2023 Ongoing Formation Lessons & Required Reading
The person who feels called to Carmel embarks on a journey of faith, like our models, Mary and Elijah. Gradually over the course of a lifetime, the Carmelite is changed, not just on an exterior plane but is transformed on every level of his personality if he consents to the will of God. In this way the Carmelite is conformed to Christ and becomes a new creation in Him.
Carmelite Formation: A Journey of Transformation
Ongoing Formation
For Ongoing Formation in our community, we are studying Mary the Perfect Contemplative, by Barbara Hughes, O.C.D.S., ICS Publications, Institute of Carmelite Studies, Washington, D.C.
About the book. “Mary the Perfect Contemplative is a fresh and beautiful portrait of the Mother of God. From her immaculate conception to her bodily assumption into heaven, Mary was set apart by God as the vessel of humanity’s redemption. Thrice favored as daughter of the Father, mother of the Son, and spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mary was endowed with supernatural gifts that enabled a contemplative life of grace. Unlike us, she was conceived without sin. Yet her reliance on faith, without the full vision of God’s plan of salvation during her earthly life, makes her for us the perfect model of faith. Pondering in her heart the mysteries she encountered throughout her life, she is the perfect contemplative.” [Excerpt from the book’s inside front cover]
Supplemental Study Guide...
In addition to the questions in Appendix 1 of the book, we have a Study Guide — for OLMLCC community members only — to help you dig deeper into the material and to facilitate discussions. If you do not have a copy of the Study Guide, please contact Catherine.
Click a lesson title below to expand or collapse the agenda and required reading for each lesson.
NO ONGOING FORMATION
Due to Lenten/Easter/Divine Mercy activities, there will be no Community Meeting
and no Ongoing Formation in April.
Required Reading:
Highlight or underline passages that speak to you.
- Mary the Perfect Contemplative — Preparing the Way for Christ’s Coming, pages 17-19
Homework:
Highlight or underline passages in the chapter that speak to you. You will share these passages in your small groups. In addition, write down answers to the “Questions for Discussion” to share in your small group.
Questions for Discussion:
- Study Guide, page 2, questions 1-4.
(The Study Guide is available to OLMLCC community members only.)
Required Reading:
Highlight or underline passages that speak to you.
- Mary the Perfect Contemplative — Mary the New Eve and Model of Obedience, pages 19-25
Homework:
Highlight or underline passages in the chapter that speak to you. You will share these passages in your small groups. In addition, write down answers to the “Questions for Discussion” to share in your small group.
Questions for Discussion:
- Study Guide, page 3, questions 5-7.
(The Study Guide is available to OLMLCC community members only.)
Required Reading:
Highlight or underline passages that speak to you.
- Mary the Perfect Contemplative — Annunciation, pages 25-30
Homework:
Highlight or underline passages in the chapter that speak to you. You will share these passages in your small groups. In addition, write down answers to the “Questions for Discussion” to share in your small group.
Questions for Discussion:
- Study Guide, pages 3-4, questions 8-11.
(The Study Guide is available to OLMLCC community members only.)
Required Reading:
Highlight or underline passages that speak to you.
- Mary the Perfect Contemplative — Highly Favored Daughter, pages 30-36
Homework:
Highlight or underline passages in the chapter that speak to you. You will share these passages in your small groups. In addition, write down answers to the “Questions for Discussion” to share in your small group.
Questions for Discussion:
- Study Guide, pages 4-5, questions 12-14.
(The Study Guide is available to OLMLCC community members only.)
Required Reading:
Highlight or underline passages that speak to you.
- Mary the Perfect Contemplative — Self-Knowledge and Humility, pages 36-38
Homework:
Highlight or underline passages in the chapter that speak to you. You will share these passages in your small groups. In addition, write down answers to the “Questions for Discussion” to share in your small group.
Questions for Discussion:
- Study Guide, page 5, questions 15-16.
(The Study Guide is available to OLMLCC community members only.)
Required Reading:
Highlight or underline passages that speak to you.
- Mary the Perfect Contemplative — Crossing a Threshold, pages 41-50
Homework:
Highlight or underline passages in the chapter that speak to you. You will share these passages in your small groups. In addition, write down answers to the “Questions for Discussion” to share in your small group.
Questions for Discussion:
- Study Guide, details to come....
(The Study Guide is available to OLMLCC community members only.)
Required Reading:
Highlight or underline passages that speak to you.
- Mary the Perfect Contemplative — The First Christian Community, pages 50-53
Homework:
Highlight or underline passages in the chapter that speak to you. You will share these passages in your small groups. In addition, write down answers to the “Questions for Discussion” to share in your small group.
Questions for Discussion:
- Study Guide, details to come....
(The Study Guide is available to OLMLCC community members only.)