Vocations

The secular Lay Dominicans, Third Order of the Friars Preachers, also known as the Militia of Jesus Christ, is an association of the faithful living in the world, who, sharing in the religious and apostolic life of the Qrder of Friars Preachers through the observance of their own Rule approved by the Holy See, strive under the direction of the Order to attain to Christian perfection.

The object of the Lay Dominicans is the sanctification of its members or the practice of a more perfect form of Christian life, and the salvation of souls, in conformity with the condition of the faithful living in the world. (F.D. Joret, OP.)

There are four pillars of the Dominican life. They are Prayer, Study, Community and Preaching.

There are great benefits to being a Dominican!

In life there are 10 benefits.
1. You become a full member of the Dominican Family as a lay member of a major Religious Order
2. You enjoy a privileged place in the church
3. You have St. Dominic for your Father and all the Dominican saints for your brothers and sisters
4. You share in the prayers, penances and good works of Dominicans throughout the world
5. You gain plenary indulgences, under the usual conditions, making a promise of faithfully fulfilling the duties of one’s vocation; on the day of admission and on the day of profession, on the feasts of Christmas, Easter, Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Dominic, St. Catherine of Siena, Annunciation, and Assumption
6. You benefit from the formation conferences
7. You enjoy the society of fervent lay folk
8. In sickness and sorrow you have the support of special chapter prayers
9. Due to the influences of the Liturgy, the Sacraments, and adherence to the Rule, you avoid occasions of sin and rise promptly when you fall
10. These spiritual benefits are perpetual with the Order

In death there are also benefits!
1. Your daily rosaries are an efficacious preparation for death
2. On the day you die, if you wear the scapular, or spread it on your bed, you gain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions
3. You may if you desire, be buried with the full Dominican habit
4. The Chapter will assist at the funeral rites
5. Your soul benefits from the Masses, prayers, and penances of all Dominicans long after your relatives and friends have forgotten you
6. In Heaven, you will enjoy your special relationship with all the Dominican saints and elect in glory

Do you think you have a vocation to the Lay Dominican Order?

Contact us in the form on the right side of this website. 


We meet at:

Saint Rose Academy

1401 22nd Street South

Birmingham, AL 35205