BASIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Between 20 and 40 years of age.
- College degree preferred.
- Free of substantial debt and without dependents.
- Certificate of Baptism and Confirmation.
- Several visits to our monasteries.
- Live-In retreat.
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Successful completion of physical and
psychological examinations.
- Other background information as requested.
PROCESS OF INITIAL FORMATION
Once candidates are accepted, they begin as postulants at the monastery in Brighton. This is a nine-month program focusing on adjustment to community living and introduction to Carmelite spirituality and prayer. The program usually runs from September until June.
The novitiate begins at Holy Hill in mid-July with the reception of the habit. The novitiate is a year in length with a greater concentration on learning the doctrine of our Carmelite doctors and saints. It ends with first profession of vows, usually on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, July 16.
Following the completion of novitiate and first profession, student friars go the House of Studies in located at Brighton to prepare for ministry by taking the appropriate course of studies for priesthood, or other necessary preparation for brothers. Solemn profession normally comes five years after first profession. Students preparing for ordination must make solemn vows before being ordained deacons. The deacon spends about a year of ministry in one of our parishes or at our Basilica at Holy Hill. Then he is ordained to the priesthood.
Brothers complete their initial formation with solemn vows, although they may complete their studies earlier and be assigned to a ministry within the province. Today a wide variety of possibilities are open for brothers, whether publications work or ministry within formation or one of the traditional and essential community services of cook or sacristan.