← [[introduction-asp|Introduction]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[essential-themes-asp|The Essential Themes for Aspirancy]] → # Syllabus for Aspirancy Preparation for Admission to Formation I Aspirancy The purpose of this stage is to help the Aspirant become familiar with the Community, the style of life and service to the Church proper to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. It should ideally enable the Aspirant to grow in awareness of the Carmelite Charism within the surroundings of a supportive Carmelite Community. With humility and love, this period should assist in giving both the Aspirant and the Community the opportunity of beginning to make an adequate discernment of a vocation. This stage of formation is normally one year. Requirements: • Participate in the monthly meeting of the community • Participate in monthly Aspirancy sessions and come prepared for discussion • Begin a regular time of daily meditative prayer • Begin to pray the Liturgy of the Hours - Morning and Evening Prayer (and Night Prayer with examen when possible). 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 occasionally be used in unusual circumstances when it is not practical to use the printed book. • Participate in daily Mass as far as possible. 5 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).