Spiritual Formation

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

Prefect: Jerry Schell

Aspirants (6 months) croix.gif (1286 bytes)

Texts: Welcome to Carmel, Liturgy of the Hours

Prefect: Edie Tepe

First Year Candidates

Texts: Constitutions, St. Teresa's Way of Perfection

Prefect: Greg Hendren

Second Year Candidates

Texts: St. Teresa's Life and Interior Castle

Prefect: William Corey

Candidates for the Definitive Promise

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

Prefect: Richard Dumont

Candidates for the Vows

Text: The Vowed Life

Prefect: Terri Glazier

On-Going Seminar for Professed Carmelites

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

Prefect: Tracy Jamison

All spiritual formation classes meet at 1:00 pm on the fourth Sunday of every month, preceding the general meeting. Questions regarding the program may be addressed to:

Dr. Joni Caldwell, OCDS
Director of Spiritual Formation