The Order of Preachers, commonly called, "Dominicans" follows the example of St. Dominic.

Motto: Veritas (Truth)

'To Praise, To Bless, To Preach'

'Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare'

The Dominican Order of St. John the Beloved

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All of us are called to be prayerful people. The Dominican Spirituality is characterized by the four pillars, prayer, study, mission, and community. They are inter-related in the common ground of sacred truth.

Dominicans have a great devotion to the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and we encourage participation in daily Mass when possible. In addition, we pray the Liturgy of the Hours (The Divine Office) morning and evening prayer.

As Dominicans we venerate the Mother of God. Praying the Holy Rosary, which St. Dominic promoted over 700 years ago is highly recommended.

Dominicans are also encouraged to "pray the Scriptures" using a method called Lectio Divina. Finally, Dominicans are called to contemplative prayer, a special charism of our order. The importance of personal prayer is stressed in an annual retreat.

August 8th is the feast of St. Dominic our spiritual Father. On the Sunday closest to the feast, we have a very special celebration. Most of the members attend the Mass followed by a delicious lunch. During our December meeting, we celebrate Christmas.

We also are forming a Third order Dominican group that accepts lay people to share in the Dominican spirituality.

So you Ask What is a Third Order Dominican?

Being a Third Order Dominican a.k.a. tertiary, or lay Dominican, means that while one is not a Dominican priest or brother, nun or sister, one is living a Christian life with a Dominican spirituality in the secular world. We find inspiration in following the same spiritual path taken by many saints, blessed, and other holy men and women.

The goal of a lay Dominican is the goal shared by all believers: union with God. Our way to attaining that goal is following a Rule and its statues, not under the threat of sin, but responding to the call of love. We live a life simplified by our response to a special call of the Holy Spirit, to follow our model, St. Dominic, who followed Jesus Christ so well. Dominic is said to have spent his days in preaching, his nights in prayer, always "...talking to God or about God." His century, as our own, was a time of tremendous upheaval. In the Gospel, Dominic saw the only sane means to make sense of the times. He saw that life is simple, even easy, when our eye is on the Lord and our feet walk in his way. He saw that if we try to do God's will as we live what seems to be an ordinary life, our lives will become grace-filled and blessed.

Dominican charisms (special spiritual gifts) are often called "pillars". The pillars of Dominican life are, briefly: study, prayer, community, and mission.

By solid ground in the Truth, we know right from wrong and our study of the saints leads us to apply virtue in our lives. Our community inspires and encourages us and our prayer not only gives us discipline, but opens a way for the graces God wishes to grant us. The authentic Dominican life as exemplified by St. Dominic himself is centered in the imitation of Jesus and Mary.

The Dominican order is called to praise, to bless, and to preach. This charism is exemplified by prayer, study, and penance so that we as its followers may share in the fruits of contemplation with others. This challenges us to be in the world - but not of it. We have been called by special action of the Holy Spirit to live our lives in the spirit and charism of St. Dominic. A gift has been given and we are entrusted to use it well and so achieve our goal.

Would you like to know more about our Dominican family? To perhaps attend a meeting or at least talk to one of us? If yes to any of the questions - please contact Abbot Dominic James our Prior Provincial at (951) 230-7376

Mission

Preaching is the principle charism of the Dominican order.

The order of preachers was founded by St. Dominic in the 13th century to overcome the sins of the age by teaching the truth of the Catholic church. We live a secular life in a Dominican spiritual manner.

As Dominicans, we continue the work of St. Dominic today in an active and contemplative life. Our mission includes preaching, teaching, and work with social justice in a variety of settings.

The apostolate of the Dominicans is deeply rooted in the Divine Mandate: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart" without any concern for thanks and without looking for any reward. Our apostolate on balance is selected according to the spiritual, psychological, and intellectual profile of the individual person. Humility and docility must be present so that an awareness of being an instrument of grace may envelope our acts of spiritual and Corporate Mercy.

A Dominican's preaching must mirror his/her study and spirituality. Our preaching is rarely from a church pulpit. Rather, it takes a more subtle yet direct form. We are the ones who go where the priest and religious are not called to go. We are part of the challenging or ordinary jobs, busy at home or at school, and sometimes a mix of all of these. Somehow we make sure we have time to pray, to reflect and therefore to be in a position to answer tough questions, to help guide conversations toward truth to provide practical wisdom to those in need, to be a compassionate ear or a helping hand to those among us who are distressed.

Overview of the Discernment Process

There are three major phases in the discernment process for a man or women considering a Dominican calling.

Inquirer Phase: This is an informal phase where the individual explores a potential Dominican calling through prayer, spiritual direction, and reading. At some point during this phase the inquirer should contact the Order and begin a correspondence with the Director of Initial Formation.

Postulant Phase: This is the first formal phase of the discernment process. After a series of initial readings, personal conversations with family, friends, and faith mentors, the inquirer may be asked to be admitted as a postulant. Postulancy is a formal period of study, spiritual searching, and learning, usually lasting at least six months. The journey of Postulancy is taken with other postulants, Dominicans, and friends, family. After the six months the postulant may petition the Master of the Order to enter the novitiate. The chapter (the leadership body of the Order) must approve all postulants wishing to enter the novitiate. If both parties agree the postulant makes his or her novice promises. After the six months of Postulancy one is them vested in the Dominican habit

Novitiate Phase: This is a two year period of trying out the Dominican way of life. Novices undergo formal studies through the Dominican Institute under the guidance of the Director of Formation. In addition, continuing spiritual conversations with important mentors and friends in the novices life take place. This two year period also gives the novice time to integrate Dominican spirituality and principles into his or her daily life. After at least two years, the novice may petition the Master of the Order to take his or her life vows. The chapter must approve all novices wishing to make life vows. If both parties agree the novice will then move forward to make his or her life vows.

Life Vows: This is the final and fourth phase of the process of entering Dominican life. Training, formation, and further study are a part of the Dominican’s life until they depart this world. Vows of Vows of Simplicity, Purity & Obedience.