Lay Carmelite Formation 

Those who meet the following conditions may apply to be members of the Third Order: those who profess the Catholic faith, live in communion with the Church, have good moral conduct, accept the Rule of St. Albert and who desire to live and act in the spirit of Carmel.

Candidates for the Carmelite Third Order must be a practicing Catholic in good standing who feels called by God to live more strongly his/her baptismal vocation as a member of the Carmelite family through a deeper formation in Christian values according to the particular charism (contemplative prayer) of the Carmelite Order. Candidates must be at least eighteen years old, and they must present a letter of recommendation from their parish priest or another priest who knows them.

Formation is divided into four specific periods: preparation for Reception; preparation for Temporary Promises; preparation for Final Promises; and Ongoing Formation of the Final Professed Lay Carmelites.

The first phase of formation is preparation for Reception into the Order. This phase will last from approximately 9 months to 1 year, and may extend to 2 years, if necessary. The Candidates will undergo monthly lessons on initial studies into the Carmelite way of life.

After the candidate has been Received into the Order, they begin the second phase of formation, preparation for Temporary Promises. This phase consists of a monthly class for a period of 2 to 3 years where they will be provided a course of instruction that will deepen their prayer life, their sense of community and their call to ministry. In all things, the purpose of this formation is to increase their desire to follow Christ, abandoning everything so that they may respond to Christ's call to the rich, young man, Come, follow me (Mt. 19:21).

The period following Temporary Promises will last 3 years for the purposes of further discernment and living the life of a Lay Carmelite. Formation during this period will take place with the rest of the community as ongoing formation for the rest of their lives. This monthly formation is a very in depth study of specific Carmelite topics.

At the end of this 3 year discernment period, the Temporarily Professed may make their Perpetual Profession of Promises.