Who We Are
ST. PETER Chapter of Lay Dominicans
For those seeking a richer, deeper
spiritual life while living in the
world. Dedicated to a life of
liturgical prayer, study of sacred
truth, meeting in community and
with a zeal for the salvation of
souls.
DOMINICAN LIFE AND SPIRIT
In 1216 St Dominic de Guzman founded the Ordo Praedicatorum (the Order of Preachers) for the primary purpose of defending the truths of the Catholic faith through prayer, community, study and holy preaching.
The many forms of Dominican preaching and witnessing must flow from graces received in interior silence, prayer and study. St Dominic realized that one first needed to be filled by the Holy Spirit before being able to bring His truth to others.
Lay Dominicans live in the world as married or single persons choosing a specific path to holiness by following a Rule approved in 1285 based on the spirit of St Dominic. They bring the truth of the Gospel to their families, parishes, workplaces and social gatherings.In turn, the members share in the spiritual benefits of the Dominican Order.
The St Peter Chapter in Memphis is part of the Province of St Martin de Porres also known as the Southern Province. There are four provinces in the United States and many others throughout the world. Originally known as the third order of St Dominic, we are part of the worldwide Lay Dominican Fraternities.
LAY DOMINICAN FORMATION
Becoming a Lay Dominican is not like joining a club or other social organization. One is not part of a bible study, apologetics class or a support group.
You are becoming a member of a religious order, making serious promises to live according to the Dominican spirit and the Rule.
PROCESS OF ADMISSION TO A CHAPTER
VISITOR: The first step is to visit by attending a meeting of the local Chapter. Visitors get to know the members, and observe the communal prayer, study, community building and sharing a meal. The Formation Director can assist visitors to discern whether there is interest in continuing to explore Dominican life. If so, the next step is to apply as an inquirer.
INQUIRER: Inquirers are at least 18 and active in the Catholic church for two years or more. They begin a year long course of individual study guided by the Formation Director. During this time of study and attending chapter meetings the inquirer becomes familiar with what it means to be a Lay Dominican. Near the end of the year, a decision is made to request admission to the Order. Upon approval, the inquirer becomes a candidate.
CANDIDATE: Candidates are welcomed into the Order in a formal rite of acceptance. They are given a Dominican cross pin and a copy of the Rule and Particular Director y. A year of further study follows while joining with the chapter members in common ministry. Then the candidate can be considered for temporary promise.
TEMPORARY PROMISE: In a public rite (usually within the context of a Mass) the candidate makes a commitment to live according to the Rule for a period of three years.The new member receives the lay scapular and continues ongoing formation with the other promised members of the chapter. A temporary promised member has the right to vote and hold certain offices. After three years, a decision is made to make perpetual (lifetime) promise or make another temporary promise of one to three more years.
PERPETUAL PROMISE: The final step is taken in another rite during Mass in which the member promises to the Master of the Order to live according to the Rule for the rest of one’s life.
Day of Recollection
Our day of reflection this year will be on August 17, 2019 at St Columba conference center in Memphis, TN from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Fr Ramon Gonzalez will be our facilitator.
Contact Us
SAY HELLO
The Order of Friars Preachers was founded over 800 years ago. Today it is a network of friars, sisters, cloistered nuns and laypeople around the world.
Our local Chapter of Lay Dominicans, with members in Memphis and the surrounding area, meets at 12:30PM on the third Sunday of the month (except June and August) at:
St Peter Church,
190 Adams Ave., Memphis, TN 38103
For any information, help, or prayer requests, use the form below.