← [[ocds-fh-08|The OCDS Syllabus]] | [[formation-handbook-toc|Table of Contents]] | [[role-of-study-fh|The Role of Study]] → # Using the Syllabus Follow the readings and discussion points month by month. The “additional reading” is optional for the candidates but is always to be read by the formators. Explanatory notes are to clarify or emphasize specific ideas. These can be mentioned during the discussion as they seem helpful. Use the materials that are assigned. Any supplementary materials need to be approved by the local Council and then may be presented as optional enrichment reading. Preparing for the formation sessions 12 Formators and candidates are to read the assigned materials (no matter how many times they have already been read in the past). Read the discussion points. Select several points for in-depth discussion. Write down thoughts as they occur as an aid to memory. Leading the sessions As we begin to share the OCDS syllabus with the candidates in formation, the following basic guidelines will help the formators to have a better presentation of the theme and the overall understanding of each session: • Begin each session with prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit. • Select several points for deeper discussion rather than try to cover every point during the time allowed. It is appropriate to discuss practical application of the concepts in daily life. • The questions and discussions should stimulate interest in living out the Gospel values and help the candidates to grow in the spirit of faith, hope and love. “Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt. 28:20). Avoid questions that have rightwrong or yes-no answers. The goal is to develop a Carmelite way of life, not simply to master the book’s contents. (See Fr Deeney’s The Role of Study article below.) • It is important that the formators pay attention to the candidates’ questions and offer clarifications to help them better understand and internalize the saint’s teachings. • Be sure everyone has a chance to speak. This may mean gently restraining the more talkative candidates. It will certainly mean asking the quieter candidates for their thoughts. • Make the effort to stay on the topic. While the discussions should be a free give-and-take among the participants and there is almost always personal sharing, try to keep it relevant to the matter at hand. • Be respectful of differing points of view. Communicating with the Council Sharing information with the Council is not a breach of confidentiality, but part of the formator’s responsibility as a member of the formation team. If a formator notices issues with a candidate, such as not reading the materials, not respecting the other members, not participating in the discussion, not letting others talk (dominating the discussion, interrupting, or talking over others), not being open to being formed, etc., it is the formator’s responsibility to consult with the Formation Director. The Formation Director can assist the formator to help the candidate. The Formation Director brings it to the rest of the Council, as needed. Councils normally talk with the formators before the candidates’ periodic reviews and discernments for Clothing and Promises. Be ready to talk with the Council about each candidate’s participation, progress, and general behavior in the group, and how the sessions are going overall. Be open to Council recommendations and requests. “All Christian formation consists of entering more deeply into the kerygma [Kerygma refers primarily to the preaching of the Apostles as 13 recorded in the New Testament]. It is the message capable of responding to the desire for the infinite which abides in every human heart. The centrality of the kerygma calls for stressing those elements which are most needed today: it has to express God’s saving love which precedes any moral and religious obligation on our part; it should not impose the truth but appeal to freedom; it should be marked by joy, encouragement, liveliness and a harmonious balance which will not reduce preaching to a few doctrines which are at time more philosophical than evangelical. All this demands on the part of the evangelizer [formator] certain attitudes which foster openness to the message: approachability, readiness for dialogue, patience, a warmth and welcome which is non-judgmental” (Evangelii Gaudium, 165). --- **Source:** [[maps/bibliography#^biblio-ocds-fh|OCDS Formation Handbook]]