Become A Dominican

Application and Formation

The Application Process

Inquiry Phase

The application process is a time of mutual discernment between the candidate and the Province, during which the candidate obtains a greater familiarity with the Order of Preachers, and is able to clarify his own desires and learn more about Dominican life.

See Dominican Life First-Hand

In addition to spending time in prayer and personal study, a candidate is expected to attend a "Come and See" Discernment Retreat and visit the House of Studies and Novitiate for an extended visit.

Interview and Receive an Application

After attending a Come & See and making an extended visit, the Promoter of Vocations may invite a candidate to write and submit an autobiography. After further discussion, you may be invited to make an Interview visit and meet individually with the 6 Admissions Board friars. At the completion of interviews, which must be done by mid-May, a candidate may be invited to begin an application to enter as a Novice brother in August.

The ministry of the Dominicans has had a profound impact on my life, and we need more of them! That’s why I pray for more vocations to the Dominican Order in the Western Province! “The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few!”

- Dayn - Seattle, WA

I look forward to giving hope to the people of God. Despite the challenges that life brings, I want to assure everyone that Christ, in His divine mercy, loves them.

- Fr. Pius

In a new way, I can say that I belong to God. With the utterance of a few words, I became a son of St. Dominic, a brother to a family of preachers, and a joyful slave to our merciful King and His blessed mother.

- Br. Andrew Thomas

When I returned to my seat among friends and family I felt different: I now belonged totally and completely to God. No longer could I say that there was any part of my life that is not His. (On the day of his First Vows)

- Br. Nathaniel Maria

I'm delighted that vocations are up and the quality of the candidates are so good!

- Anne - Rio Vista, CA

Initial Formation

Both clerical and cooperator brother candidates learn the Dominican way of life through the years of initial formation, including a Novitiate of one year. After 3 to 6 years of simple vows, when the time is right, brothers may petition to make solemn vows.

Clerical Brothers

The initial formation of clerical brothers extends another two years, during which the brother is ordained as a transitional deacon, and then as a priest. In addition to the Novitiate and a pastoral year, Dominican priests receive at least six years of graduate education: two years of philosophical studies and four years of theological studies.

Cooperator Brothers

The formation of the cooperator brother may vary, depending on his level of education and individual talents. While everyone takes classes in philosophy and theology, he may also choose to pursue an additional subject of study that befits his future ministry.

Learn More

Is God Calling You?

Contact Vocation Office:

Fr. John Winkowitsch, O.P.
Director of Vocations
Phone: 510-596-1806
Email: vocations@opwest.org

Get Started:

SUBMIT INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE

Have more questions about joining the order?

VIEW FAQS