← [[session-03-asp|Introduction to the Main Legislative Documents]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[session-05-asp|Basic Understanding and Practice of Prayer in the Teresian Tradition]] → # The Importance of Community Required Reading: OCDS Constitutions: Fraternal Communion article 24, a,b,c,d,e Additional Reading: Gaudete Et Exsultate, Apostolic Exhortation of Holy Father Francis, Chapter Four: In Community 140-146 (Appendix C). Essential points to discuss: • Growth in holiness is a journey within the community, side by side with others. • Each community is called to create a God-enlightened space in which to experience the hidden presence of the risen Lord. • We are not just forming individuals, but we are forming communities. It is not about one’s ability to pray well or being an expert on Carmelite spirituality. • A very basic understanding of the structure of our Order: We are not just one isolated community. We are part of the harmonious whole: Being participants in community life and not merely spectators. a. OCD superior general with the General Definitory b. General Delegate to the OCDS c. Provincial Superior (one in each province) d. Provincial Delegate to the OCDS e. OCDS Provincial Council f. Local OCDS Community Council g. Local OCDS Community (Refer to the Organizational Chart, Appendix D) Note: The point to understanding the structure is not so much who is “in charge” but how the parts of the Order relate one to the other. • OCDS Constitutions article 37: “The Secular Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Teresa of Jesus is an association of the faithful and an integral part of the Discalced Carmelite Order. It is essentially lay in character, with the welcome participation of diocesan clergy.” 9 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).