← [[using-the-syllabus-fh|Using the Syllabus]] | [[formation-handbook-toc|Table of Contents]] | [[specifics-of-formation-fh|Some Specifics of Formation]] → # The Role of Study in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites The following is adapted from Fr. Deeney’s Welcome to the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, pg. 78-80: It is important to clarify some issues regarding the term “study” and the OCDS formation. Most of us have an image associated with the word “study” that comes from our own experience. When we were in primary school, we had to “study” in order to advance from grade to grade each year. “Study” meant memorizing, practicing, testing… “Study” was competitive. Scores were given and prizes awarded to the ones whose “study” produced the best scores. … So “study” has, for many of us, an image of “get it over with so you can get out of school. ” Neither one of those ideas has anything to do with what the word “study” means in the initial or ongoing formation of the members of the Secular Order. First, study in formation of the OCDS is not reduced to some sort of academic pursuit of knowledge that is easily discernible by testing like a mathematical timetable. Second, study in formation of the OCDS is not the sole pursuit of one person to conquer a body of knowledge. Third, study in formation of the OCDS does not have a point at which one says “The End.” A basic definition of what “study in formation of the OCDS” could be, is the process whereby, with the help of others, we attempt to deepen our understanding of the relationship with God in the light of Catholic and Carmelite doctrine. 14 Is there a place of academic and intellectual pursuit in the Carmelite communities? Certainly, for those who have the time and the ability to do so. But that is not what all of us need to do in the OCDS program of formation. Academic study is a product, whereas the formation in OCDS is a process. [As understood by Our Holy Mother St. Teresa, it is a transformative process from a worm to butterfly and beyond.] It is important to note that simply because someone can quote chapter and verse of St. Teresa, St. John of the Cross and St. Therese, does not necessarily mean they have been formed. I have heard the lament: “Our poor holy parents (Teresa and John), so often quoted, but so little followed!” There are challenges in this type of study as opposed to academic ones. In OCDS formation, there are no tests, gold stars or blue ribbons. The challenges are: First, the desire to deepen the understanding of the relationship with God. That can be demanding…in fact, it is a lot easier to memorize Saint Teresa or fill in blanks on a sheet of questions. The second challenge is that you need others to help you, and you need to help others. Also, not easy. The third challenge is that it is based on Catholic and Carmelite teachings, and not just what I think about it all. --- **Source:** [[maps/bibliography#^biblio-ocds-fh|OCDS Formation Handbook]]