This is one of the most commonly asked questions, AND often one of the most misunderstood.

 

The requirements for participating in the brown scapular used to be much more intensive, hence the misconceptions of it still being a time and commitment intensive devotion. The requirements used to be to be enrolled (we'll get to that below), to wear it continually, and then on top of this to pray the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary (or the Rosary, with permission from a priest) daily, to fast on Wednesdays, Fridays, and all fast days observed by the Church, and to observe chastity according to one's state of life. The intensity with which this devotion was practiced has (unfortunately) turned many away from it, and arguably still keep many at bay (not to say you shouldn't be fasting on fast days and being chaste, just to be clear...).

 

Now, the requirements are simply to bring your brown scapular to a priest and have them enroll you. The enrollment prayer takes less than two minutes (you can google it, OR simply use the Qui Minimo scapular card that has the whole enrollment prayer on it which comes with every order) and it is simply your "investiture" in the scapular, the moment of your entering into this pool of grace of the confraternity of the brown scapular, of sharing in every grace of the Carmelite order. After being enrolled, the only other requirement is to wear the brown scapular continually.

 

Wearing the brown scapular continually does not include swimming, working out, or bathing/showering, though our micro paracord scapulars are made to withstand all sweat, water, and wear and tear. See QUESTION THREE for more information on the micro paracord scapulars vs. the hemp cord.