OCDS Program of Spiritual Formation

The recommended formation period for becoming a fully professed member of the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order is six months as an Aspirant, two years as a Candidate for the Temporary Promise, and three years as a Candidate for the Definitive Promise. One year following the Definitive Promise, a professed member may take the Vows of Chastity and Obedience. It is recommended that professed members participate in on-going formation.

The Spiritual Formation Program for the Secular Community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Teresa of Jesus is therefore structured as follows:

Visitors’ Group

•   Overview & Introduction to the Order of the Discalced Secular Carmelite

Aspirants (6 months)

• Texts: Welcome to Carmel, Liturgy of the Hours

First-Year Candidates

• Texts:  OCDS Constitutions, St. Teresa’s Way of Perfection

Second-Year Candidates

• Texts: St. Teresa, Interior Castle; St. John, of the Cross, Living Flame of Love

Candidates for the Definitive Promise

• Texts: St. John of the Cross: The Ascent of Mt. Carmel, The Living Flame of Love, The Spiritual Canticle

Candidates for the Vows

• Text: Tanquerey, The Spiritual Life

On-Going Seminar for Professed Carmelites

• Texts will vary. Texts have included: Christifideles Laici; The Little Catechism of Prayer, Divine Intimacy

Director of Spiritual Formation: William Corey

All spiritual formation classes meet at 1:00 pm on the fourth Sunday

of each month, preceding the general community meeting at 2:00 pm.