Formation Process

Persons interested in joining the Dominican Laity must:

• be at least 18 years of age and fully initiated in the Catholic Church
• have a strong commitment to live the Catholic faith
• have a desire for a deeper relationship with God nurtured through liturgical and private prayer
• have a stable and moral character capable of persevering in following the Rule and Statutes of the Dominican Laity
• have a desire to search for truth through prayer and study
• be active in spreading the Good News through apostolic work, the example of their lives, and formal or informal preaching when the opportunity presents itself
• be willing to join other lay men and women in prayer, study, and works as a member of a community

Inquiry Stage

This gives all those curious about growing in their faith journey, the opportunity to get information on the rich Dominican tradition and how it may help on their journey. Guests come to our meetings, ask questions, and learn what the Dominican Laity is all about.  Read More.

Initiate (6+ months)
The period of Inquiry is the time in which new members seek to discern whether they are, in fact, called to Dominican life. During this period, the study is centered on what it means to be a Dominican, familiarity with Dominican history and saints, as well as the role of the Laity in the Church today.  The course of study focuses on the four pillars of Dominican Life.

Candidacy I (1 Year)
During the year of Candidacy, the new members continue to discern their vocations and begin to practice the daily obligations. They also become more involved in chapter life and continue to commit to the Dominican life of study.   They will gain knowledge of the Church’s expectation for the Laity and with our Dominican history, and will prepare to make their temporary promises.

Candidacy II or Temporarily Professed (3 Years)
At the end of the Candidate year, those who continue in formation make temporary promises to live as a Lay Dominican.  These promises are made for three years.  The program takes a bend toward involving more the heart than the head.  This is ‘Affective Formation,’ leading toward ‘Transformation’ and a closer union of the Candidate and Christ.

Life Profession
After a minimum of three years of temporary profession, the member formally requests to promise for life and to live according to the Rule until death.  Upon acceptance and final promises, the Dominican’s formation continues with the chapter and personally for the rest of his/her life.