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Formation I Syllabus

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Goals during the formation period leading to First Promise (two years) shall be:

 

a. Prayer

i. Learn how to be a cantor for Morning and Evening Prayer

ii. Understand the basic stages of prayer

iii. Practice daily mental prayer for at least a half hour

iv. Express authentic devotion to Mary

Primary Sources:

  • Cathechism of the Catholic Church (Part 4: Prayer)
  • The Way of Perfection by St Teresa of Avila
  • Lumen Gentium (Ch. 8)

 

b. Community

i. Take an active role in community by participating in discussions and community activities

ii. Show growth in communal virtues of humility, charity and detachment

iii. Demonstrate ability to work with others

Primary Sources:

  • The Way of Perfection by St Teresa of Avila
  • Community and Growth by Jean Vanier (Ch. 1, 3)

 

c. Apostolate

i. Develop an awareness of the mission of Carmel within the Church

ii. Develop an awareness of the apostolate of the laity

iii. Support Carmelite religious with prayer

Primary Sources:

  • Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
  • OCDS Provincial Statutes for the Oklahoma Province
  • Lumen Gentium (Ch. 4)
  • Apostolicam Actuositatem

 

d. Study

i. Receive an introduction to the texts of Carmelite saints

ii. Learn the history of Carmel from 13th Century to the 16th Century Reform

Primary Sources:

  • Story of a Soul by St Thérèse of Lisieux
  • Way of Perfection by St Teresa of Avila
  • Contemporary Challenge of St John of the Cross: His Life and His Teachings by Leonard Doohan
  • *Historical Notes on the Carmelite Order by Gabriel Barry (Ch. 2, 3, 9, 10)

 

e. Promise

i. Make an in-depth Study of the Constitutions and Statutes

ii. Understand the evangelical counsels

iii. Understand the beatitudes

iv. Understand how OCDS fit into the larger Order

Primary Sources:

  • Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites
  • OCDS Provincial Statutes for the Oklahoma Province
  • OCDS Ritual
  • Book on beatitudes to be chosen at the Formation Director's discretion
  • *Chastity: This Only One Kind of Love by Gerald Alford
  • *Promise to be Poor by Gerald Alford
  • *Existential Obedience by Gerald Alford

 


* Should any of the required books go out of print, the Provincial Council will recommend a substitute. The Provincial Council may update articles (designated with * ) every 5 years to keep formation materials current. Updates will be distributed to all Local Councils at that time.