Aspirant

ASPIRANCY is for those who are beginning to discern a call to a vocation in the
Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
“The purpose of this stage is that the applicant might become more familiar with the
community, the style of life and service to the Church proper to the Secular Order of the
Teresian Carmel. This period also give[s] the community the opportunity to make an
adequate discernment.” (OCDS Constitutions 36a)
At the end of the Aspirancy, the applicant may be invited by the Council to receive the
scapular and enter the formal period of formation in preparation for the Temporary
Promise.

A. Human formation

• The entire Community welcomes and accompanies the Aspirants on their
  journey of discernment.
• The Community mentors Aspirants in all aspects of OCDS life.

B. Christian formation

• Understanding how to use the Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Understanding what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about the
  celebration of the Christian Mystery in the liturgy and sacraments.
• General introduction to documents of the Church describing the role of the
  laity and their relationship to the Carmelite secular vocation. (Lumen
  Gentium, especially 30-42; Apostolicam Actuositatem; Christifideles Laici;
  Novo Millennio Ineunte; Marialis Cultus).

C. Carmelite formation

•  Instruction in living the Rule through the OCDS Constitutions
•  Basic understanding and practice of Carmelite prayer:
  – Quiet prayer
  – Liturgy of the Hours
• Right understanding of devotion to Mary and of the scapular;
• Initial discernment of a prospective vocation;
• Rudimentary understanding of history and structure of the Order;

D. Formation for the Apostolate

• Movement to commit to Christ in Carmel;
• Introduction to sharing concretely in community life by doing as well as
  talking; being participators, and not just spectators.
• Preparation to recognize and respond to a call to participate in the apostolates