United States and Philippines

Formation Program

Philosophy of Formation	Carmelite Experiences
Initial Formation	On-Going Formation

Philosophy of Formation

We, Sisters of Mount Carmel, desire to become women who are in love with God and one another, unafraid to live the Gospel, and on fire with the mission of the congregation.
We seek to grow in our ability to discern the movement of the Spirit in our personal and corporate lives.
As women ever more deeply rooted in the Carmelite charism, we commit ourselves to caring for this Earth.
We desire to live the vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience in a manner which gives witness to the prophetic nature of religious life.
Formation as a Sister of Mount Carmel is a "process of assisted growth into life," a process which is designed to facilitate a woman's incorporation into and ongoing growth in this Carmelite community.
This process of formation seeks to nurture women who are truly sisters of Mary and daughters of the prophet Elijah, women whose contemplative spirit enables them to live in the presence of God and who are zealous in their labors for God's people. God's call to us requires our life long formation in the spirit of the Sisters of Mount Carmel.

Constitutions and Directives, art. 42
quote from: Evelyn Woodward, Poets, Prophets, & Pragmatists.
Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 1987, p.178

Initial Formation

Enables discernment of the woman's potential to live our Carmelite way of life
Educates a woman into the mission of the congregation
Provides opportunities for the woman to grow in the life of prayer, in the common life, and in the works of the congregation;
Encourages a woman to recognize, develop, and cherish her self-gift
Is a holistic process involving the spiritual, physical, psychological, intellectual and social dimensions of one's life
Is a gradual process. Each stage highlights a different aspect of our life together

There are three stages of intial formation: Postulancy, Novitiate and Temporary Profession

stage 1: Postulancy
A period of gradual transition into religious life. It may last from six months to two years. During that time, the candidate is guided through prayer , study and apostolic experience to discern God's call to her and her capacity to respond.

stage 2: Novitiate
A time to promote growth in one's ability to listen to God in silence, to seek a deeper understanding of the Carmelite call to see and judge rightly those elments in contemporary society which are of God. The Novitiate is a two-year period of study, reflection and prayer, which begins with a ceremony of admission during which the candidate receives a copy of the Constitutions, and ends with the novices's first profession of vows.

Sharing Carmelite traditions
We value our Carmelite charism and the varied ways it is expressed in the lives of our OCD (Order of Carmelites, Discalced) and O.Carm. (Ancient Observance] sisters and brothers. During the Novitiate period, opportunities to pray, to study, and to minister together are encouraged.

Though the basic elements of the formation program follow a common thread, the activities, experiences, works and studies of sisters in the United States and of sisters in the Philippines are designed to adapt the Carmelite tradition to the respective cultures of each country.

stage 3: Temporary profession
During this period, a woman participates in ministry and enters more fully into the Carmelite challenge: to integrate contemplation and action in a life of love and work. The newly professed sister wears the silver cross of the Sisters of Mount Carmel.
(taken from: Constitutions and Directives, art. 43-57)

On-Going Formation

"In these few words we have outlined for you a Rule of Life, which from now on you shall follow. If however, anyone goes beyond this, the Lord Himself at his return, shall reward her. However, use discernment which is the guide of the virtues."
Quote taken from: The Rule of St. Albert

As perpetually professed sisters, (sisters who have vowed a life-long commitment) we continue to develop our sensitivity to God's call as Sisters of Mount Carmel. We seek opportunities for our continuing formation in Christ throughout our lives. In particular, we value our life together as a rich source of our ongoing formation. The congregation assists us in our ongoing formation in accord with its resources and priorities.

Program
The program for ongoing formation is developed by the formation team and includes opportunities for the following:

Growth in one's spiritual, professional and community life;
Days of prayer, retreats and spiritual direction;
Exposure to the needs of the global church;
Peer exchange and support.

[[from: Constitutions and Directives, art. 58]

For more information: Check out the Vocation Information page