Formation Journey
Growing in Carmelite life through stages of discernment and commitment
The Path to Profession
Formation in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites is a gradual journey that unfolds over several years. It is not merely an educational program but a transformative process of growing in prayer, self-knowledge, and union with God. Each stage has its own graces, challenges, and spiritual gifts.
The formation process typically takes a number of years from inquiry to Definitive Promise, though each person moves at their own pace according to their spiritual readiness and life circumstances.
Stages of Formation
Stage 1: Inquiry
This is the initial period of exploration and discernment. Inquirers are invited to attend monthly meetings, participate in community prayer, and begin learning about Carmelite spirituality. There is no formal commitment at this stage—only an openness to discover whether God is calling you to this way of life.
Focus: Introduction to Carmelite life, prayer, and the saints of Carmel. Reading basic texts such as the Rule of St. Albert and introductory materials on Carmelite spirituality.
Stage 2: Aspirancy
After a period of inquiry, those who feel called may formally request admission to the Aspirancy. During this time, aspirants deepen their prayer life, study Carmelite texts more seriously, and meet regularly with a formation director. The community also discerns whether the person is suited for Carmelite life.
Focus: Developing a consistent prayer practice (mental prayer, Liturgy of the Hours), studying the lives and writings of Carmelite saints, and growing in self-knowledge and detachment.
Stage 3: Initial Formation (First Promise)
Those who are accepted make their First Promise—a temporary commitment to live the Carmelite Rule for a period of two years. This is a formal step that deepens the bond with the community and the Order. Members receive the Carmelite Brown Scapular during a ceremony of profession.
Focus: Living the Carmelite Rule faithfully, deepening prayer (especially mental prayer), studying Carmelite doctrine (St. Teresa, St. John of the Cross), and growing in fraternal charity.
Requirements: At least 30 minutes of mental prayer daily, praying part of the Liturgy of the Hours, spiritual reading, regular participation in the Sacraments, and attendance at monthly meetings.
Stage 4: Ongoing Formation (Renewal of Promises)
After the initial two years, members renew their promises annually for at least three more years. This is a time of continued growth, deeper integration of the Carmelite charism into daily life, and further study of the mystical tradition.
Focus: Maturity in prayer, study of the mystical writings (especially Interior Castle, Dark Night of the Soul, Ascent of Mount Carmel), and living the evangelical counsels in the context of secular life.
Stage 5: Definitive Promise
After a minimum of five years in formation, and with the approval of the community and Council, a member may make the Definitive Promise. This is a lifelong, irrevocable commitment to live according to the Carmelite Rule as a member of the OCDS.
Focus: Lifelong fidelity to prayer, ongoing formation, service to the Church, and witness to the contemplative life in the world.
Significance: The Definitive Promise is a sacred covenant between the member, the community, and God. It is a total gift of self in imitation of Christ's self-giving love.
Formation Components
Prayer Life
Daily mental prayer (minimum 30 minutes), praying the Liturgy of the Hours, participation in Mass and the Sacraments, and cultivation of ongoing interior recollection and union with God.
Study of Carmelite Spirituality
Reading and reflection on the writings of Carmelite saints, especially St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. Study of the Carmelite Rule, Constitutions, and spiritual classics.
Community Life
Regular attendance at monthly meetings, participation in community prayer and formation sessions, retreats, and growing in fraternal charity and mutual support.
Spiritual Direction
Each member is encouraged to meet regularly with a spiritual director who can guide their interior life and help discern God's action in their soul.
Living the Evangelical Counsels
While not taking vows like religious, secular Carmelites strive to live the spirit of poverty, chastity, and obedience according to their state in life—simplicity of life, purity of heart, and docility to God's will.
Who Is Called?
- A deep desire for prayer and interior silence
- A longing for union with God and growth in holiness
- An attraction to the contemplative life and the writings of the mystics
- A willingness to embrace simplicity, detachment, and self-denial
- A commitment to the Church and a desire to serve through prayer
- A sense of being called to something more, a "thirst" for God
If these qualities resonate with your heart, we invite you to explore whether God is calling you to join us on this journey.
Begin Your Discernment
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you feel drawn to explore a vocation with the Coastal Community of St. John of the Cross, we invite you to attend one of our monthly gatherings or reach out to speak with our formation director.
There is no pressure—only an invitation to listen to the stirring of your heart and discern whether the Lord is calling you to walk this contemplative path.