← [[appendix-g-asp|Session 10]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[appendix-i-asp|Session 11]] → # OCDS Ritual — Rite of Admission OCDS Ritual Chapter 1: Rite of Admission to Formation 11\. The Rite of Admission, which precedes the formation period, is held during a Liturgy of the Word. 12\. The rite is to be carried out in a simple manner during a meeting of the Community, either at the monthly meeting or on a feast day of the Order. 13\. The local Assistant of the Community, or another authorized priest, is to preside at the celebration. He wears a white stole. 14\. Copies of the Gospel and of the OCDS Constitutions, as well as the Scapulars with which the candidates are to be clothed, are to be placed in a convenient location. 15\. See the Appendix for the choice of readings. 16\. The ceremony begins with the singing of a suitable hymn. Introductory Rites 17\. The celebrant makes the Sign of the Cross and greets those taking part in the rite. 18\. He then addresses them in these or similar words: **The Lord has called you to live an evangelical life in the world as brothers and** **sisters. He brings us together today to receive those who have expressed their desire** **to begin formation in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. This stage of** **formation, with God’s help, will lead to an evangelical commitment. Let us ask the** **Lord always to give them the grace of the Holy Spirit so that they may persevere in** **their purpose. May he also enable us to support them along the way.** 19\. Following this brief admonition, the priest says: **Let us pray.** **Holy and merciful Father, you call us to holiness in Christ in order that our life may** **be a spiritual oblation. Look with favor on these your children. They desire to live** **in the world and to walk in the light of the Gospel in the spirit of the Teresian Carmel** **and under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant that they may come to** **know your will and to follow your inspirations with filial and generous love. We ask** **this through Christ our Lord.** All: Amen. Liturgy of the Word 20\. The liturgy of the Word takes place in the ordinary way, as in the celebration of the Eucharist and of the Sacraments. Two or three readings with a responsorial psalm and a Gospel acclamation may be chosen. (See the Appendix for choices of texts). Homily 21\. After the Gospel is read, the celebrant gives a brief homily. 62 01.24 1-24-2024Appendix H Rite of Admission The celebrant or the president of the Community says: **Let N.N…. who desire to be admitted to the Community come forward.** The Candidates come forward, accompanied by the master [director] of formation. 22\. One of the candidates in the name of all, or all the candidates together, expresses their wish to join the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. The celebrant accepts their petition in the following dialogue or in other similar words: **Brothers and sisters, what do you ask of this Community of the Secular Order of** **Carmel?** The candidates say: **We ask to be admitted to the period of formation in this Community of the Secular** **Order of Discalced Carmelites.** Or: **Trusting in the mercy of God and in the fraternal help of all of you, we ask to be** **admitted to the period of formation in the Community [Fraternity] of the Secular** **Order of Discalced Carmelites. We wish to live our baptismal consecration** **according to the ideal of life of the Teresian Carmel, and to collaborate in fulfilling** **the mission of Carmel in the Church.** The celebrant accepts the petition in the following, or similar, words: **The Church and the Order of Carmel accept and confirm your petition. May the** **Lord grant you to persevere in your purpose, so that, when the time comes, you may** **make your promise for the glory of God and the good of the whole Church.** All: Amen. Complimentary Rites 23\. The celebrant gives each candidate a copy of the Gospels and of the Constitutions of the Secular Order, saying to each as he does: **Brother (or Sister), The Constitutions of the Secular Carmel are this: To live in** **allegiance to Our Lord Jesus Christ, following the doctrine and example of St.** **Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross. May the Word of Christ dwell abundantly** **in your hearts. In all that you do, whether in words or in works, do it in the name of** **Our Lord Jesus Christ.** 24\. Assisted by the master [director] of formation, the celebrant clothes each candidate with the scapular which is the “signum habitis” or token of the habit, of the Carmelite Order, while saying to each: **Receive this scapular. It is the habit of the Order of Carmel. Wear it worthily by** **imitating Mary in the service of Jesus Christ.** 63 25\. To show that the candidates have been welcomed into the Fraternity [Community], the brothers and sisters give them a sign of peace. The candidates return to their places. Prayer of the Faithful and Lord’s Prayer 26\. The prayer of the faithful or intercessions and the Lord’s Prayer follow. (See the Appendix for typical intercessions). 27\. The celebrant concludes by praying: **We beseech you, Lord, that the powerful intercession of the Holy Virgin Mary,** **Mother and Queen of Carmel, may assist us always; so that, guided by her example** **and protection, we may reach the summit of the Mount of Perfection, which is Christ** **Our Lord. He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and** **ever.** All: Amen. Dismissal 28\. The celebrant blesses and dismisses the assembly in the usual way or with a formula taken from an approved liturgical text. 29\. The celebration may end with the singing of a final hymn in honor of Our Lady, such as the Flos Carmeli or Salve Regina. 64 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).