← [[session-11-asp|Ecclesial Charism of Our Vocation]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[special-session-asp|Special Session: Review and Practice of the Liturgy of the Hours]] → # OCDS Rites and Preparation for Admission to Formation Essential Points to Discuss: • A brief understanding of formation – this is only the beginning of formation; formation is a life-long process. • Thoughts on discernment: Do I feel called to Carmel? Do I feel at home in Carmel? Am I attracted to prayer? Am I able to attend the monthly meetings and complete the required readings and assignments? Do I enjoy community life? • Review the Rite of Admission. • Review the significance of the reception of the scapular: Ritual 24: “Assisted by the 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. • The large ceremonial scapular is worn for Carmelite activities or when representing the Order or OCDS Community at a religious event. The small brown scapular (or the scapular medal) is worn for everyday use. The “OCDS” designation is not added to a member’s name until that person makes the First Promise at the end of Formation I. Note to the Formator: If there are related provincial or community policies in place, share these with the candidates at this time. Note: The Discalced Carmelite Coat of Arms is in Appendix K. The Aspirants may find it enjoyable to look at this together with the formator. Closing thoughts: We, as Discalced Carmelite Seculars, are called, as are all Carmelites, to a life of prayer, yet as Seculars we have a special role within the Order. The Divine Indwelling within the soul is central to St. Teresa’s teachings. We are embraced by Christ through prayer and contemplation, aided by the intercessions of Mary and the Carmelite saints, and then we are sent out into the world to share Carmel and God’s love. As God transforms us through prayer into “other Christs” , we allow ourselves to become imitators of Christ in our words, deeds, actions, thoughts, works and love of God and of neighbor. Our Holy Mother St. Teresa teaches that, yes, our Charism is prayer, but if that Charism does not produce fruit in ways that develop the virtues necessary to touch the world around us, the seeds have been wasted. 17 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).