A DOMINICAN VOCATION
Begin your journey to DOMINICAN VOCATION with a step - Begin your Application.
Dominicans are called to a life of Prayer, Study, Community and Preaching. Do you feel called to this life? Click through to learn more about what a vocation is in the context of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). The first thought or feeling of becoming a Dominican is attractive or possible for one's own life can raise many questions and responses in us. It can be disconcerting, exciting, or puzzling. Most friars have experienced some of these.
If God is calling you to a life of Prayer, Study, Community, Preaching and brotherhood, in the Order of Preachers (Province of St. Joseph the Worker) then we are committed to helping you discern your vocational call.
The first email, letter or phone call to the friar appointed to help men interested in becoming Dominicans (often called the “Vocations Director”) can be the most daunting. Thus, making that initial contact is one of the most difficult decisions in becoming a Dominican.
Discernment
The application process is a time of mutual discernment between the candidate and the Order of Preachers, Province of St. Joseph the Worker, during this the candidate gains experience and familiarity with the Dominican life and can clarify his desires and learn more about the Order of Preachers.
Initial Formation
The formation process of becoming a Dominican friar takes 9-10 years; 6 months of Pre-novitiate, 1 year of Novitiate, 4 years of Philosophical
studies, a pastoral year, and 4 years of Theological studies. After five years of simple vows which include the pastoral year, a student brother may request the Order for solemn profession.
Friar: Brother or Priest
The term "friar" comes from the Latin word “frater”—literally, "brother.” As such, all Dominican friars are brothers to one another, regardless of whether one is unordained or ordained. You cannot tell the difference between a Dominican, priest or brother within our community; we wear the same habit of St. Dominic. As brothers or priests, we both belong to what is called the “religious-consecrated life.” That’s a “church term” for a life characterized by the public profession of our commitment—our “vows” to live the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Their vows are not different between a non-ordained or ordained friar. They are equal in solemn vows. We do this in a stable state of life—the community of brothers recognized by the Catholic Church as the Order of Friars Preachers.
Videos on Dominican Life
CLICK the picture to view the Vocation Series videos that express who we are as Dominicans. It will help young men who would like to know about our way of life. You learn about the difference between a Dominican priest or a non-ordained brother, our community life, wearing the Dominican habit of St. Dominic. The religious-consecrated life and the “vows” of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The Rosary and the hymns (Salve Regina and O Lumen Ecclesiae) of the Order. The importance of study and formation in the Order. Thanks to Dominican Media for these videos.
