The Stages of Formation

“For centuries, Carmel has formed saints. The very living out of our vocation forms us as we cooperate with God’s grace. Imbued with a deep spirit of faith, we allow God, through this Carmelite
way of life, to sanctify us.”

Constitutions

Stages of Formation

We want to belong totally to Christ. It is our desire to be available for radical discipleship in faithfully living our vocation as Carmelites in service of His Church. This lifelong transformation in Christ begins with one’s interior commitment and is carried out through successive stages of formation.

Candidacy (1-2 years)

Candidacy is a time of serious discernment with our community. Candidates are introduced to our unique Carmelite charism, serve alongside the Sisters in our apostolates, and join the Community in prayer.

Postulancy (6-12 months)

The Postulant enters into our Carmelite way of life through prayer, doctrinal study and communal living while deeply probing the mystery of her divine call.

Novitiate (2 years)

The Novitiate introduces the essential elements of the religious life, especially to greater charity through living the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience. Novices prepare to unite their prayer life with loving service of the Church.

First Profession & Temporary Vows (6 years)

At the end of the Novitiate, the Sister professes the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience for the first time, to be renewed each year. By her profession, the Sister is totally consecrated to God. She is sent forth in mission to bring the love of the Sacred Heart to all those she serves. For six years, she continues her initial formation in preparation to make her perpetual profession.

Perpetual Profession of Vows

Perpetual profession constitutes a radical commitment for life, as the Sister gives herself totally to God forever in a life of deep, intimate union with Him by prayer and in the service of others. The foundation laid during initial formation is built upon throughout the entire life of the Carmelite Sister, as she seeks to grow in the perfection of love, until the end of life’s journey.

Have you heard the Call?

A vocation to the consecrated life is a specific call from God to a specific person. It is real. It is compelling. It is an invitation. The same invitation given to the apostles – “Come, follow Me.”

Stages of Formation

We want to belong totally to Christ. It is our desire to be available for radical discipleship in faithfully living our vocation as Carmelites in service of His Church. This lifelong transformation in Christ begins with one’s interior commitment and is carried out through successive stages of formation.

Candidacy (1-2 years)

Candidacy is a time of serious discernment with our community. Candidates are introduced to our unique Carmelite charism, serve alongside the Sisters in our apostolates, and join the Community in prayer.
Postulant praying

Postulancy (6-12 months)

The Postulant enters into our Carmelite way of life through prayer, doctrinal study and communal living while deeply probing the mystery of her divine call.

Novitiate praying

Novitiate (2 years)

The Novitiate introduces the essential elements of the religious life, especially to greater charity through living the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience. Novices prepare to unite their prayer life with loving service of the call.

First Profession & Temporary Vows (6 years)

At the end of the Novitiate, the Sister professes the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience for the first time, to be renewed each year. By her profession, the Sister is totally consecrated to God. She is sent forth in mission to bring the love of the Sacred Heart to all those she serves. For six years, she continues her initial formation in preparation to make her perpetual profession.
Sisters laying prostrate at final profession of vows

Perpetual Profession of Vows

Perpetual profession constitutes a radical commitment for life, as the Sister gives herself totally to God forever in a life of deep, intimate union with Him by prayer and in the service of others. The foundation laid during initial formation is built upon throughout the entire life of the Carmelite Sister, as she seeks to grow in the perfection of love, until the end of life’s journey.

Have you heard the Call?

 

A vocation to the consecrated life is a specific call from God to a specific person. It is real. It is compelling. It is an invitation. The same invitation given to the apostles – “Come, follow Me.”