OCDS Provincial Statutes for Central Province - Secular Carmelites ...

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3) A TOC who was in initial formation prior to seeking this change may be admitted toOCDS formation using the Rite for Admission to Formation. If the candidate hasalready been clothed in the brown scapular, then that part of the ritual should bepassed over. Admission to First Promise would be made using the Rite for Promisewithout change.Section XV: Canonical Establishment of a Community1) Individuals interested in the possibility of establishing an OCDS community may,with the consent of the Provincial Council and under its supervision, form a groupfocused on what it means to be Carmelite Secular in terms of its personal andcommunal responsibilities. This shall be the first stage in the process of becoming anestablished OCDS community, during which there is a discernment regarding thedetermination, cohesiveness, and compatibility as a group to continue on togethertoward this goal. At this stage the group shall be known as a Group in Discernment.2) Once the Provincial Delegate appoints a Spiritual Assistant and Director ofFormation, this Group in Discernment assumes the status of a recognized StudyGroup, under the supervision of the Provincial Delegate and the Provincial Council.a) After the Study Group has existed for a period of time, it may petition theProvincial Council for election of a provisional Local Council. The length ofservice and size of this provisional council may vary depending on how long thegroup has been in existence and the approval of the Provincial Council.b) The Local Council of a Study Group is authorized only to admit candidates toformation (i.e. to clothe them in the large scapular and process them through thetwo year initial formation program). It then evaluates the candidate’s suitability tomake his/her first promise and submits that evaluation to the Provincial Council,which reserves the right to admit the person to the promises and vows.c) The Provincial Delegate reserves the right to appoint and replace all Councilors ofStudy Groups. The rest of Article 47 of the Constitutions applies equally tocanonical Communities and Study Groups alike.d) The Provincial Council shall designate a canonical community in the province toserve as a sister community to new Study Groups. The canonical communityshall act as a resource to the group. The canonical community may assist theGroup by inviting its members to join community retreats, offering presentationson specific topics, sharing formation materials, etc. In some cases, the ProvincialDelegate may assign a member of the canonical community to serve as Directorof Formation for the Study Group.10
Section XVI: Community Life“Concern for the needs and good of others in the community is a principle of our Rulethat guides our Carmelite life.” [Art. 6e] “A fundamental element of our vocation is toinfuse prayer and life with apostolic zeal in a climate of human and Christiancommunity.” [Art. 9d]1) The OCDS Community is a local manifestation of the Carmelite family.2) In order to foster a climate of human and Christian community [Art. 9d], the localcommunity shall meet at least once a month. These meetings shall provide for theongoing formation of all members by a spiritual conference, for the group to transactbusiness of the order, to pray together, and to further fraternal charity [cf. RL 19].3) Where possible, communities are encouraged to share resources with other localcommunities, such as Days of Recollection, special programs, or celebrations relatedto the Carmelite charism.4) Communities are encouraged to have an annual retreat. This may also serve as anopportunity to foster relations between communities by gathering together for aregional retreat.5) Community life is central to the Carmelite charism. Therefore, attendance atmeetings is expected. Attendance is so important that the Local Council shall make apolicy regarding attendance. Lack of regular attendance, for reasons other than age orinfirmity, may be cause for dismissal.6) The community shall take responsibility for keeping aged and infirm membersinvolved in communal life by maintaining regular contact.7) The Local Council may approve a one-year leave of absence for those in DefinitivePromise 12 for a serious reason. The leave of absence may be renewed by the LocalCouncil for up to two more years. Further extensions may be applied for through theProvincial Council.8) The Local Council is the immediate, competent authority of the local communitywithin the limits of the Constitutions of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites[Art. 47]. In exercising its responsibilities, the Local Council has the authority todevelop the appropriate methods and means necessary to facilitate the physical andspiritual growth and well-being of the community. It is charged with theresponsibility of seeing that the members are nurtured spiritually into anunderstanding of the Promise which makes them members of the Order according totheir state in life. Consequently, the Local Council should assess the communitysituation and determine what is needed to build and sustain a community and nurture12 Cf. Sec. I for leaves of those in formation.11
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