Initial Formation Programme
CIBI Initial Formation Programme is:
- A level 5 undergraduate Certificate programme, designed to complement the Initial Formation of candidates wishing to embark upon a life in Carmel.
- Delivered fully online, as a modular programme, allowing students to choose from an extensive range of modules.
- A part-time programme intended to be part of a community Initial Formation Programme
- Certified by the Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland (CIBI)
The programme can also be tailored to meet the requirements of a community or candidate.
Programme Overview:
The Initial Formation programme is a level 5 undergraduate programme offering a foundation to introduce candidates to various aspects of Carmelite Spirituality, Tradition and History.
The programme is designed as a part-time programme, which will complement the Formation programme of the Carmelite community, and enables candidates to read and study individual modules on a part-time basis, in a structured yet flexible manner.
Programme Structure:
The programme offers candidates the opportunity to read and reflect on individual modules which are made available during semester periods only, and it generally takes the 12-week semester to complete a module.
There are two entry points to the programme at the start of each semester
- Semester 1: September – December
- Semester 2: January – April.
The programme is delivered in the form of a phased release of reading material made available through the CIBI website.
Maximum Learning Experience:
- Each unit of the module is text-based, written by an expert in the field.
- Candidates have resources available which guide them on how to approach the module to get the greatest benefit.
- Reflective questions are included in each units that focus on the candidate’s spiritual development.
- We recommend that each candidate keep a Reflective Journal, in which they can record their response to the Reflective questions (Reflective Journals are for the students personal use and are not submitted to CIBI).
- At the end of the five units of the module, there is a simple questionnaire based on the module, which the candidate should complete and return to CIBI. The answers will be reviewed and comments will be forwarded to the candidate, so that they can deepen their understanding, and have the maximum learning and development experience.
Programme Details:
Modules
There are a wide variety of modules available on the initial Formation Programme. It is usual that the choice of modules would be made between the Candidate and the person responsible for their formation. However, it would be wise to include modules from the Traditions section, the History section and the Saints and Spirituality section.
O.Carm tradition:
DC04: Mary in the Carmelite Tradition.
DC06: The Carmelite School of Spirituality O.Carm. Perspective.
DC03: Elijah in the Carmelite Tradition.
OCD tradition:
DC15:St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church.
DC07: The Carmelite School of Spirituality: Teresian Perspective.
DC09: Prayer in the Carmelite Tradition.
DC26: Carmelite Nuns and Sisters, past and present.
DC27: St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church.
DC24: St Elizabeth of the Trinity.
Or alternatively, you may like to consider some of the modules below:
Carmelite History and Tradition:
- DC01 Who are the Carmelites?
- DC02 The Rule of St Albert.
- DC03 Elijah in the Carmelite Tradition.
- DC04 Mary in the Carmelite Tradition.
- DC08 Scripture in the Carmelite Tradition.
- DC09 Prayer in the Carmelite Tradition.
- DC22 The OCarm Charism from 1950.
- DC23 The OCD Charism in the 20th Century.
- DC26 The Carmelite nuns and sisters, past and present.
- DC30 The Carmelite Family in the 14th Century.
- DC31 Carmel in Britain & Ireland, the Beginnings.
- DC32 The Third/Secular Order from 1900.
- DC33 The History of Carmel in Zimbabwe.
- DC35 Female Contemplative Life and Recent Developments.
- DC42 Who Founded the Carmelites?
Significant Carmelites:
- DC11 Madam Acarie (Blessed Mary of the Incarnation).
- DC15 St Teresa of Avila Doctor of the Church.
- DC17 Blessed John Soreth.
- DC18 John of St Samson.
- DC19 Saint Raphael Kalinowski.
- DC20 Jacques de Jésus-Au Revoire Les Elfant.
- DC21 Blessed Lawrence of the Resurrection.
- DC24 Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity.
- DC25 Saint Titus Brandsma.
- DC27 St Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church.
- DC28 St Teresa of the Andes.
- DC29 St Edith Stein: Spirituality of the Cross and Holocaust.
- DC34 Some Themes from the Writing of St Teresa of Avila.
- DC36 St John of the Cross.
- DC37 Spirituality and Social Justice-Isidore Bokanja.
- DC38 Women in Carmel (Teresa, Thérése, Elizabeth and Edith).
- DC40: Saint Albert of Jerusalem.
Aspects of Carmelite Spirituality:
- DC05 What is Spirituality?
- DC06 The Carmelite School of Spirituality O.Carm.
- DC07 The Carmelite School of Spirituality: Teresian perspective.
- DC10 Living in God’s Presence.
- DC12 Formation in Carmel.
- DC13 Carmel & Interfaith Dialogue.
- DC14 Psychology & Carmelite Spirituality.
- DC39 Carmelite Commitment to Justice and Peace.
- DC41 Liturgy in the Carmelite Tradition.
- DC43 The Charism of Consecrated Life.
Certified Programme:
The Carmelite Institute of Britain and Ireland (CIBI) certifies all completed modules.
Programme Fees:
The current fee is €35 per module.
Please contact us to arrange community participation at [email protected]