Contact Us :: Discalced Carmelite Nuns

If you feel called to a life of prayer within the context of an enclosed life

– have good physical and mental health

   – have a spirit of generosity and love 
     that will enable you to give yourself
     totally to God;

   – are between the ages of 21 - 45,

or write to:
Vocation Director
20,000 North County Line Road
Piedmont, OK 73078

FORMATION

The purpose of formation is that a
candidate may gradually come to know
and to live the vocation
of a Teresian Carmelite.

It consists of Postulancy, Novitiate
and Temporary Profession

Live-in: The person comes and lives our life from one to three months. After this she returns home to discern her vocation and decide if she wishes to enter.

Postulancy: The candidate gets both practical experience of and instruction in the religious life and moves gradually from the life of the world to that of the novitiate. This period usually lasts for six months.

Novitiate: Membership in the Order begins with the novitiate. Its chief purpose is to enable the novice to have first hand knowledge and personal experience of the essential requirements of the following of Christ in the way of life proper to our Carmelite and Teresian calling. She is also given instruction in theology and the Bible. This period lasts for two years.

First Profession: By her public profession the novice pledges to live according to the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience and is consecrated to God through the ministry of the Church. The next three years the newly professed will continue her instruction in Teresian spirituality and live it on a practical level.

Solemn Profession: The religious pronounces her vows forever and becomes a permanent member and voting member of her community and the Carmelite Order. The black veil is given as the sign of her final commitment. Throughout her life she will continue to keep her eyes fixed on Christ by means of ongoing formation which will help her deepen her knowledge of God and the Church.