The Formation Process

What is the timetable for becoming a Discalced Carmelite Secular?

The entire period of initial formation requires about six years.

Aspirancy: Attendance at 12 monthly meetings of the community is required, so the Aspirant may be supported by its members as he or she learns more about secular life and discerns whether he or she has a vocation to the Order.

First period of formation: A minimum of two years is required for study and growth in prayer, the apostolate and community life. At the end of this time, the council of the community may invite the candidate to to make a three-year First Promise to the Order to strive to follow Christ in poverty, chastity, obedience, and the beatitudes.

Second Period of formation: At least three years of further study and growth in the vocation is needed to make the Definitive Promise, which confirms the commitments of the First Promise for the rest of the person’s life. Either period of formation may be extended if the council and the individual in formation agree that doing so is in the best interest of the candidate.

After the Definitive Promise, ongoing formation and transformation in Christ is a life-long commitment.

In what does the Definitive Promise consist?

The Definitive Promise made: 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 the Discalced Carmelites,