Dominican Third Order?

[Melchior_1]

Sometimes God just makes things easy.

I met with Father today. Turns out he’s done spiritual direction for several people I know through my youth ministry work (both former youth and former volunteers) and he answered several of my questions. He talked about the history of the Lay Dominicans (they started as prayer support, which I’m not thrilled about doing exclusively…but grew into doing missionary work, which I am thrilled with). It will not interfere at all with my current ministry work; I will continue to be involved at the local Life Teen group, still do my catechist work. Essentially I would be bringing Dominican spirituality to my Parish.

And he wants to meet my wife, so perhaps this may become a family event.

Overall, I’m very happy. And I still got home in time to watch my stories!

 

[jwinch2]

Sometimes God just makes things easy.

I met with Father today. Turns out he’s done spiritual direction for several people I know through my youth ministry work (both former youth and former volunteers) and he answered several of my questions. He talked about the history of the Lay Dominicans (they started as prayer support, which I’m not thrilled about doing exclusively…but grew into doing missionary work, which I am thrilled with). It will not interfere at all with my current ministry work; I will continue to be involved at the local Life Teen group, still do my catechist work. Essentially I would be bringing Dominican spirituality to my Parish.

And he wants to meet my wife, so perhaps this may become a family event.

Overall, I’m very happy. And I still got home in time to watch my stories!

Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[jwinch2]

Interesting Day!

I just got off the phone with Father Carmen Mele, OP who works in the Diocese of Fort Worth where I am moving to in a few weeks. He and I had been exchanging some e-mails over the past few weeks regarding questions I had about being a Lay Dominican. I asked if it would be OK for me to give him a call sometime and he politely agreed. So, this afternoon we talked for about 30 minutes about a number of different topics. He asked quite a few questions about my conversion story and even suggested he might use it in an upcoming homily he was working on.

After that, he talked about the order a while and asked why and how I became interested in it. And this is where it become interesting. He actually told me that the parish I am in right now, (St. Mary’s, Johnson City, TN) was originally a Dominican Parish when it began and that he spent a number of years here about 30 years ago. After that, he asked me about the parish I was going to (Sacred Heart, Wichita Falls, TX) and it turns out that he had no idea that there was a Lay Chapter there. We talked for a while and he said repeatedly that the Friars really needed to do a better job of getting involved with the Lay Chapters to help form them and get them involved in the mission of the order. He also stated that he came up from Fort Worth to Wichita Falls once a month for his work in the Hispanic community.

He then stated that he would be interested in getting involved with the Dominican Laity but had not had previous opportunity to do so. At this point, I asked him if he would like the contact information for the Chapter Moderator in Wichita Falls, and give her his in return, and he said yes. I then called the Chapter Moderator (sweet lady) and she was almost overjoyed, as they had been really looking for someone to get involved, because they are a long ways from the nearest priory or monastery.

So, not only am I excited about getting in to the beginnings of formation for the OP, I think I helped to foster a link between the Lay Chapter I would be involved with and a Friar who is looking to help out!

After I found out that the parish I came into the Church through used to be Dominican and that link between the Chapter and Father Mele cropped up today, I am really starting to believe that this is God’s will for me and that I have been guided this direction by the Holy Spirit all along!

The final thing he mentioned was that the Master of the Order will be coming to visit the Diocese this October and will be putting on a conference of some kind.

I’m really pumped right now…

 

[Melchior_1]

Interesting Day!

I just got off the phone with Father Carmen Mele, OP who works in the Diocese of Fort Worth where I am moving to in a few weeks. He and I had been exchanging some e-mails over the past few weeks regarding questions I had about being a Lay Dominican. I asked if it would be OK for me to give him a call sometime and he politely agreed. So, this afternoon we talked for about 30 minutes about a number of different topics. He asked quite a few questions about my conversion story and even suggested he might use it in an upcoming homily he was working on.

After that, he talked about the order a while and asked why and how I became interested in it. And this is where it become interesting. He actually told me that the parish I am in right now, (St. Mary’s, Johnson City, TN) was originally a Dominican Parish when it began and that he spent a number of years here about 30 years ago. After that, he asked me about the parish I was going to (Sacred Heart, Wichita Falls, TX) and it turns out that he had no idea that there was a Lay Chapter there. We talked for a while and he said repeatedly that the Friars really needed to do a better job of getting involved with the Lay Chapters to help form them and get them involved in the mission of the order. He also stated that he came up from Fort Worth to Wichita Falls once a month for his work in the Hispanic community.

He then stated that he would be interested in getting involved with the Dominican Laity but had not had previous opportunity to do so. At this point, I asked him if he would like the contact information for the Chapter Moderator in Wichita Falls, and give her his in return, and he said yes. I then called the Chapter Moderator (sweet lady) and she was almost overjoyed, as they had been really looking for someone to get involved, because they are a long ways from the nearest priory or monastery.

So, not only am I excited about getting in to the beginnings of formation for the OP, I think I helped to foster a link between the Lay Chapter I would be involved with and a Friar who is looking to help out!

After I found out that the parish I came into the Church through used to be Dominican and that link between the Chapter and Father Mele cropped up today, I am really starting to believe that this is God’s will for me and that I have been guided this direction by the Holy Spirit all along!

The final thing he mentioned was that the Master of the Order will be coming to visit the Diocese this October and will be putting on a conference of some kind.

I’m really pumped right now…

Looks like God is setting up some good stuff around there!

Every so often, I think about if this is the right thing for me. But Fr. Maxime assured me the Lay Order is much more mission oriented than it used to be, which is very exciting for me. I know I’m called to do missionary work within my parish, so the fact that I can live this out with Dominican spirituality is incredible!

 

[jwinch2]

Looks like God is setting up some good stuff around there!

I seems that way to me as well. Coincidence only goes so far before you have to wonder where God is leading you and what He is calling you to be.

Every so often, I think about if this is the right thing for me. But Fr. Maxime assured me the Lay Order is much more mission oriented than it used to be, which is very exciting for me. I know I’m called to do missionary work within my parish, so the fact that I can live this out with Dominican spirituality is incredible!

I agree. I question the idea from time to time as well but I keep coming back to it. Your concerns about whether or not the order had legitimate apostolate is one of the same concerns that I had.

I really feel like people are starving for this sort of thing. Priests are spread so thin anymore that they simply don’t have time to really take on spiritual direction for people on an individual basis. This is not their fault. In fact, I sure most would try to accommodate if they were asked but I think most of the laity would feel guilty about asking, knowing how busy they are. Combine that with the resurgence of orthodox Catholicism we are seeing among younger parishioners and people coming into the Church, and there is a gap to be filled.

It may not be the Dominican Laity, it may be the Ignatian Associates, Secular Franciscan Order, Opus Dei, etc. but I think a great many of the faithful are looking for a place where they can find continued formation in the Faith along with an authentic spirituality that is faithful to the traditions of the Church and the Magesterium. Unfortunately, I think that most of the lay faithful are completely unaware that things like this exist at all.

 

[Melchior_1]

I seems that way to me as well. Coincidence only goes so far before you have to wonder where God is leading you and what He is calling you to be.

I FIRMLY believe there are no coincidences. Nothing is by accident. You and I discerning this vocation at the exact same time is not a coincidence; through this thread we both can share our journey with this process and others can see. And it also means you and I are not alone in this journey, through the miracles of modern communication.

I agree. I question the idea from time to time as well but I keep coming back to it. Your concerns about whether or not the order had legitimate apostolate is one of the same concerns that I had.

Well, prayer ministry is legit and very excellent. But I feel strongly about being mission oriented, and the fact the Lay Order is now like this is what probably seals the deal for me. When I said “so joining the Lay Dominicans means taking Dominican spirituality to my parish and in the world, and in my current ministries I am involved in. I still do teaching, preaching, and everything else. Just as a Dominican”: When he said “yes, of course!”, I became sure that this was likely for me.

I really feel like people are starving for this sort of thing. Priests are spread so thin anymore that they simply don’t have time to really take on spiritual direction for people on an individual basis. This is not their fault. In fact, I sure most would try to accommodate if they were asked but I think most of the laity would feel guilty about asking, knowing how busy they are. Combine that with the resurgence of orthodox Catholicism we are seeing among younger parishioners and people coming into the Church, and there is a gap to be filled.

It may not be the Dominican Laity, it may be the Ignatian Associates, Secular Franciscan Order, Opus Dei, etc. but I think a great many of the faithful are looking for a place where they can find continued formation in the Faith along with an authentic spirituality that is faithful to the traditions of the Church and the Magesterium. Unfortunately, I think that most of the lay faithful are completely unaware that things like this exist at all.

True. SO TRUE. Couldn’t say it better myself.

 

[jwinch2]

This website has an extended presentation on Dominican Spirituality. It is quite dated but i’m sure it holds true today.

domcentral.org/trad/domspirit/default.htm

I turned it into a PDF for those who may be interested in keeping a copy for use offline.

God bless!

 

[Melchior_1]

I talked to my wife this evening again about this. It’s coming up in a lot of our conversations these days. The more we talk about it, the more interested she is.

Here’s a nice little outline someone wrote. londonlaydominicans.wordpress.com/laudare-benedicere-praedicare/

 

[Batfink]

It sounds like you’re both being drawn in! Good, good [rubs hands gleefully].

The only things I wanted to add were that
a) There is a long discernment process between actually attending Lay Fraternity meetings and making any promises, so even if you’re not sure now, it’s fine to go along for a while and see how you fit.

b) We do a lot of active work, but in my experience (limited), the Lay Dominican meetings are more about spirituality and then you go out and live it in your own way. So the groups aren’t primarily to set up mission opportunities but to support what we already do.

When I move house in September I’ll be joining the Fraternity you just linked to (London)!

 

[Melchior_1]

It sounds like you’re both being drawn in! Good, good [rubs hands gleefully].

The only things I wanted to add were that
a) There is a long discernment process between actually attending Lay Fraternity meetings and making any promises, so even if you’re not sure now, it’s fine to go along for a while and see how you fit.

b) We do a lot of active work, but in my experience (limited), the Lay Dominican meetings are more about spirituality and then you go out and live it in your own way. So the groups aren’t primarily to set up mission opportunities but to support what we already do.

When I move house in September I’ll be joining the Fraternity you just linked to (London)!

If that link is any indication, you’ll be in great shape!

 

[ReluctantSeeker]

Here’s some video’s.

Dominican spirituality.
Study in the Dominican Tradition.
Dominican Moral Theology.
Dominican Theology.
Dominican Study.
Dominican Liturgical Life.
Dominican Preaching.

 

[jwinch2]

So, any updates?

Batfink: How was World Youth Day? Did you get a sense of how Lay Dominicans are acting in other parts of the world?

Melchoir: Have you started discernment and formation?

On my end, we were supposed to start last week but the chapter leader has some family health issues so we won’t be starting until the first week of October. I am still in regular communication with the Dominican Friar in Fort Worth and have just finished reading my first book on Dominican Spirituality though I still have several more to go.

My wife and I went to a couple of different Parishes and seem to have settled into one we like after moving across the country and I have also settled into work.

I hope all of you are well! God Bless!

 

[Batfink]

Sounds like you’re settling in well; good luck for October!

I’ve attended my first meeting of the London fraternity. Since it’s a much bigger fraternity than the one I came from, they’re much more organised and do things by the book (in this case the Lay Dominican Rule and Directory ;-). It was a long meeting (4 hours in all, including the Mass) but well worth it and everyone seems very nice.

I’m also getting set up down here. I’ve got a job as a parish youth coordinator, my ideal role! And it’s in an area where I hope I could really make a difference: quite deprived socially but very devout. And we’ve got the house sorted and so on so praise God everything’s fitting into place!

As for WYD, it was excellent. I met loads of Lay Dominicans from across the world and many of them were engaged in active apostolates together, a lot of the Dominican led groups were organised and run by Dominican laity so I met a lot of them who do youth work together. I also heard about an amazing project where Lay Dominicans live in community in a leper colony, caring for the sick.There were loads of really excellent things going on and definitely a very active understanding of being a preacher yet a lay person. Most of the development seemed to be in the Developing world, especially people I met from the Philippines, Malaysia and other countries in the Far East.

Other very exciting news from WYD: some of the younger friars from our province have some great ideas about working with the Dominican laity on projects such as training for Catholic teachers and catechists so there will hopefully be a big renewal going on there too! It’s all great news!

 

[jwinch2]

Sounds like you’re settling in well; good luck for October!

I’ve attended my first meeting of the London fraternity. Since it’s a much bigger fraternity than the one I came from, they’re much more organised and do things by the book (in this case the Lay Dominican Rule and Directory ;-). It was a long meeting (4 hours in all, including the Mass) but well worth it and everyone seems very nice.

I’m also getting set up down here. I’ve got a job as a parish youth coordinator, my ideal role! And it’s in an area where I hope I could really make a difference: quite deprived socially but very devout. And we’ve got the house sorted and so on so praise God everything’s fitting into place!

As for WYD, it was excellent. I met loads of Lay Dominicans from across the world and many of them were engaged in active apostolates together, a lot of the Dominican led groups were organised and run by Dominican laity so I met a lot of them who do youth work together. I also heard about an amazing project where Lay Dominicans live in community in a leper colony, caring for the sick.There were loads of really excellent things going on and definitely a very active understanding of being a preacher yet a lay person. Most of the development seemed to be in the Developing world, especially people I met from the Philippines, Malaysia and other countries in the Far East.

Other very exciting news from WYD: some of the younger friars from our province have some great ideas about working with the Dominican laity on projects such as training for Catholic teachers and catechists so there will hopefully be a big renewal going on there too! It’s all great news!

Glad to hear things are going so well for you. Thanks for the information on WYD and your observations on the role that Lay Dominicans are taking throughout the world.

I am looking forward to the process greatly and am excited to get started.

Cheers!

 

[Captain_America]

Great to hear about all this; I’m about to join as well, doing reading currently.

 

[jwinch2]

Great to hear about all this; I’m about to join as well, doing reading currently.

Where are you located and what are you reading? I have been trying to do a good deal of reading before starting formation so that I can hit the ground running. I have read all of the articles posted above in the thread and am in the process of working through several books on the Order of Preachers and Dominican Spirituality.

I’d be curious to hear your background story and what you are reading to prepare yourself.

Welcome and God Bless!

Jason

 

[Captain_America]

I’ve got Early Dominicans: Selected Writings by Simon Tugwell; a good intro to Aquinas, best I’ve seen, is Edward Feser’s Aquinas A Beginner’s Guide. Also, various articles from the internet. One nice thing I’m trying to snag at a reasonable price is a pictorial history of Dominic.

 

[jwinch2]

I’ve got Early Dominicans: Selected Writings by Simon Tugwell; a good intro to Aquinas, best I’ve seen, is Edward Feser’s Aquinas A Beginner’s Guide. Also, various articles from the internet. One nice thing I’m trying to snag at a reasonable price is a pictorial history of Dominic.

I’ve been meaning to get the “Early Writings” book and will have to look at the other one as well. I appreciate the information.

I currently am in the process of working through these:

The Aquinas Prescription: St. Thomas’s Path to a Discerning Heart, a Sane Society, and a Holy Church
-Gerald Vann, OP

Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching
-Thomas McDermott, OP

New Wine of Dominican Spirituality: A Drink Called Happiness
-Paul Murray, OP

Sing a New Song: The Christian Vocation
-Timothy Radcliffe, OP

I am completely open to getting other books if there are some that I ought to have. If you come across anything particularly interesting, I would appreciate a heads up when you have a moment.

Cheers!

 

[Captain_America]

Thanks for your list; I read this (New Wine of Dominican Spirituality: A Drink Called Happiness
-Paul Murray, OP) , too.

 

[jwinch2]

Thanks for your list; I read this (New Wine of Dominican Spirituality: A Drink Called Happiness
-Paul Murray, OP) , too.

I’m working on that one now. So far, I really like it. The focus on joy, laughter, and happiness is practically contagious. I love the idea of trying to live the Beatitudes with joy. How wonderful of an approach on life is that?