Discerning one’s vocation is a day by day journey with the God who loves us. It is a call, not simply our choice, and it is always a call to give oneself completely in love. Each and every vocation is a gift given by God for the growth of the soul and the building up of His Church. For Religious, the central aspect of our life is seeking intimate union with God through a deep personal relationship with Him, which overflows into a genuine love for our neighbor. Through our vows of poverty, chastity and obedience we let go, in a radical way, of all that could detract from our complete focus on and love for God and His people. In a wholly contemplative way of life we also forgo an active ministry for our neighbor. This is so we can devote our time completely to a more intimate relationship with our Lord through a life of prayer, asking His graces upon the world.
We do not expect an applicant to be a mature contemplative from the beginning, but she must have the qualities necessary for living our way of life and growing toward the fullness of the Carmelite vocation:
- The desire and determination to give oneself wholeheartedly to God and to others in a characteristically Carmelite life of prayer
- Willingness to let go of all things in order to respond to the call of Christ.
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- The ability to get along with others in community life.
- Sound judgment and common sense.
- Good health.
Before beginning postulancy, a candidate must be at least 17 years old and have completed high school.
It is generally difficult for older women to adjust to the life of Carmel. A candidate over 40 should show exceptional preparation in in all of the areas noted above.
