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Vocations
How does one become a Carmelite nun?
You are not alone in this quest. You will be accompanied every step of the way on your vocational discernment journey. There are various stages, all of which are described below.
Aspirancy
This is a time for getting acquainted. A woman who feels drawn to explore her attraction to our way of life will contact the community. As her calling is explored, she will be invited to come to visit us, initially staying in our Guest House and then coming inside for a closer look.
This stage lasts for at least a year before an aspirant can enter Carmel as a postulant.
“What is the life of the Carmelite if not one of contemplating, adoring, and loving God incessantly?”
~ St Teresa of the Andes
Postulancy
The period is usually one year but may be longer. The purpose of this time is for the woman to be initiated into the Carmelite life. She will gain both practical experience of and instruction in the religious life of Carmel while moving gradually from her life in the world to that of the novitiate.
“God has called you out of darkness into his own marvellous light.”
~ 1 Pt 2:9-10
Novitiate
This period begins with a ceremony in which the postulant receives the Carmelite habit. It consists of two years of spiritual and human formation. Most importantly the novice is encouraged to grow in her personal relationship with Christ and to learn to follow Him in the way proper to our Carmelite calling.
Novices have classes on topics including Scripture, the Rule and religious life, our Carmelite saints and liturgy. They also participate in the work of the house.
“I know well the plans I have in mind for you…to give you a future full of hope.”
~ Jer 29: 11-15
First Profession
If the community votes to accept her, the novice makes her public profession of simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, being consecrated to God for a period of three years.
After this she renews her vows for a further two years. During this time the First Professed assumes more responsibility in community while continuing her studies.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine”
~ Isa 43:1
Solemn Profession
This takes place when the sister gives her whole self to Christ in the Carmelite community, in the presence of the people of God who are her witnesses. Throughout her life she will keep her eyes, her heart, her mind, her soul, fixed on Christ by means of prayer and on-going formation, knowing that this way of life, this community, this place, will enable her to journey towards union with God and the fulfilment of her deepest desires.
After Solemn Profession the sister is considered a full member of the community with all the responsibilities this implies. She becomes a visible sign of the praying Church, wholly dedicated to Christ, committed to a life-long process of transformation as she follows Our Lord, together with Mary, our Mother and our guide.
“It is only by saying with utter trust 'Here I am' that one can enter into the mystery.”
~ Pope Francis, Vultum Dei Quaerere
Vocation Stories
Sisters from our community share their vocation stories - how they discovered that God was calling them to Carmel and what life as a Carmelite is like for them.
Sister Elizabeth's Journey
Sr Elizabeth, who entered religious life at a young age just before the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, shares the story of her vocation journey that led her to Carmel, including the challenges and unexpected turns of events she met on the way...
Sister Kay's Journey
Sr Kay tells the story of how she found her way to Carmel and how her love of Beethoven’s music rekindled her faith.
Sister Anna's Journey
Sr Anna shares her vocation story, the ideals that fuelled her desire to give her all to God by entering Carmel and how, as an enclosed nun, she continues to share her musical and artistic gifts.
