Where are you located?
You’d be known as an ‘isolate’, which is fine for a Carmelite, but rough on a Dominican, since there’s a greater emphasis on community in the latter.
Study the Rule of St. Augustine. Also, look at the formation programs shown on the OP laity websites.
There are options for those drawn to the Dominican charism as laity.
One option is to take the initiative, and study on your own. Make it a point to visit some kind of Dominican installation – convent, monastery, or priory – to imbibe the spirituality. Visit other spiritualities, so you can make a comparison. Such will also help with discernment.
Second is to locate a chapter – which you’ve done. What you’re wanting to do is start a proto-chapter. If you live the life yourself for a few years, then others could quite possibly be attracted. Perhaps ask permission to lead the rosary before Mass, or sponsor a rosary at another time. Study Truth, and take to the internet doing apologetics. After your name, put “Aspiring Lay Dominican”.
The third option is to contact the Dominican Sisters of Peace, and inquire about their Associate program. It’s a different format from the chapters.
Each province is to take care of their ‘Isolates.’ Find out which province you’re in, and discuss with the Isolate person how to live while in isolation.
I personally have an internet TOP (Third Order of Preachers – old designation) yahoo group. You’re welcome to join and start conversation. One of our members is basically bedridden, and I started the group so she would have a ‘chapter’ to belong to. We met at Jesu Caritas in Nashville a quarter century ago. She and I had both been attracted to the cloister at the time.
Blessings,
Mrs. Cloisters, OP
