# Formation Handbook > [!NOTE] > OCDS Formation Handbook > *The Specific Guidelines for Formation in the United States* > Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites > Approved for use in the United States (2024) ## Table of Contents [Foreword](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Introduction](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [The Periods of Formation](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [The Principles and Purpose of Formation](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [The Formation Team](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Accompaniment](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Charism of the Order](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [The OCDS Syllabus](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Using the Syllabus](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [The Role of Study in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Some Specifics of Formation](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [The Criteria for Evaluating Candidates](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [The Council and its Responsibilities](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [The Community](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Service in OCDS Communities](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Leadership](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Centrality of the Order and the Church](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Fellowship](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Celebrations](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Conclusion](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Bibliography](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Appendix A, Candidate Files](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Appendix B, Responsible Leadership](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Appendix C, Fr. Cannistrà Letter (2019)](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) [Appendix D, Fr. Cannistrà Letter (2021)](https://assets.alittlepilgrim.org/pdf/ocds-formation/formation-handbook.pdf) --- ![[maps/bibliography#^biblio-ocds-fh|OCDS Formation Handbook]]