The formation process for Secular Discalced Carmelites stresses on-going discernment and spiritual formation; community involvement; continuous personal growth in the life of prayer.

The general features of the Secular Discalced Carmelite's progress into life within the Order of Carmel is as follows:

A person who inquires to join the Secular Carmelite Order is called an "aspirant." The "aspirant" joins the activities of a local secular Carmelite community as a participant- observer. 

During this time, the aspirant begins to discern what a vocation to the secular Carmelites means. It is also a time for the aspirant and the Carmelite community to become acquainted with each other. At the end of this time, with the Master of Formation's guidance, the aspirant chooses freely whether to petition for entrance into the Order or not. An aspirant is equivalent to what other secular orders call a "postulant".

Novice (usually 2 years, but can be extended) 

An aspirant who is accepted into the order is called a "novice." The novice begins "formation" in earnest by becoming involved regularly with the Carmelite community, learning about the Order's history, identity, spirituality and charism. The Novice also begins to deepen his or her prayer life in the spirit of Carmel with daily mental prayer, praying the breviary, daily Eucharist if possible, and a yearly retreat. At the time of entrance into the Novitiate, the novice receives a Carmelite name, the brown scapular of the Carmelite Order, the Order's Rule of Life, and a book of the Holy Gospel.

 

Temporary promises (For a period of three years)

Following the novitiate, the secular Carmelite who feels ready to commit more deeply to the Secular Carmelite Order may petition the Order to make temporary personal promises for a period of three years, thus becoming "temporarily professed."

 

Definitive promise  

Three years after Temporary Promises, the secular Carmelite who feels ready to do so may petition to become "definitively professed" meaning to remain in the Order for life, unless released with good reason by council.

 

Professed with vows

 

After an extended period of definitive profession and with much discernment, a secular Carmelite may choose to, but is never obligated to, become professed with vows according to one's state in life.

During each phase in the secular Carmelite's growth in the order, she/he discerns more deeply the call to the life of the Secular Carmelite; cultivates a Carmelite identity; and deepens his or her life of prayer and contemplation.