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Formation Process Overview
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How long does it take to become a priest or brother? How long before I get ordained or begin ministry?
Our formation program is an eight-year process that forms and equips a man to minister as a Dominican friar-preacher. Every August a new class enters the novitiate. Check out the timeline below for more information.
Aspirancy / Application
During this time, a young man is in communication with the Director of Vocations about discernment and the possibility of applying to the Province of St. Martin de Porres.
Postulancy (Pre-Novitiate)
During the summer (usually beginning around July 20), the men who will enter the Order will meet for a time of orientation. The final five days will be a retreat in preparation to receive the habit and begin the novitiate.
Year 1 - Novitiate
At the start of the novitiate year, the novice receives the habit of the Order. The novitiate year begins and ends in August and concludes with the novice professing vows for three years (simple vows).
The novice experiences all aspects of religious life and learns more about the Order. He grows in his ability to balance action and reflection, prayer and service, community and solitude.
[ Click here to read Br. Carlos Salas, OP's reflection five months into his novitiate year.]
Year 2 - Studium
The student brother begins formal academic studies at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. The academic year usually begins mid-August and ends mid-May.
The student brother moves to the Studium (seminary) where he joins other Dominican student brothers. The brother takes classes toward a Masters in Theology. If the brother is a priesthood candidate, he will also take classes toward a Masters of Divinity.
SUMMER - The student brother experiences working with the poor, usually abroad.
[ Click here to read Br. Greg Dunn, OP's reflection on his summer in Kenya.]
[ Click here to read Br. Carlos Salas, OP's reflection on his summer in New Orleans, LA.]
Year 3 & 4 - Studium
Formal studies continue.
During Year 3 & 4 of formation, in addition to academic study, the student brother begins part-time ministry in the St. Louis area.
SUMMER - During the summer of Year 3, the student brother experiences working as a hospital chaplain. At the end of the summer of Year 4, he renews simple vows for two years.
Year 5 - Pastoral Internship
The student brother spends a year at a ministry site in the province (usually a parish or campus ministry).
The student brother moves to a community in the province and is assigned to a ministry full-time. He is assigned a supervisor and meets regularly with him to go over various aspects of the pastoral internship. At the end of the pastoral year, the student brother returns to the Studium.
SUMMER - Depending on the internship assignment, the student brother could remain there over the summer or be assigned elsewhere.
Year 6 - Studium
Formal studies continue.
A cooperator brother candidate may be finished with his program of studies after Year 6. Priesthood candidates have two more years of study.
SUMMER - The student brother works out his summer assignment with the Master of Students. During the summer, he professes vows until death (solemn vows).
Year 7 - Studium
Formal studies continue.
In addition to formal, academic studies, priesthood candidates, during Years 6 and 7, work part-time in a ministry in the St. Louis area where they will be able to serve as transitional deacons during the final year in the Studium.
SUMMER - The student brother works out his summer assignment with the Master of Students. During the summer, priesthood candidates are ordained to the transitional diaconate.
Year 8 - Studium
Formal studies continue.
Priesthood candidates serve as deacons, part-time, in a ministry in the St. Louis area.
SUMMER - Priesthood candidates are ordained to the Priesthood and the new priest begins his first assignment.
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