What to bring to Carmel?

[StrivingForSanctity]

I enter Carmel as a Postulant next year
what sort of things should I bring? Does a Postulant usually bring toiletries etc?

Any advice would be very helpful, PAX!

[gloriana35]

I am sure the Carmel will provide you with a list of what to bring - and if there are any restrictions on what you may have. 

[Nunsuch]

Also, different communities, even in the same order, have different policies. So so it is important to get advice from the particular community you are entering. I'm sure everyone has had the same question, so they are used to answering it.

[Bonkira]

The formation director or vocational contact will give you a list of what you may bring and you can ask her your questions.

[nikita92]

TRUSSEAU FOR CARMEL (list of stuff I plan to bring) 

After a welcome by Our Mother and the community, the postulant's Angel takes possy to her cell with her bags. Possy unpacks while Angel has a first look and then Our Mother comes and confirms what may be used and what not. What is not used is put back in the bags and the bags are stored. The list below consists mostly of items I brought last year but has some additional things which may or may not pass inspection!


CLOTHING (some of this is only for postulancy - goes away/is replaced with others things after taking the habit)
INDOOR
Postulant Veils – white/cream
Hat – soft, light or dark, for sleeping and going to bath/shower
Bathrobe – blk/charcoal/brwn
Nightgowns – warm, long sleeve
Turtleneck tops – white/cream
Pullover or Cardigan Sweaters – black, varying weights & warmth
Long U-Wear – top & bottom
 Bras – white/cream, sports & other
Socks & Leg Warmers – blk/charcoal/brwn
Shoes - 2 pairs black, closed, sturdy, roomy enough for multiple pares socks, not too clunky so easy to get up and down from kneeling position
OUTDOOR
Hood/tube – blk/charcoal/brwn
Coat – dark, warm for winter, big enough for multiple layers
Gloves – blk/charcoal/brwn, warm, rugged, for winter, (or, lighter with separate liners)
Gloves – for gardening
Boots – blk/charcoal/brwn, semi-rugged, for outdoors in winter (something warmer, sturdier than Wellingtons on offer at the mon)



PERS HYGIENE (you can come with your supply currently in use and use it up before starting on monastery-issued stuff)
Stick Deodorant
Dental - brushes, toothpaste, floss (waxed), picks, mouthwash
Soap
“Chapstick”
Nail clippers & file
Hairbrush
Laundry bag – for transporting laundry to the wash
Canvas tote – small (for carrying things to shower/bath)



DEVOTIONAL/FOR PRAYER
Crucifix
Rosaries – 1 for use/pocket, 1 for hanging over holy water font in cell
Images for hanging on wall – 3 or less (images already on wall when you arrive but if you have brought others you prefer you may use them instead, assuming they have passed inspection!)
Prayer stool
Prayer Cards
A few printed book sections and/or hand-copied quotes (including “Credo”, all versions)



FOR DESK & ART WORK - your cell is supplied with what’s called a “carton”, which is a large sort of heavy paper folder or file that the Sisters make, that you close with a tie at the top – the carton contains your supply of “office materials” – paper & envelopes, a few pencils and pens (mine contained a curious eraser that had a popular image of the Lord on it and said “Jesus hearts you” – I learned much later that this was not a standard issue eraser but had been left by a previous tenant!) Perhaps one may, as with personal hygiene prods, come with a supply of stationery currently in use and use this up (if it has passed inspection, of course).
Colored Pencils (Derwent)
Pencil sharpener
Rubber bands
Eraser heads
Visconti Book of Hours


FOR GARDEN
Pronged weeder
Gloves


FOR KITCHEN
Easy Basics Cookbook
Veg peeler w/rubber handle
Measuring cups & spoons (US)


BOOKS
Remains of my library of religious/spiritual/theological works to be shipped later and added to monastery library


OTHER
Flashlight – small, for nighttime in cell (cannot turn on light at night and takes a while to get used to “moving about” in the dark)

This list was taken from "Aya Sofia" that had been posted on Phatmass on Oct 19th 2011.

I thought you might enjoy seeing what others would be bringing, as they had been in the same situation as yourself! 

Chapstick and tweezers were a hit for sure! ;-)

[JHFamily]

But totally unlike what my own daughter took to Carmel, so don't go out buying stuff. Wait until they give you a list!

[gloriana35]

I've never been a Carmelite, but was surprised you had to bring (for example) measuring cups and cookbooks. 

I agree with Nunsuch and JHFamily - obtain a specific list from your vocation director or postulant mistress.

[nikita92]

Don't know if she ever persevered.... I just thought it was interesting to see all the stuff she had listed. 

I am quite sure alot has changed between then and now! I would wait for a list ! 

If you get one..please feel free to share it with us! I would be interested in seeing the changes! ;-)

[StrivingForSanctity]

On 9/30/2021 at 3:45 AM, nikita92 said:

TRUSSEAU FOR CARMEL (list of stuff I plan to bring) 

After a welcome by Our Mother and the community, the postulant's Angel takes possy to her cell with her bags. Possy unpacks while Angel has a first look and then Our Mother comes and confirms what may be used and what not. What is not used is put back in the bags and the bags are stored. The list below consists mostly of items I brought last year but has some additional things which may or may not pass inspection!


CLOTHING (some of this is only for postulancy - goes away/is replaced with others things after taking the habit)
INDOOR
Postulant Veils – white/cream
Hat – soft, light or dark, for sleeping and going to bath/shower
Bathrobe – blk/charcoal/brwn
Nightgowns – warm, long sleeve
Turtleneck tops – white/cream
Pullover or Cardigan Sweaters – black, varying weights & warmth
Long U-Wear – top & bottom
 Bras – white/cream, sports & other
Socks & Leg Warmers – blk/charcoal/brwn
Shoes - 2 pairs black, closed, sturdy, roomy enough for multiple pares socks, not too clunky so easy to get up and down from kneeling position
OUTDOOR
Hood/tube – blk/charcoal/brwn
Coat – dark, warm for winter, big enough for multiple layers
Gloves – blk/charcoal/brwn, warm, rugged, for winter, (or, lighter with separate liners)
Gloves – for gardening
Boots – blk/charcoal/brwn, semi-rugged, for outdoors in winter (something warmer, sturdier than Wellingtons on offer at the mon)



PERS HYGIENE (you can come with your supply currently in use and use it up before starting on monastery-issued stuff)
Stick Deodorant
Dental - brushes, toothpaste, floss (waxed), picks, mouthwash
Soap
“Chapstick”
Nail clippers & file
Hairbrush
Laundry bag – for transporting laundry to the wash
Canvas tote – small (for carrying things to shower/bath)



DEVOTIONAL/FOR PRAYER
Crucifix
Rosaries – 1 for use/pocket, 1 for hanging over holy water font in cell
Images for hanging on wall – 3 or less (images already on wall when you arrive but if you have brought others you prefer you may use them instead, assuming they have passed inspection!)
Prayer stool
Prayer Cards
A few printed book sections and/or hand-copied quotes (including “Credo”, all versions)



FOR DESK & ART WORK - your cell is supplied with what’s called a “carton”, which is a large sort of heavy paper folder or file that the Sisters make, that you close with a tie at the top – the carton contains your supply of “office materials” – paper & envelopes, a few pencils and pens (mine contained a curious eraser that had a popular image of the Lord on it and said “Jesus hearts you” – I learned much later that this was not a standard issue eraser but had been left by a previous tenant!) Perhaps one may, as with personal hygiene prods, come with a supply of stationery currently in use and use this up (if it has passed inspection, of course).
Colored Pencils (Derwent)
Pencil sharpener
Rubber bands
Eraser heads
Visconti Book of Hours


FOR GARDEN
Pronged weeder
Gloves


FOR KITCHEN
Easy Basics Cookbook
Veg peeler w/rubber handle
Measuring cups & spoons (US)


BOOKS
Remains of my library of religious/spiritual/theological works to be shipped later and added to monastery library


OTHER
Flashlight – small, for nighttime in cell (cannot turn on light at night and takes a while to get used to “moving about” in the dark)

This list was taken from "Aya Sofia" that had been posted on Phatmass on Oct 19th 2011.

I thought you might enjoy seeing what others would be bringing, as they had been in the same situation as yourself! 

Chapstick and tweezers were a hit for sure! ;-)

THANK YOU!!! This is really helpful

[gloriana35]

But bear in mind that was for another Carmel, and many years ago. Be sure to have your contact give you a specific, current list.