yes of Mary
and the passionate fidelity of Elijah your prophet. May
I seek your will in all things. May I live my faith in
you and be a sign of hope for the world.
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For Reflection
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"There he came to a cave, where he took shelter. But the
word of the Lord came to him, 'Why are you here?'" (1 Kgs
19:9, NRSV)
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"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were
born I dedicated you." (Jer 1:5, NRSV)
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"Carmel is not an
organization, even a Christian organization, but a Christian
community committed to leading an evangelical life. It is
one way among many in which Christians can live out their
baptismal call to discipleship. Consequently, the Call to Carmel is a vocation.
Entry to Carmel must be rooted in careful discernment of
this vocation. This vocation, like all vocations, requires
not only careful discernment, but careful maintenance as the
grace of a vocation implies a commitment to perseverance in
that vocation." (Provincial
Statutes I, 4:1)
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