
Our Lady Of The Rosary Group
Southern Dominican Laity

Formation
The formation process for Lay Dominicans is a structured and spiritual journey aimed at integrating individuals into the life, mission, and spirituality of the Dominican Order. It is designed to develop mature, well-formed lay members who live out the Dominican charism in their daily lives.
Stages of Formation
1. Inquiry Phase:
Come and see! You are welcome to come to meetings at any time without a commitment.
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Duration: Typically, one year
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Focus:
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Introduction to the history, mission, and spirituality of the Dominican Order.
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Learning about the four pillars: Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching
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Activities
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Sharing the fruits of your contemplation through actions and words in your daily life.
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Regular meetings with a fraternity to learn and discern the call.
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Personal prayer and study.
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Outcome: At the end of this phase, the individual may ask to enter the next stage, signaling a serious commitment to becoming a Lay Dominican.
2. Candidacy Phase
The candidacy begins with the Dominican Order recognizing the candidate as a member of the Order.
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Duration: One year, following reception into the fraternity.
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Focus:
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Deeper understanding of Dominican life and spirituality.
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Active participation in the community’s activities.
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Activities
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Sharing the fruits of your contemplation through actions and words in your daily life.
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Regular meetings with a fraternity to learn and discern the call.
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Personal prayer and study.
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Outcome: At the end of this phase, the individual may ask to enter the next stage, signaling a serious commitment to becoming a Lay Dominican.
3. Temporary Promise:
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Duration: Three years (renewable).
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Nature: A formal, but temporary, commitment to live according to the Rule of the Lay Dominicans.
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Focus:
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Solidifying one’s identity as a Lay Dominican.
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Ongoing formation and participation in the fraternity.
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Preparing for perpetual promises.
As the candidacy ends, candidates and the Order make a decision as to whether the candidate should make a commitment as a lay Dominican.
4. Perpetual Promise:
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Nature: A lifelong commitment to live according to the Rule of the Lay Dominicans.
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Focus:
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Integration of the Dominican charism fully into one’s daily life.
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Continued spiritual growth and apostolic work.
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Ceremony: Often marked by a formal ritual within the fraternity.
When the decision is reached to move ahead and make final promise , the individual makes a commitment to live according to the Rule of the Fraternities of St. Dominic for the rest of his or her life.
4. Ongoing Formation
Dominicans are particularly committed to on-going formation both in the chapter and individually. Even though one has made a permanent commitment to be a Dominican, on-going study continues through:
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Prayer:
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Learning the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, and other forms of Dominican prayer.
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Deepening personal and communal prayer life.
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Study:
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Studying Scripture, Church teachings, and the writings of Dominican saints and theologians.
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Emphasis on truth (Veritas) as the foundation for preaching and apostolic work.
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Community:
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Participation in monthly meetings and other fraternity activities.
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Building relationships with fellow members for mutual support and encouragement.
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Preaching:
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Understanding one’s role in preaching as a layperson.
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Identifying and engaging in apostolates appropriate to individual talents and circumstances.
Embarking on the Lay Dominican formation journey is an invitation to transform your life through the richness of prayer, study, community, and preaching. Rooted in the centuries-old charism of St. Dominic, this path leads you to deepen your relationship with God, grow in knowledge of the faith, and live out your vocation in the world. Whether you're discerning or ready to dive in, the journey promises lifelong growth, purpose, and joy as part of the Dominican family.