If, after preliminary correspondence, visits, and mutual discernment, a candidate (an aspirant) asks to join our community, she begins a one-year period as a postulant (pre-novice). During this time, she is gradually (at her own pace) welcomed to participate in class, in the Liturgy of the Hours, and in the life of our religious family.

After living one year in the community as a postulant, she can petition to be accepted as a Novice.  In a special ceremony, the new Sister receives the Carmelite Habit and a religious name.  What follows is a two-year novitiate, where she continues to study and strives to intensify her prayer as she discerns whether Christ is inviting her to accept Him as the Love of her life by the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. This is manifested in her growing desire for transformation in Christ through Carmel’s way of life.

The Sister’s First Profession is made for three to five years. Broadened study continues, and may be more specialized according to her needs and interests. As this time draws to a close, she discerns, in consultation with her formator and community, whether to renew her vows for one year or make her Solemn Profession (until death).

  

In this final stage, the Sister becomes a full-fledged, permanent member of our worldwide Carmelite family. Rather than “till death do we part,” this is till death when we meet our Beloved face to Face. Our love is blissfully experienced beyond imaging, and it is set to work with new power for the good of God’s children on earth until the end of time.

“We could say much more and still fall short;
Let the last word be: "He is all in all!”

(Sir. 43:27)