8th response to 1 of 4

Group # 21 responded:

Have we begun to prepare for it? And what more might we do?

- Be cautious about taking in members just to have more bodies. They should be well educated in Carmelite spirituality and vocation should be discerned very carefully. We’re as strong as the weakest link.
- The impact is positive provided we remain strong in our vocations. This may help society return to God.
- The impact comes from within – our families and communities. The greatest impact starts there and then carries out to the world.
- Smaller communities reflect closer family-style cohesiveness. It’s important to get to know the individuals in your community. Formation guidelines help to discern vocation.
- Are we prepared to step up when we’re lacking priests for guidance?
- Less vocations will weaken the support of the seculars.
- We have raised 2 – 3 generations of “know-nothing” Catholics. New members need to thoroughly know their catechism, and then we can form them as Carmelites. Discernment of vocations is very important.
- The wisdom of God confounds the “wisdom” of the world. We convert the world by living our faith and with love. The way to do it is by penance, also.
- There should be a more stream-lined way for O. Carm. Seculars to become OCDS. There may be more Hispanic OCDS vocations (they can read the poetry of St John of the Cross). There should be more workshops for formators to do their ministry.