Those interested in becoming a Carmelite Secular, first undergo a period called Aspirancy, which involves a basic introduction to Carmelite spirituality and the OCDS vocation. The period of introduction to the life of the Secular Carmelite is a process of at least six years duration. FOR ALL SECULAR CARMELITES According to the OCDS Constitutions and Provincial Statutes, a Secular Carmelite endeavors: 1. What is the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order? Christian formation is the solid basis of Carmelite and spiritual formation. 3. Discernment of a vocation to the Carmelite Order as a Lay Carmelite has three stages of initial formation. Upon completion of the Aspirancy period, a candidate is clothed in the Scapular and enters into formation for the First Promise. Called to a life of contemplative prayer and union with God, we are men and women from all walks of life who have promised… After this, initial Teresian Carmelite formation begins. While going about their everyday occupations, secular Carmelites give witness to the value of prayer and contemplation in a … Thus begins a period of discernment of a Carmelite vocation, both personal and ecclesial. 2. Discalced means unshod. Visitor's Class - 1:00 to 1:50 pm Visitors will receive information about the Secular Order, our community, Carmelite spirituality and our daily Rule of Life. Discalced Carmelites Seculars are members of the Carmelite family of the 16th century reform of St. Teresa of Jesus. The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites . St. Teresa’s followers wore sandals rather than shoes, a practice which distinguished them from Carmelites of the Ancient Observance. 4. After attending three classes, the visitor may apply to Council for entrance into the Aspirancy period of formation. Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites Welcome to the home of the Secular Carmelite Community of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus! We are third order Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) from Annandale, Virginia. After prayerful discernment, the individual may then be clothed with the habit of the Secular Order and be admitted as a Candidate in Formation in the Order. At each step of formation, the local council, by a majority vote, will discern if the candidate has a vocation to Carmel and invite him or her to receive the Scapular or make Temporary or Definitive Promise. FORMATION STEPS. The Initial Formation Stage Step 1 lasts two years, at which time the Temporary Profession of Promises may be made. The spirit of the 1979 Rule of Life and of other earlier formation texts is the same as that in the Constitutions. The Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites "welcomes those of the faithful who, by special vocation, undertake to live, in the world, an evangelical life of fraternal communion imbued with the spirit of contemplative prayer and apostolic zeal according to the example and teaching of the Carmelite saints." Profession. The lengthy formation process of Secular Carmel really helped with in-depth discernment as I adjusted to the prayer life (it takes about 2 hours every day, if you are able to do everything, though some parts are optional) and learned what Carmelite spirituality really is. Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Church documents, Secular Carmelites receive the necessary theological foundation.” C. Carmelite formation: Carmelite formation is the process of coming to understand We welcome those of the faithful who, by special vocation, undertake to live in the world, an evangelical life of fraternal communion imbued with the spirit of contemplative prayer and apostolic zeal and according to the example and teaching of the Carmelite … Secular Carmelites are Catholic men and women, either married or single, lay or clerical, who live out this heritage of contemplative prayer in daily life. 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