Getting Started
Joining a religious community is very similar to joining a family. Just as you need to learn about us, it is just as important we get to know you. We want to make sure all our friars have the life-skills, temperament and calling to serve God and His Church as a Dominican friar. At times the discernment process may seem a little intimidating. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our Vocation Director is always there to provide you with the support and resources you need to help you through this process.
Our Admission Criteria
A man applying to the Dominican Province of Saint Martin de Porres must meet the following criteria:
- a practicing Roman Catholic for at least 3 years
- committed to living the vows of celibate chastity, poverty and obedience \
- between the ages of 21 and 40
- physically and mentally healthy and able to serve in active ministry
- free of significant financial obligations (does not include student/educational loan debt, which are dealt with on a case-by-case basis)
- a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
- a high school graduate, or, if you wish to minister as a priest, a college degree.
Discerning Your Vocation
The first steps in considering life as a Dominican friar are very informal and without obligation. However, if you think discerning your vocation means waiting around for God to send you a text message or leave you a voice mail ... you got yourself a long wait. Discernment requires some action on your part. If you really want to give your life to God, then you’re the one that needs to make the decision. A gift requires action on the part of the giver, not the receiver. Take a look at the list below below are some initial things you can do to get the discernment process moving: Connect With Us:
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Contact Us: Get things moving by contacting our Vocation Director, Fr. Charlie. He is experienced in helping men like yourself discern their vocation. Feel free to call or email him at any time.
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Get to Know the Friars: Attend one of our Dominican Experience Weekends. Held in the Fall and Spring. they offer a great opportunity to explore our life on a more intimate level.
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Begin Spiritual Direction: Spiritual Direction is a process that enables you to become more conscious of how God is working in your life. For someone like you discerning their vocation, the spiritual director will help you prayerfully try to discern whether your desire for a religious vocation is from God. In other words, whether God is calling you now, or in the near future, to serve Him as priest or lay brother.
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Learn More About Dominican Life and History: A variety of books, videos and articles that describe our life and history are readily available. Click here for a list of resources.
- Ask Questions ... Get Answers: There is no wrong or silly question! We would rather you ask a question than get misinformation or make assumptions that are untrue. Making a decision requires you to have all the right information. Get your questions answered and your concerns addressed. Always feel free to contact our Vocation Director by email or phone.
The Last Step - The Application Process
The final step in discerning your vocation is choosing to apply for admission to the Order. Click here to learn more about the application process.
