ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DEEPER SPIRITUALITY?
Come join the Dominican Family as a Lay Dominican
Lay Dominicans are people at least 18 years old and Roman Catholic. They are disciples living in a secular world - men and women, married and single - within their particular circumstances of family and profession. Once a month they set time aside to be in community - praying together, studying spirituality and theology, and performing regular service for others. And they strive, as part of the larger Dominican Family worldwide, to keep alive the spirit of St. Dominic's preaching in new and creative ways to meet the needs of our time. (Lay Dominicans were founded in 1285)
VERITAS – Truth
CONTEMPLARI ET ALIIS CONTEMPLATA TRADERE – Contemplate and share the fruits of contemplation
LAUDARE, BENEDICERE, PRAEDICARE – to Praise, To Bless, To Preach
This is the oldest image of St. Dominic from the 14th Century - the artist is unknown
The image is in the Priory of the Basilica
of San Domenico in Bologna, Italy
St. Dominic's thirst for knowledge of the Word and spiritual matters was insatiable - he was a tireless student and pursuer of Truth, wherever it could be found. He also had a passion to evangelize, and he challenged the paradigm of only bishops preaching, and preaching only in churches. The Church acknowledged this need for change and allowed him and his followers to preach everywhere, as Jesus and his disciples did. And he helped the Church counter heresy by preaching through words and action. The charism of the Dominican Family - friars, sisters, nuns, or lay people - is preaching!
The Dominicans have four pillars which serve as the foundation of the Order and of each member. Each pillar is an integral part of our meetings, and then flows into our lives:
Prayer - Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, Contemplation
Study - Scripture, Church documents, History of the Order, Spiritual Writings
Community – monthly meetings, annual retreats
Ministry - Works of mercy for local parishes and the universal Church, including preaching the Good News in a variety of ways
OUR MISSION
Called to a deeper relationship of love, knowledge of and service to God, we are members of the Dominican Order, who commit to living the Dominican charism as laypeople. In collaboration with the Dominican Family, we work to promote social justice and peace in society. Supported by prayer, study, community, and ministry, we fulfill our vocation to proclaim the Gospel wherever we as individuals live and work.
Our Rule
The "Lay Dominican Rule" is a guide on our path in life. Often spiritual writers advise those who take their spiritual program seriously to have a 'Rule of Life'.
Vocation Stages
INITIATE - 6 months (Reception into Order)
CANDIDATE I – 1 year (Temporary promises)
CANDIDATE II - 3 years (Permanent promises)
Meeting Times
Our Meetings are the second Saturday of the month at 1:00 pm at the Blessed Sacrament Parish Center, 2116 Hollister Avenue, Madison Wisconsin 53726
For more Information
Contact Mrs.Mary Ellen Rodriguez O.P.
[email protected]