Visiting OCDS Communities

[Augustine]

I went to visit the local OCDS community for the 2nd time now. It was a special meeting because the director of the diocesan office of spiritual direction gave a retreat on St. John of the Cross on Friday evening and on Saturday.

To someone like me who’s been postponing reading him until I’ve read those by St. Teresa, it was quite informative and cleared up many preconceptions I had about approaching him.

Again, everybody was quite welcoming. I was even given a gift by one of the members (sister?): a one-volume Divine Office!:dancing: I was doubly glad for it, as I’ve been thinking about whether I should start praying it or not. Now I need to learn how to pray it. Any tips?

But I have to confess that I am wary of my prayers becoming too rigid. More prayers and more moments to pray are good, but I need guidance on how to offer them as beautifully as possible to the Lord every time. Do I sound like obsessing perhaps? I’ll be meeting with my spiritual director this Friday and will bring this up with him.

BTW, how does it work when someone who joins a community or order has a spiritual director outside the community or order?

This time I was able to pray with the community 3 times and these were perhaps the most fraternal moments of the retreat. I am really digging the Carmelite intonation. Does anyone have a reference with the musical notation?

Thanks again for your encouragement and guidance.

 

[DBT]

Again, everybody was quite welcoming. I was even given a gift by one of the members (sister?): a one-volume Divine Office!:dancing: I was doubly glad for it, as I’ve been thinking about whether I should start praying it or not. Now I need to learn how to pray it. Any tips?

I’m glad to hear things are going well It’s very nice they gave you a copy of Christian Prayer. Hopefully they also included the companion pamphlet guide that goes with it. If not, I’d get one right away from a Catholic bookstore . . . probably $2 or $3 or so.

The guide to Christian Prayer will tell you what pages to pray from for each hour and help minimize the confusion that goes along with all the page flipping. Also, make sure to read from the front of Christian Prayer about the propers and how they’re used in solemnities, feasts and memorials. That was probably the most confusing part for me.

If you decide to become an aspirant, a good portion of your first year in formation will be devoted to things like the Liturgy of the Hours so your sure to get plenty of help within your community.

BTW, how does it work when someone who joins a community or order has a spiritual director outside the community or order?

For those fortunate enough to have a spiritual director, what you describe is probably the norm. What you’ll soon find out is that there’s plenty of spiritual direction in Carmel . . . but it’s community based rather than individual.

I look forward to hearing more about your progress!

In Carmel,
Dave.

 

[Augustine]

Dear Dave,

I wasn’t given such guide, only the recommendation to buy one. Of course spending $2 after being presented with a $40 book of prayers is the least I can do.

I read the introduction pages through and through, but I cannot say that I figured it out. Someone in this forum pointed to this guide to the LOTH that seemed good. It was particularly interesting because it even goes over the ribbons.

As you indicated when you were entertaining joining Carmel, I started going to daily Mass and kept praying the Rosary daily, though I was already praying the Rosary daily, just to see if I could abide by the minimum obligations. As of a few weeks, I started “saving” a decade of the Rosary for later in the evening, before reading some of the Holy Scriptures. Given the hint by the Holy Spirit to embrace the LOTH, I’ll probably pray it before the Scriptures instead. But not before I meet with my spiritual director, for I’m wary of praying in “cruise-control”.

Aspirants are admitted only in May at a retreat weekend and I look forward to it, God willing. Still, after only a couple of visits, I am in awe at meeting a community with a kindred spiritual style. As an aspirant said, it’s truly a call of the Holy Spirit bringing together people of all walks of life.

May Our Lady of Mt. Carmel pray for us.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Dear Dave,

I wasn’t given such guide, only the recommendation to buy one. Of course spending $2 after being presented with a $40 book of prayers is the least I can do.

I read the introduction pages through and through, but I cannot say that I figured it out. Someone in this forum pointed to this guide to the LOTH that seemed good. It was particularly interesting because it even goes over the ribbons.

As you indicated when you were entertaining joining Carmel, I started going to daily Mass and kept praying the Rosary daily, though I was already praying the Rosary daily, just to see if I could abide by the minimum obligations. As of a few weeks, I started “saving” a decade of the Rosary for later in the evening, before reading some of the Holy Scriptures. Given the hint by the Holy Spirit to embrace the LOTH, I’ll probably pray it before the Scriptures instead. But not before I meet with my spiritual director, for I’m wary of praying in “cruise-control”.

Aspirants are admitted only in May at a retreat weekend and I look forward to it, God willing. Still, after only a couple of visits, I am in awe at meeting a community with a kindred spiritual style. As an aspirant said, it’s truly a call of the Holy Spirit bringing together people of all walks of life.

May Our Lady of Mt. Carmel pray for us.

Augustine,
it sounds like you’ve found a good community, praise God!

Learning the Liturgy of the Hours was one of the greatest gifts I reveived my first year in Carmel. Suddenly, the songs and prayers within the Liturgical Year, took on a deeper meaning. I have never missed Morning Prayer, since I was an aspirant, 15 years ago.

A few years ago during Advent, I asked my pastor if I could teach the Liturgy of the Hours, and have an evening prayer on Wednesday. He whole heartedly agreed and participated himself.
I didn’t get many people to attend, but those that did, purchased a brivary and from what I understand, they are still praying the Divine Office, morning and evening prayer.

Anyway, I’m really glad that you found such a good community!

My only advice here is, relax and don’t be anxious to move onto the next steps in formation. You’re going to be fed spiritually, regardless of what happens.

Yours In Christ
Jim

 

[DBT]

I wasn’t given such guide, only the recommendation to buy one. Of course spending $2 after being presented with a $40 book of prayers is the least I can do.

Definitely get the guide The one I used to use for Christian Prayer was the “St. Joseph Guide.”

I read the introduction pages through and through, but I cannot say that I figured it out. Someone in this forum pointed to this guide to the LOTH that seemed good. It was particularly interesting because it even goes over the ribbons.

I looked at this briefly . . . it looks really good! Take a look at Page 35 - “Seasons, Memorials, Feasts & Solemnites” This is what I was talking about in my last post . . . the most confusing part to learn for me.

Also, I’d like to echo what JimR said . . . I can’t begin to tell you how rewarding praying the Hours has been! You mentioned a couple of times in your posts about being rigid at prayer. Well, place yourself in the position of the psalmist and your heart will be soaring in no time! I just love the “rhythm” of daily mass with the LOTH.

I’m very glad things seem to be working out so well

Dave

PS - Why don’t you talk to your spiritual director about how to get started? Back when I had a spiritual director, we did a couple of “dress rehersals” to help me get going. Also, I’m sure you pray the Hours in community during your monthly meeting . . . that should help some. Finally, feel free to ask your formation director if you have questions . . . I still do that from time to time! And remember – even people with years and years experience with the Hours still goof it up on occasion . . . it goes with the territory!

 

[Augustine]

I am really looking forward to praying the LOTH. As I said, I enjoyed the communal prayer at the meeting a lot. Yet, I wonder how weird my family will think I am standing up and sitting down and then humming…

 

[Augustine]

Jim,

It may sound silly, but when the community president called to let me know that she was looking forward to my presence at the meeting, my heart jumped.

I am not at formation yet, for this community only starts it at the May retreat. I am just a visitor for now and enjoying it. I don’t want to rush anything and am approaching every new step with an open heart, letting the Spirit guide them. After all, I’m discerning my vocation.

My previous spiritual director almost two decades ago had said that I should start praying the LOTH right before I lost contact with him. I guess I’m resuming where my direction stopped…

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I am really looking forward to praying the LOTH. As I said, I enjoyed the communal prayer at the meeting a lot. Yet, I wonder how weird my family will think I am standing up and sitting down and then humming…

FYI, when praying the office alone, you don’t have to sing the hymn or stand.

The rubrics for the Liturgy of the Office was designed to be said in a group.

Jim

 

[Ecat]

I am very happy to find discussion about tertiary vocations on this site…thanks guys. Third Orders have such a rich history and have been a grace to the Church. Thank of the Saints and Blesseds who were (are) tertiaries!

In the Trinity,

Kevin, O.SS.T.,Ter.

 

[Augustine]

For the 3rd time now, I visited an OCDS community. It was the first time that I went to a regular meeting from beginning to end. Perhaps because of the upcoming holidays, the attendance was just half of the usual. I even kidded with my wife that I was only one in four men among 13 women, most with the wisdom of age.

But, most importantly, I got to attend a formation session along with others. It was very instructive and enlightening, confirming yet again that I am in the right place with the right people.

In my participations in the session, I quoted my name-sake Doctor of the Church a few times and it didn’t go unnoticed. I know less about him than it seems and I just hope that it cannot be held against me. Anyways, one of St. Augustine’s writings I mentioned that sparkled some interest was this one, drawing a parallel between the Beatitudes and the verses of the Lord’s Prayer.

I’ve been praying the Evening Prayer for a couple of weeks now and it’s been quite fascinating. At first it was rather mechanical, perhaps because I was still trying to figure out how to go through it. But, in the last few days, as my comfort and practice flipping the pages increased, my words are more prayerful and aware of Whom they’re directed to.

The memory of praying in community and knowing that other members are praying the same prayers as I am has also shed a new dimension in my prayer life. I’ve been chanting the Doxology as it’s chanted in the meetings to stress this almost communal prayer of the Church. I’m open to letting Morning Prayer to become a welcome addition to my prayer life now.

Again, my gratitude for your prayers and guidance.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

For the 3rd time now, I visited an OCDS community. It was the first time that I went to a regular meeting from beginning to end. Perhaps because of the upcoming holidays, the attendance was just half of the usual. I even kidded with my wife that I was only one in four men among 13 women, most with the wisdom of age.

But, most importantly, I got to attend a formation session along with others. It was very instructive and enlightening, confirming yet again that I am in the right place with the right people.

In my participations in the session, I quoted my name-sake Doctor of the Church a few times and it didn’t go unnoticed. I know less about him than it seems and I just hope that it cannot be held against me. Anyways, one of St. Augustine’s writings I mentioned that sparkled some interest was this one, drawing a parallel between the Beatitudes and the verses of the Lord’s Prayer.

I’ve been praying the Evening Prayer for a couple of weeks now and it’s been quite fascinating. At first it was rather mechanical, perhaps because I was still trying to figure out how to go through it. But, in the last few days, as my comfort and practice flipping the pages increased, my words are more prayerful and aware of Whom they’re directed to.

The memory of praying in community and knowing that other members are praying the same prayers as I am has also shed a new dimension in my prayer life. I’ve been chanting the Doxology as it’s chanted in the meetings to stress this almost communal prayer of the Church. I’m open to letting Morning Prayer to become a welcome addition to my prayer life now.

Again, my gratitude for your prayers and guidance.

Wonderful!

God Bless
Jim

 

[Augustine]

A couple or so weeks ago I visited an OCDS community for the 4th time.

I am awed by the example on living the beatitudes I find in its members! They don’t miss an opportunity to perform a charitable act, no matter how minor. I was particularly touched for having received about half a dozen Christmas cards, especially because I didn’t bring any… Of course, as soon as I got at home, I tried to return the kindness by sending electronic cards. Yet, I know I fell short because I could not give them with the same smile and sweetness in the eyes as those who gave me the cards.

It was also interesting to notice how more people are reaching out to me, each at one’s own pace and way. Yet, the underlying tone is always welcoming. Now, I am pretty jaded about people and the warm atmosphere I find in the meetings are disarming many of my defenses. But it’s for the better, for many of them often keep me from being charitable, praised be God.

There’s one member who’s particularly generous towards me. She’s the same member who gifted me with a book of Christian Prayer after I asked how praying the office was. Well, this time, after the study on a book by St. Teresa Benedicta, she gave me hers, as she had another copy. I was speechless, thankful beyond what I could express.

Praying the Vespers has become quite natural for me and over the past few weeks I’ve prayed Lauds off an on. The issue is making time for them on business days. I’ve set the alarm clock to 10min sooner, but my son has asked to go to school sooner too (I always drive him in the mornings). Fortunately, the schedule is far looser on weekends. Could someone share how one fit these prayer times in their routines, please?

As I’ve entertained the idea of approaching an OCDS community for over 2 years, I can’t be more enthusiastic than now, with this blessed opportunity. Our Church is indeed great for knowing the human spirit so well and making such a wonderful thing as a secular order available to lay people!

I have much to be thankful this year, in particular for this opportunity to seek the Lord’s voice in Carmel.

Please, say a prayer for me to decrease so that Jesus increases.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Augustine,
praise God for where he has led you. This group sounds wonderful!

Yours In Christ
Jim

 

[DBT]

Augustine -

This is all such wonderful news . . . I’m very happy for you! May God be praised!

Yours in Carmel,
Dave

 

[Joysong]

[SIGN]God bless Augustine always, and lead him to Himself![/SIGN]

In Carmel love, with every blessing in the New Year!
Carole

 

[Augustine]

Wow, it’s been a while since I last shared my joys visiting an OCDS community in this forum!

Last February, the month of my birthday, I was given the gift I’ve been praying for by the community: I was invited to become an aspirant! I feel like a beggar who’s been called into a warm and cozy home hose door I just knocked on and then offered to partake a rich meal at the table. :bowdown2:

I’ll have the honor of taking part in a 3-day retreat next week and witness the 1st promises of 3 members, right on Divine Mercy Sunday! Then, coming the May meeting, I and another visitor officially start our aspirancy.

I am eager to start the formation. I’ve read about a third of the texts already. I’m trying to refrain from reading them all though, to avoid, let’s say, “intellectual gluttony”.

As I set foot in this long and wonderful journey, I’d appreciate if those veteran OCDS here would have any advice to an aspiring Discalced Carmelite.:tiphat:

May Sts. Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross pray for us.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Wow, it’s been a while since I last shared my joys visiting an OCDS community in this forum!

Last February, the month of my birthday, I was given the gift I’ve been praying for by the community: I was invited to become an aspirant! I feel like a beggar who’s been called into a warm and cozy home hose door I just knocked on and then offered to partake a rich meal at the table. :bowdown2:

I’ll have the honor of taking part in a 3-day retreat next week and witness the 1st promises of 3 members, right on Divine Mercy Sunday! Then, coming the May meeting, I and another visitor officially start our aspirancy.

I am eager to start the formation. I’ve read about a third of the texts already. I’m trying to refrain from reading them all though, to avoid, let’s say, “intellectual gluttony”.

As I set foot in this long and wonderful journey, I’d appreciate if those veteran OCDS here would have any advice to an aspiring Discalced Carmelite.:tiphat:

May Sts. Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross pray for us.

Sounds great and it looks like your in good hands in the community you’re with.

In Carmel
Jim

 

[Augustine]

Dear brothers and sisters,

After a long while, I have news to share about my experience with the Austin OCDS community.

Yesterday, after a few months in aspirancy, I was interviewed by the council on my journey in Carmel so far. Of course I’ve been nervous about it for the last couple of days, but I was very comfortable and relaxed after a mere couple of minutes and it went on pretty smoothly. I don’t know what’s coming out of it, but I’m indeed grateful to God and to the community for leading me down this path.

Through the grace of God, the practices of daily mass, devotion to Mary, the LOTH, meetings and meditation have enriched my spiritual life, bringing new dimensions to it that I didn’t know existed. And I can’t even imagine how many more graces the Lord is willing to grant me, I’m just more and more aware of how unworthy I am, in the same proportion of His mercy.

Something really funny took place at the meeting: Elizabeth told me that, googling herself, she came upon this thread and thought that checking out the bumper stickers was pretty funny.

I’ve been graced wondrously these past months through this community.

May the Immaculate Conception pray for us.

 

[Augustine]

Friends,

It’s with great joy that I inform you that I’ve been clothed this last Saturday at mass in the parish where we meet monthly.

I’m humbled by receiving such a grace and I look forward to becoming a worthy good and faithful of the Lord and of His Church.

Thank y’all who’ve supported me with wise words and pious prayers.

May the crucified Jesus shine His light on you.

 

[DBT]

Friends,

It’s with great joy that I inform you that I’ve been clothed this last Saturday at mass in the parish where we meet monthly.

I’m humbled by receiving such a grace and I look forward to becoming a worthy good and faithful of the Lord and of His Church.

Thank y’all who’ve supported me with wise words and pious prayers.

May the crucified Jesus shine His light on you.

Congratulations Augustine . . . and long time no talk!

I’m very happy for you and I’ll continue to keep you in my prayers!
Dave.