The Priestly Fraternities of St. Dominic are associations of diocesan priests formally affiliated with the Order of Preachers through a rule of life which they profess. Remaining fully under the jurisdiction of their own bishop, these priests share in the spirit, grace and mission of the Dominican Order.
Through their promise, members become true members of the Dominican Family and commit themselves to live according to the Rule of the Priestly Fraternities of St. Dominic. Their priestly life is strengthened by Dominican contemplation, theological study, prayer, fraternity and apostolic zeal for preaching the Gospel.
A priest who enters the Fraternities does not cease to be a diocesan priest. He remains dedicated to the service of his local Church and obedient to his Ordinary. At the same time, he receives a new spiritual relationship with the Order of Preachers and with brother priests who share the same Dominican vocation.
The Priestly Fraternities encourage diocesan priests to seek a more perfect apostolic life by drawing from the sources of Dominican spirituality:
Contemplation
Study of Sacred Doctrine
Preaching
Fraternity
Voluntary Simplicity
Zeal for the Salvation of Souls
Members ordinarily belong to a local chapter or fraternity connected with a nearby Dominican convent. There they meet for fellowship, prayer, reflection, theological discussion and study.
This fraternal life gives diocesan priests a concrete way to deepen their priestly ministry through the Dominican tradition while continuing to serve generously in their dioceses.
The Priestly Fraternities have their roots in the older Dominican Third Order, which once included both lay members and diocesan priests. After the Order ceased using the terminology of First, Second and Third Orders in 1968, separate rules were developed for the laity and for priests, giving rise to distinct fraternities.
The invitation of the Gospel remains simple: Come and see. A Dominican vocation is not discerned only from a distance. It is discovered by encountering the life itself.
Men who are seriously considering the Order are encouraged to contact the vocation promoter in their province, vicariate or region. Through visits, retreats, conversations and periods of accompaniment, they can come to know the Order more deeply and begin to discern whether the Lord is calling them to take the next step.
The Order of Preachers is present throughout the world. In many languages, cultures and countries, Dominican friars continue the mission entrusted to St. Dominic: to preach Jesus Christ, who is Truth and Mercy.
