The first step in responding to the Lord’s call to becoming a Carmelite nun is to contact the community either by phone or email, or simply by stopping by and inquiring about our life. This initial contact would consist of getting to know the candidate, her background and family history, her vocation story, etc.  If there are genuine signs of a vocation and good grounds for moving forward, the Aspirancy could begin.  One year is required for this first stage of formation, but could be extended depending on circumstances.

During the Aspirancy, the young woman would begin having the first exposure to the life of the cloistered community by having times of “live-in” experience.  The candidate would be guided in learning more about our Carmelite charism and vocation. Usually these first hand encounters with the community bring to light the genuineness of the call and the aptitude of the aspirant.