Dominican Way of Life

The pillars of the Dominican Order include:  Prayer, Study, Community and Apostolic Activity. 

Prayer

Liturgy of the Hours are held daily in the chapel of the St. Dominic Novitiate Hall at 7:30 a.m. and at 5:30 p.m.

However, on an individual basis, personal prayer is very important.  It is how  we converse with God in our own way.   It is for our benefit, raising our minds and hearts to God, by many or few prayers.  We do this in conjunction with the Liturgical Prayer.

Meditation is also a part of our prayers and consists of loving thoughts and resolutions of the mind and heart, experiencing God's presence.  It is how the soul and God are able to touch one another.  The soul will be totally absorbed without thoughts or reflections of the mind.  Meditation is part of Dominican life. No rules.  Many methods are used for meditation and is not easy at times.

Study

Truth is the highest good and love and truth cannot be separated.  All Dominicans, including Laity, aspire to reach the greater knowledge of Truth through revelation of God through Jesus Christ.  In fact, "Truth"or"Veritas" is the motto of the Order.  Revelation of Christ are subjects of our study andof our apostolic work.  Love of Divine Truth is the soul of Dominican Spirituality.  Dominic knew from the beginning that knowing and preaching truth is essential. 

Study is not just for the scholar.  Everyone is able.  During our Chapter meetings and in the formation meetings, we study.  The more you learn or know, the more you want to continue learning about the knowledge of God. 

Community

As Laity, community life by living and sharing our daily lives is not possible but we are still a community who considers one another as sisters and brothers and we are there for one another in person and in prayer.  We have a common goal, purpose and mission as a chapter.  Love is the hallmark of a Christian community whether living toegther or not. 

Concerning Chapter, attendance is very important.  One must give something to community if one wants to get something out of it.  Community allows brothers and sisters to know one another and keep in touch with those who cannot attend anymore.  Doing this will let the community grow.

Poverty is necessary and need not be austere.  Vow of poverty for Laity would not be unrealistic for one with a familiy.  The Beatitudes show the way for poverty of the heart.  Being poor may not mean that one knows the spirit of poverty.  One must trust God.  He will provide.  Give to the needy, help your neighbor, ask for one's daily bread and try to turn from a materialistic way of life.  Give oneself to the Holy Trinity.

Apostolic Activity

Loyalty to the Church has been a hallmark of the Dominican Order.  Dominicans have always subscribed to and assisted in the preachings of the church.  The official theologian to the Pope, the Master of the Sacred Palace, has always been a Dominican since Dominic himself.  Truth based on the word of Christ is a precious gift we have in the Church.  Preaching, not by words, but through our actions and love of others with regards to social justice, parish work and teaching catechists..

Study Resources:

Vatican II:  Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity

History of the Dominican Laity

The Purpose of the Dominican Laity  (pdf)

Dominican Spirituality