← [[foreword-asp|Foreword]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[syllabus-asp|Syllabus for Aspirancy]] → # Introduction The Order of Discalced Carmelites, the Seculars together with the Friars and Nuns, forms the nucleus of the great Teresian Carmelite family. The vocation to Carmel is a gift from God, a lived experience in which we all look to the Rule of St. Albert as our fundamental inspiration. Each branch of the Order has its own Constitutions, which interpret the Rule for its members (OCDS Constitutions, Preface articles 3 and 4). Aspirancy Aspirancy is the time to present an overview of what it means to live out and understand the charism and spirit of Carmel as a lay person. This includes an introduction to the Order’s charism and traditions, its legislation and its spirituality within the context of the Catholic Church and the local OCDS community. Aspirancy should assist the applicant and community in the discernment of a Carmelite vocation. This period is for those who are beginning to discern a call to a vocation in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. “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 gives the community the opportunity to make an adequate discernment” (OCDS Constitutions 36a). Formation The purpose of formation in the school of Carmel is: “to prepare the person to live the charism and spirituality of Carmel in its following of Christ, and in its service to the mission” (Const. 32). Each person in formation must be evaluated individually to take into consideration the circumstances of his/her life against the demands of the Secular Carmelite vocation. Good formation depends on good information. At the same time, it must be clear that formation is distinct from information. The primary role of the persons responsible for formation in the Secular Order community is to accompany those in formation to help them put into practice what they learn through the process of formation. The information they are given through reading and classes is meant to be a help to the person’s spiritual growth. The goal of formation thus goes beyond informational learning to gradual personal transformation that leads to evangelical service. It is the role of the formator, the Director of Formation and the local Council to provide help and guidance to the Aspirant in discerning his/her vocation. It is important to make sure the Aspirant understands that acceptance in the Order is a mutual discernment process and that the local Council has the final authority to accept a person and move them on to the next stage of formation. The community also has a responsibility to get to know the candidate in order to aid in the discernment process and to see if the candidate can/will contribute in a positive way to the community life. Syllabus The Syllabus for Aspirancy in this handbook is designed to aid the Aspirant to discern the vocation in Carmel. The essential themes of Aspirancy are laid out in 12 sessions, one for each month. However, sessions may be combined to accommodate local needs in order to have ten or 11 sessions instead. It is the responsibility of each Aspirant to read the assigned materials and come prepared for the discussion. The formation books and materials introduced at this level are not 3 limited to Aspirancy. These foundational resources are an essential part of the overall formation of the candidates and continue to assist them throughout the transformative process in Christ. Required Reading Aspirants will need Welcome to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites by Fr. Aloysius Deeney, OCD, Carmelite Spirituality in the Teresian Tradition by Paul Marie of the Cross, OCD, and Lectio Divina by Fr. Sam Anthony Morello, OCD. Other materials are provided in the appendices. Additional Reading These materials are simply offered for personal enrichment and deeper understanding of the topic. They are not to be considered required and are not intended for group discussion. Councils may choose to use these materials for Community formation or Ongoing Formation of definitively professed members. The Liturgy of the Hours It is recommended that the Council has each Aspirant sit next to an experienced member who can help with the Liturgy of the Hours until the Aspirant is able to follow along without assistance. Persons in formation must use the printed version of the Liturgy of the Hours on a daily basis. It is the norm for all members to use the printed book. The electronic version may be used in unusual circumstances when it is not practical to use the printed book. Rite of Admission to Formation As a candidate completes Aspirancy, she/he is interviewed by the Council. The Council decides whether to admit the candidate to the next period of formation. If the decision is made to move forward, the Council will then invite the candidate to participate in the Rite of Admission to Formation and to receive the ceremonial Brown Scapular. 4 # Syllabus for Aspirancy --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).