Carmelite Sisters D.C.J. -- Formation

"The Holy Spirit bestows gifts needed for the building up of the People of God. We cooperate with this divine activity by helping individuals to discern their vocation in life and to respond to it. For all of us it must be a constant concern to foster the vocation of those who have received the charism to follow Christ in a special way and to serve their neighbor by participating in the mission of our Lord. . ."

-from Constitutions of the Carmelite Sisters DCJ

STAGES of FORMATION

Postulancy:

1 to 2 years in which the young woman will experience our Carmelite way of life and discerns the mystery of God's divine call.

Novitiate:

2 years in which the Sister begins the first stage of religious life. The novice strives to become filled with the spirit of the Gospel and of the congregation spending much time in study, prayer and reflection in preparation for taking the vows. The novice receives the habit, a white veil, and her religious name.

Junior Professed:

Once the novice makes her first profession of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, she becomes a Junior Professed. The vows are then renewed yearly for five years. The Sister will continue to deepen her religious life thereby preparing herself for her total commitment to serve God. The junior professed receives the black veil and her religious title.

Perpetual Professed:

After five years the Sister takes perpetual vows through which she is consecrated by the Church--set apart exclusively for the service of God. She gives herself forever to God.