The Dominicans Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

Vocation Discernment


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Vocation Office
Western Dominican Province
5890 Birch Court
Oakland, CA 94618-1626

(510)-596-1821

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Our Vocations require a great deal of support, from the first moment they begin their novitiate until the last moments of their retirement. Please do consider a generous donation for the advancement of Dominican Vocations in the Western United States.


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Student Blog

The Student brothers at St. Albert Priory have had an Internet blog presence for some time.  Please do consider following their reflections and observations.  You will find them insightful and respectful of the living tradition they are choosing to embrace.

Our House of Studies

In addition to the Provincial Office available on these pages, you should also be aware that our St. Albert Priory and the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology have a web presence also.  Visit their sites to discover the beauty and wonder of Religious life and the depth and beauty of the theological and philosophical studies of our students offered at a primier Thgeological School at the GTU in Berkeley.

Simple Vows Slides

Renewal of Profession 2009
=============================================

Vows Announcement

It is with joy that we announce the renewal of simple vows of Bros. Mathew Miller, Peter Hannah, and Corwin Low.

The Gospel

Rev. Br. Christopher Fadok, OP proclaims the Gospel.

Called by Name

Br. Corwin Low, Br. Peter Hannah, and Br. Matthew Miller stand before Fr. Kieran Healy, OP (Student Master)as they prepare to renew their vows.

St. Benedict Lodge

They stand in the Chapel of St. Benedict Lodge in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon.

Renewal of Vows

Br. Peter Hannah, OP renews his vows before Fr. Kieran Healy, OP

Renewal of Vows

Br. Matthew Miller renews his vows before Fr. Kieran Healy, OP

A closer look

Br. Matthew Miller, OP

Renewal of Vows

Br. Corwin Low renews his vows before Fr. Kieran Healy, OP

A Closer look

Br. Corwin Low, OP

Tabernacle Door

Carved by a local artist, it shows the chapel at St. Benedict Lodge.

Crucifix

This crucifix is suspended above the altar at St. Benedict Lodge.

St. Dominic

The Founder of the Order of Preachers, St. Dominic de Guzman
  • It is with joy that we announce the renewal of simple vows of Bros. Mathew Miller, Peter Hannah, and Corwin Low.
  • Rev. Br. Christopher Fadok, OP proclaims the Gospel.
  • Br. Corwin Low, Br. Peter Hannah, and Br. Matthew Miller stand before Fr. Kieran Healy, OP (Student Master)as they prepare to renew their vows.
  • They stand in the Chapel of St. Benedict Lodge in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon.
  • Br. Peter Hannah, OP renews his vows before Fr. Kieran Healy, OP
  • Br. Matthew Miller renews his vows before Fr. Kieran Healy, OP
  • Br. Matthew Miller, OP
  • Br. Corwin Low renews his vows before Fr. Kieran Healy, OP
  • Br. Corwin Low, OP
  • Carved by a local artist, it shows the chapel at St. Benedict Lodge.
  • This crucifix is suspended above the altar at St. Benedict Lodge.
  • The Founder of the Order of Preachers, St. Dominic de Guzman

Simple Vows 2011
=============================================

Simple Profession

Congratulations to Br. Christopher Wetzel and Br. Christopher Brannan on making their first profession of vows. We hope you enjoy this short slide show of the celebration.

Altar in Chapel

St. Albert Chapel in Oakland, CA is the house chapel for the Western Dominican Province house of formation.

The Priests Gather

As is our custom, many priests of the Western Dominican Province and others gather to celebrate professions and ordinations.

People begin to gather

Often Dominican Nuns and Sisters also come from monasteries and convents nearby.

The Altar is Incensed

Fr. Mark Padrez bows as he incenses the Altar and Cross as the Liturgy begins.

Schola

Bros. Justin Gable, Dominic David Maichrowicz, Simon Kim, and Corwin Low form a schola to provide beautiful music for the ceremony.

Opening Prayer

While Rev. Bro. Mark Francis Manzano prayerfully listens, Fr. Mark Padrez prays the opening prayer to this Eucharistic celebration from the Sacramentary held by Bro. Ambrose Sigman.

First Reading

Sr. Mary Christine of Corpus Christi Monastery in Menlo Park, CA, proclaims the first reading.

Gospel

Rev. Bro. Mark Manzano proclaims the gospel.

Homily

The chapel is full. All listen atttentively to the homily.

Called by Name

Br. Christopher Wertzel and Br. Chris Brannan are called forward.

Veni Creator Spiritus

They lie prostrate before the altar while the entire congregation sings and prays for the Holy Spirit to come upon them.

Profession of Simple Vows

Br. Christopher Wetzel makes profession for three years.

Profession of Simple Vows

Br. Chris Brannon makes makes profession for three years.

Blessing of Scapulars

Each brother holds out his scapular to have it blessed. This is the only part of the habit that is formally blessed.

Kiss of Peace

All the Dominicans present line up to offer a sign of peace and congratulate the newly professed.

Elevation of the Body of Christ

Take this all of you and eat it, this is My Body which will be given up for you.

Communion

Distribution of the Body of Christ in Communion by Fr. Mark Padrez.

Bro. Raymond Bertheaux

Br. Raymond Bertheaux smiles broadly after the Mass of profession outside the front door of the chapel.

Congratulations!

As Br. Chris Brannon enjoys conversation with friends, we wish both Bros. Christopher a holy life as Dominicans.
  • Congratulations to Br. Christopher Wetzel and Br. Christopher Brannan on making their first profession of vows. We hope you enjoy this short slide show of the celebration.
  • St. Albert Chapel in Oakland, CA is the house chapel for the Western Dominican Province house of formation.
  • As is our custom, many priests of the Western Dominican Province and others gather to celebrate professions and ordinations.
  • Often Dominican Nuns and Sisters also come from monasteries and convents nearby.
  • Fr. Mark Padrez bows as he incenses the Altar and Cross as the Liturgy begins.
  • Bros. Justin Gable, Dominic David Maichrowicz, Simon Kim, and Corwin Low form a schola to provide beautiful music for the ceremony.
  • While Rev. Bro. Mark Francis Manzano prayerfully listens, Fr. Mark Padrez prays the opening prayer to this Eucharistic celebration from the Sacramentary held by Bro. Ambrose Sigman.
  • Sr. Mary Christine of Corpus Christi Monastery in Menlo Park, CA, proclaims the first reading.
  • Rev. Bro. Mark Manzano proclaims the gospel.
  • The chapel is full. All listen atttentively to the homily.
  • Br. Christopher Wertzel and Br. Chris Brannan are called forward.
  • They lie prostrate before the altar while the entire congregation sings and prays for the Holy Spirit to come upon them.
  • Br. Christopher Wetzel makes profession for three years.
  • Br. Chris Brannon makes makes profession for three years.
  • Each brother holds out his scapular to have it blessed. This is the only part of the habit that is formally blessed.
  • All the Dominicans present line up to offer a sign of peace and congratulate the newly professed.
  • Take this all of you and eat it, this is My Body which will be given up for you.
  • Distribution of the Body of Christ in Communion by Fr. Mark Padrez.
  • Br. Raymond Bertheaux smiles broadly after the Mass of profession outside the front door of the chapel.
  • As Br. Chris Brannon enjoys conversation with friends, we wish both Bros. Christopher a holy life as Dominicans.

Renewal of Profession 2011
=============================================

Fr. Michael Fones, OP and Fr. Mark Padrez, OP

The Very Rev. Mark Padrez, OP, prepares the friars to make renewal of profession.

Very Rev. Mark Padrez, OP, Provincial

Fr. Mark Padrez, OP, Provincial of the Western Dominican Province prepares to receive the renewal of vows.

Bro. Michael James renews his profession.

Bro. Richard renews his profession

Bro. Christopher renews his profession

McKenzie River in Background

Br. Chris, Fr. Michael, Br. Michael James, Br. Richard and Fr. Mark pose for a group picture after the ceremony.
  • The Very Rev. Mark Padrez, OP, prepares the friars to make renewal of profession.
  • Fr. Mark Padrez, OP, Provincial of the Western Dominican Province prepares to receive the renewal of vows.
  • Br. Chris, Fr. Michael, Br. Michael James, Br. Richard and Fr. Mark pose for a group picture after the ceremony.

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