← [[council-and-responsibilities-fh|The Council and its Responsibilities]] | [[formation-handbook-toc|Table of Contents]] | [[service-in-ocds-communities-fh|Service in OCDS Communities]] → # The Community The Council and formators, however, are not the only ones responsible for the success of formation, but the whole community is responsible for the candidate’s progression and harmonious life in Carmel. “The Secular Order community is the appropriate place for the formation of the candidate seeking admission. The community should give a good example of how to live Secular Carmelite life, even if it does not reach the ideal” (Ratio 28). 21 The spiritual aid given to the candidate during formation is expressed primarily through prayer and personal witnessing of life in the community. The charism of Carmel is not only transmitted theoretically, but also practiced and lived within a community setting. “The Community, the Council, the formator, those who give classes, and the Spiritual Assistant of the community must be willing to help the new members of the community by example and by direction. And the new members themselves must be intellectually and personally open to the new ways of the spiritual life they will find in Carmel” (Ratio 10, emphasis added). 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. Consequently, human formation involves nurturing and developing a strong, balanced personality. St. Teresa succinctly reminds that the most important element of community life is the attitude and practice of the virtue of humility: “So, sisters, strive as much as you can, without offence to God, to be affable and understanding in such a way that everyone you talk to will love your conversation and desire your manner of living and acting, and not be frightened and intimidated by virtue” (WP 41:7). --- **Source:** [[maps/bibliography#^biblio-ocds-fh|OCDS Formation Handbook]]