Formation

The formation of a Carmelite Sister of the Divine Heart of Jesus (DCJ) is the work of a lifetime. “This comes about through the mutual love and acceptance, a love nourished by the word and by the Eucharist, purified in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and supported by mutual help in friendship and dialogue.” -pg 19, Ritual  

A holy love that binds Religious is described by our Mother Foundress as making “life in the Order a paradise despite all sacrifices, hardships, and privations.” -pg 223, AB

Candidacy

Candidacy is the first stage of formation, where a young woman seeks interest in our international mission. Contact in-person or online, correlative questions, and cultivating an acquaintance with our twofold life of contemplative prayer and apostolic service enkindles entrance to Carmel DCJ. The actual purpose of our Congregation’s charism within Mother Church, Carmelite history and an introduction to the Foundress’ story creates a supportive relationship. By canonical standards, the applicant must be at least 18 yrs of age. If over the age of 40, she must be approved by our Superior General and deliberative vote of her Council. 

 Postulancy 

The excitement of Postulancy meets with the radical change of living amongst a group of women devoted to the Divine Heart. Separated from the family environment she grew up in and becoming a new growth in Carmel’s ‘garden’, the Postulant will deepen the roots of her faith. She will daily experience the blending of our congregation's charism of ministry and contemplation  in serving the children and elderly residents of our North Province. 

With the grace of a sacramental life, her formator will assist the young woman spiritually and interiorly in this new lifestyle. The reality of giving ourselves to God alone becomes more meaningful. Hand-picked by the Father, the individual’s free will to respond in her vocation is offered in all its reality. The authenticity of her call will be proved here. This personal act of surrender spans from six full months to a year, extensions can be made if necessary. Entry into the next phase of Religious Life and a new name for the Sister to be is reported to the General Motherhouse two months prior.

Postulants wear a white blouse beneath a brown jumper. 

Novitiate

The Novitiate period is “a serious study of Sacred Scripture with special emphasis on the Gospels, the study of the church and her role in the world. History and spirit of the Congregation is presented, as well as some studies pertinent to preparing the Novice for her future role in our Apostolate.” -pg 144, Life And Spirit

The first year of Novitiate focuses on a cloistered life required by Canon law. The second year allows for more activity in our ministries. The Novice prepares to pronounce her first vows which will unite her more deeply into her goal of total surrender to her Spouse, Jesus Christ. Throughout her Novitiate she will be instructed in the Evangelical Counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, and will experience community life as it is lived in Carmel DCJ. The Novice wears our brown habit and a white veil. 

Juniorate

By her profession of First Vows the Novice enters the  Juniorate, where she fully lives all the aspects of religious life under temporary vows: our prayer, community and apostolate. As a ‘Junior Sister’ her vows are annually renewed for four consecutive years. She may be asked to pursue courses of study in line with the needs of our respective ministries among the children, IDD individuals and elderly.

From this point and for the rest of religious life, she wears the black veil, a crucifix beneath her scapular, and the rosary. A title is added to her name and she receives the white mantle in the spirit of the prophet Elijah, who wore his mantle as a sign of his total dedication to God. These years of Temporary Vows allow the young religious to develop all aspects of her life in Carmel DCJ, preparing herself for the final commitment.

 Tertiate

Perpetual Professed members of our Order’s final stage encounter this response to God’s love for us, His gift of Self as Bridegroom, more completely.

Although we never stop learning and climbing Mount Carmel, this total ‘fiat’ brings a capping peace, an assurance of doubts, a climactic goal of all our searching and longing. This fulfilling Perpetual Vows for the venture of our yes, manifests the indissoluble bond of Christ with His bride, the Church.

She receives a cross with her name and date of Final Profession and a Beatitude card guiding her spiritual pilgrimage of faith.