More Carmelite Vocation Discernment Tools

Discernment of a vocation as a secular Carmelite is an on-going process. One should continually take time in silent prayer and ask God if He is calling them to this way of life. Included below are resources which you might find helpful at various stages of the discernment process.

Those who have not yet visited the community, or who have made a few visits (New Comers & Guests) and those who have entered into formation as Aspirants, should be seeking (in prayer) the answer to the question: Do I have a vocation as a Secular Carmelite?

Those who have certainty they are called to Carmel, and have completed the Aspirancy, should be seeking to an answer to the question: How well am I responding to my vocation to Carmel? This includes those in the Beginner, the Temporary (First) Promised, and those who have made the Definitive Promise. After all, one should always be evaluating how one is responding to the call of their vocation in whatever stage of formation.

The following resources are helpful at all stages of discernment including those in advanced formation.

Confession and Vocations, Rev. John A. Hardon, S.J.

DISCERNMENT by Father Francis J. Lindekugel, S. J.

Discernment of OCDS Vocation Very Reverend Father Aloysius Deeney, O.C.D., General Delegate

THE BASIC IDENTITY OF SECULAR CARMELITES by Anthony-Morello, O. C. D.

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