Initial Formation

Course Overview

The Initial Formation course is designed to complement the Initial Formation of candidates wishing to embark upon a religious life in Carmel and is intended to be part of a community Initial Formation Programme. Students study as many modules as they require from an extensive range of modules and study part-time and fully online.

Course Modules

There are a wide variety of modules available and the choice of modules is made between the Candidate and the person responsible for their formation. However, we recommend including modules from the Traditions section, the History section and the Saints and Spirituality section. 

Modules are divided into five categories

Delivery and Assessment

The course is delivered 100% online in the form of a phased release of reading material, facilitating a reflective approach to study and learning. 

Students usually register for one module at a time, and it generally takes twelve weeks to complete a module. 

Each module comprises 5 units of content to be read and reflected upon. The units are text-based and written by a subject matter expert. The content of one unit is equivalent to approximately that delivered in a 45-minute lecture. 

Reflective questions are included in each unit that focus on the candidate’s spiritual development. We recommend keeping a Reflective Journal to record responses to these questions, which is for personal use only and not shared with CIBI. 

At the end of the five units, students complete a simple questionnaire. Answers are reviewed and comments provided so that the candidate can deepen their understanding and have the maximum learning and development experience.

Admission Requirements

The course is open to candidates embarking upon a religious life in Carmel. As it is intended to be part of a community Initial Formation Programme a consent form must be completed by the person responsible for the student’s formation.

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* Permission of Superiors is required