vOCATIONS
DISCERNMENT
Becoming a member of the Order of St. Dominic is not an arduous or complicated task, however it does take some time, some determination, an abundance of study, a great deal of prayer, and a modicum of spunk. The real beginning of the process takes place before one ever contacts us. It begins with the candidate’s own struggle to discern if they a call to the religious life or not. This can take place over a number of years, and usually involves some help from others, especially a confessor or spiritual director. The dynamic here should be noted: it is a personal call from God to the individual, but the recognition and understanding of that call normally requires the help of others.
INQUIRY
An Inquirer shall be any potential member of the Order, lay or professed, who is discerning the call to follow in the tradition of St. Dominic as expressed in the Order. An Inquirer is strongly encouraged to meet with a diverse group of the members of the Order and to physically attend a Chapter meeting. An Inquirer must provide the Order with personal contact information and shall attend a minimum of three virtual meetings prior to formal application for Candidacy.
CANDIDACY
After an individual has gathered sufficient information about the Order of St. Dominic, talked with its members so that they have enough information to begin thinking seriously about applying to enter the Candidacy, they must indicate that they wish to become a member of the Order. Before applying officially to the Order, the following must be provided to the Order by the applicant, and at the applicant’s cost:
NOVITIATE
After being accepted into the Novitiate, the novice engages in this intense time of prayer and discernment, instructed in elements of religious life, and learns how to live as a Dominican. The Novice shall complete a course of study approved by the Order. At the same time, the professed members of the community are discerning whether the novice truly has a call to the Dominican religious life. The novitiate period concludes with the profession of vows, renewed annually at the General Chapter.
PROFESSION
Upon successful completion of the Novitiate, the Novice having completed all necessary requirements and prescribed courses of study, will be subject to a vote of acceptance from the entire Order. Having received an affirmative vote, the novice is clothed in the habit of the Order and makes profession to the Order of St. Dominic during the General Chapter. Each member continues to study, learn, and grow as a member of the Order, for the benefit of the Order and the People of God. The entire Order renews their profession each year during the General Chapter.
Becoming a member of the Order of St. Dominic is not an arduous or complicated task, however it does take some time, some determination, an abundance of study, a great deal of prayer, and a modicum of spunk. The real beginning of the process takes place before one ever contacts us. It begins with the candidate’s own struggle to discern if they a call to the religious life or not. This can take place over a number of years, and usually involves some help from others, especially a confessor or spiritual director. The dynamic here should be noted: it is a personal call from God to the individual, but the recognition and understanding of that call normally requires the help of others.
INQUIRY
An Inquirer shall be any potential member of the Order, lay or professed, who is discerning the call to follow in the tradition of St. Dominic as expressed in the Order. An Inquirer is strongly encouraged to meet with a diverse group of the members of the Order and to physically attend a Chapter meeting. An Inquirer must provide the Order with personal contact information and shall attend a minimum of three virtual meetings prior to formal application for Candidacy.
CANDIDACY
After an individual has gathered sufficient information about the Order of St. Dominic, talked with its members so that they have enough information to begin thinking seriously about applying to enter the Candidacy, they must indicate that they wish to become a member of the Order. Before applying officially to the Order, the following must be provided to the Order by the applicant, and at the applicant’s cost:
- At least 21 years of age and a high school graduate
- Letter of Intention
- Transcripts and/or diplomas as proof of your educational background.
- A Criminal Background Check
- Letters of Recommendation
- Spiritual Autobiography
- Successful completion of Sexual Misconduct training
- Attendance as the Annual General Chapter
NOVITIATE
After being accepted into the Novitiate, the novice engages in this intense time of prayer and discernment, instructed in elements of religious life, and learns how to live as a Dominican. The Novice shall complete a course of study approved by the Order. At the same time, the professed members of the community are discerning whether the novice truly has a call to the Dominican religious life. The novitiate period concludes with the profession of vows, renewed annually at the General Chapter.
PROFESSION
Upon successful completion of the Novitiate, the Novice having completed all necessary requirements and prescribed courses of study, will be subject to a vote of acceptance from the entire Order. Having received an affirmative vote, the novice is clothed in the habit of the Order and makes profession to the Order of St. Dominic during the General Chapter. Each member continues to study, learn, and grow as a member of the Order, for the benefit of the Order and the People of God. The entire Order renews their profession each year during the General Chapter.
