There are three stages of formation:

Postulancy
Once candidates are accepted, they begin as postulants in one of our friaries. This is a one to two year program, and importantly it focuses on adjustment to community living and gives an introduction to Carmelite spirituality and prayer.

Novitiate
The novitiate is a year in length with a greater concentration on learning the doctrine of our Carmelite doctors and saints. It gives him the opportunity of experiencing the way of life of the Order and of testing his intention and suitability.  It ends with first profession of vows which are renewed annually until solemn profession.

Profession
At the end of the novitiate the Provincial may admit the novice to temporary vows.  This temporary profession is made for a time, which may not be less than three years nor more than six.  When this period has elapsed, the vows are renewed or solemn profession takes place.

By solemn profession, a religious definitively becomes a full member of the order. They undertake by public vow the observance of :

• chastity, poverty, obedience
• They are consecrated to God through the ministry of the Church and they are incorporated into the Order.