Home > Vocations > Formation In Detail > The Studium > Clerical Brothers

Clerical Brothers

Clerical Brothers Formation

Renewal of Vows

After the novitiate the friar makes his first profession of vows, but they are temporary!   These vows expire and must be renewed, until solemn (final) vows are made in the sixth year of formation.  These first vows are normally made for one to two years.  When the appropriate time comes, the friar renews his vows for a period of three years.  If a friar or the Province discerns that three years is not suitable, less may be requested or granted for renewal.  Once solemn vows are made, the friar never need renew his vows again.  The renewal of simple vows is generally during Mass, and is marked with fidelity, joy, and simplicity.

Music and Choir

All brothers in the house of formation continue developing a deep familiarity with the Liturgy of the Hours, especially as a time of prayerful singing in choir.  The singing of the psalms, canticles and intervening chants requires a practiced voice.  To aid in this development, the brothers have regular vocal music practice so that not only the daily office, but special occasions requiring a well-practiced schola, are done well.  This training in music not only aids the singing voice, but also help develop the vocal qualities that allow a good preacher to fill a church with his voice.

The Ministry of Reader

The student will normally receive the Ministry of Reader during his first semester of studies.  This is due to the preparation during the preceding novitiate year.  Becoming a reader, bears with it, the responsibility of training the other temporary readers as needed.  Most readers in parishes are temporary readers.  This is not a conferral of ordination, rather it is conferral of ministry.

The reader is appointed for a ministry proper to him, that of reading the word of God in the liturgical assembly.  Accordingly, he is to proclaim the readings from sacred scripture, except for the gospel in the Mass and other sacred celebrations; he is to recite the psalm between the readings when there is no psalmist; he is to present the intentions for the general intercessions in the absence of a deacon or cantor; he is to direct the singing and the participation by the faithful; he is to instruct the faithful for the worthy reception of the sacraments.  He may also, insofar as may be necessary, take care of preparing other faithful who are appointed on a temporary basis to read the Scriptures in liturgical celebrations.  That he may more fittingly and perfectly fulfill these functions, he is to meditate assiduously on sacred Scriptures.[1]

During the institution of readers, the Provincial prays over the candidate[2]:

Lord God, source of all goodness and light, you sent your only Son, the Word of life, to reveal to mankind the mystery of your love.
Bless + our brother (s) who have been chosen for the ministry of reader.  Grant that as they meditate constantly on your word they may grow in its wisdom and faithfully proclaim it to your people.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

[1] Motu Propio: Ministeria Quaedam, Pope Paul VI, 15 August 1972, 5.

[2] Book of Rites - Cf. General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

Ministry of Acolyte

The student will normally receive the Ministry of Acolyte during his second semester of studies.  Preparation for this ministry began in the novitiate and continued through the first part of the school year.  Most acolytes in parishes are temporary altar servers.  This installation as an acolyte is not a conferral of ordination, rather it is conferral of Ministry.

The acolyte is appointed in order to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest.  It is his duty therefore to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Mass; he is also to distribute communion as a special minister when the ministers spoken of in the Codex Iuris Canonici can. 845 are not available or are prevented by ill health, age, or another pastoral ministry from performing this function, or when the number of communicants is so great that the celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged.  In the same extraordinary circumstances an acolyte may be entrusted with publicly exposing the blessed sacrament for adoration by the faithful and afterward replacing it, but not with blessing the people.  He may also, to the extent needed, take care of instructing other faithful who on a temporary basis are appointed to assist the priest or deacon in liturgical celebrations by carrying the missal, cross, candles, etc., or by performing other such duties.  He will perform these functions more worthily if he participates in the holy eucharist with increasingly fervent devotion, receives nourishment from it, and deepens his knowledge about it. [1]

As one set aside in a special way for the service of the altar, the acolyte should learn all matters concerning public divine worship and strive to grasp their inner spiritual meaning: in that way he will be able each day to offer himself entirely to God, be an example to all by his gravity and reverence in church, and have a sincere love for the Mystical Body of Christ, the people of God, especially for the weak and the sick. [2]

During the institution of acolytes, the Provincial places the vessel with bread or wine in the hands of the candidate[3]:

Take this vessel with bread (wine) for the celebration of the eucharist.   Make your life worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.

R./ Amen.

Notes:

[1] Motu Propio: Ministeria Quaedam, Pope Paul VI, 15 August 1972, 6.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Book of Rites - Cf. General Instruction of the Roman Missal.

Summer Assignments

After the Spring semester and ordinations, the student brothers enjoy two major types of summer activities.  They either spend their summer in ministry or in academics.  A few brothers may study during the summer, e.g. languages, but mostly they will be sent to ministries of the Province.  The summer is a wonderful time for the student to experience life in the houses of the province, to minister to the extent possible, and to be in closer contact with the laity.

At the end of the summer, the students generally gather for three weeks of community vacation.  The Western Province is fortunate to have an incredible retreat center located in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon.  The retreat center, St. Benedict Lodge, is located right on the McKenzie River and the students have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.  Summer recreation is always an enjoyable time, and it allows the incoming students a chance to integrate into the large group of student brothers.

Philosophy & Theology

From the beginning of the Order, St. Dominic wanted his friars to be educated well.  He sent them to the best universities available, and there they took root.  A good understanding and appreciation for philosophy is necessary, if a good understanding and appreciation of theology is to be obtained.  Today, the Western Province continues the heritage of being steeped in philosophy as preparation for the study of theology.

More .....

Student Ministry

Each student regularly has a ministry in the local community, with the exception that during the first year of studies it is optional for the new student.  Over the eight years of formation, the student is encouraged to engage in a variety of ministries.  Some typical ministries could be:

teaching; ministering to the elderly, home-bound, poor, sick; teaching in catechesis, religious education, RCIA, confirmation programs, etc.; ministering the homeless; youth ministry; young adult ministry; assisting at the chancery; counseling; campus ministry at universities; Hispanic ministries; and many more.

As the student progresses and gains more skill, he may engage in ministries that utilize those skills.  When a student goes on residency, full-time ministry assists him in the on-going discernment process.  This discernment period is crucial, before the life-long commitment of solemn vows is made.

Student Preaching

As friars belong to the Order of Preachers, we take our preaching seriously!  There are annual workshops in preaching and/or opportunities to attend summer institute programs.   There are also required and elective preaching courses offered at our graduate school, the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology.

Training for preaching is an essential part of the formation program.   Non-ordained students preach regularly at Vespers (evening prayer), while the ordained students who are deacons will find opportunities to preach at daily or Sunday Mass.  The following policy statement governs the application of the Vatican document, "Instruction on Certain Questions Regarding the Collaboration of the Non-ordained Faithful in the Sacred Ministry of Priests (August 15, 1997)" to the practice of preaching by non-ordained students[1]:

Non-ordained students are not to preach during the time for the homily at Eucharistic liturgies (Instruction, Art.3, nr.1). Non-ordained students may be expected to speak in the following capacities:

1. to give a testimony or explication or instruction at a Eucharistic liturgy where the homily is preached by an ordained minister (Instruction, Art.3, nr.2)

2. to participate in a "dialog" homily at a Eucharistic liturgy (Instruction, Art.3, nr.3)

3. to preach at non-Eucharistic liturgies such as morning prayer, evening prayer, benediction, etc. (Instruction, Art.3, nr.4)

When the number of students in the Studium is large, and at the discretion of the Student Master, theology students may be expected to give a post-communion reflection at the weekday Mass.  Students may also preach in the contexts of other events considered appropriate by both the local superior and the student.

[1] Student Handbook, 2000.

Spanish Language Proficiency

The Western Province acknowledges the great need for the friars to have a working knowledge of Spanish, thus all student brothers are required to know Spanish well enough to celebrate the sacraments.[1] Course work at local colleges is often the start for many students.  While on pastoral residency, the student may find it beneficial to continue their Spanish studies.  Also, many students spend a summer living abroad in a Spanish speaking country, while enrolled in an intensive language program.  When a student begins to grasp the language well, there are opportunities to minister in Spanish.  Spanish competency must be demonstrated by the beginning of the fourth year of theology.[2]

[1] cf. CIC 249; Acts of the General Chapter of Caleruega, 83; Acta 1999, 105; RFP 35
[2] Acta 1999, 105

Solemn Profession

After living six years as a friar, it is finally time to make the life-long commitment to become a Dominican  for life, or "return to the world."  The friar has received ample time to discern if he is to live within the community of the province, and the province has received ample time to discern if they would like the friar to permanently join the community.

 

In the course of formation, this is one of the most moving and meaninful of occasions.   One does not approach solemn profession with the thought of discerning if "this is the right place for me."  Long before this a friar has determined he truly wishes to give his life to the Lord in the Dominican Order.  Also, the friar enjoys greater participation in the structural life of the community.  This mean having an active voice in the governance of the community. In other words, the friar may now vote.

Dominicans are a democratic-style model of representitive governance, and we elect our own leaders and officials of the Province and of our priories.  In the spirit of this governance, it is normal that one day you are a friar in a elected position of authority, and the next you are again just one of the friars.   This is part of the Dominican tradition, and solemn profession makes you a part of the governance of the community.

In the normal formula for Solemn Profession, the friar places his hands in those of the Provincial or other representative the Master of the Order and say:

I, brother N.N., make profession and promise obedience to God, and to Blessed Mary, and to Blessed Dominic, and to you brother N.N. Prior Provincial of the province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus; in place of brother N.N. Master of the Order of Friars Preachers and his successors, according to the Rule of Blessed Augustine and the Constitutions of the Friars Preachers, that I will be obedient to you and your successors until death.

Diaconate

To be ordained a deacon, a brother must [1]:

1. be in solemn vows
2. be at least twenty-three years of age
3. be in at least the third year of theological studies
4. have received the ministries of reader and acolyte, and
5. obtain all necessary dispensations from impediments.

Within the Church there are two types of deacons: permanent and transitional.   Permanent deacons are ordained as such, without the intention of being ordained to the presbyterate at a later date.  Transitional deacons, are ordained to the diaconate for a temporary period, with the understanding that they are to be ordained to the presbyterate.  All priests are first transitional deacons, and normally for a period of time of six to twelve months.

When entering the Order, you declare your intention of being a cooperator brother or a clerical brother.  A clerical brother will become a priest, and cooperator brother will not.  Neither will become permanent deacons.  If a candidate to the Order comes with a desire to become a permanent deacon, he would be referred to his local diocese.  A married person can become a permanent deacon, so long as he is married before ordination.

[1] LCO 246, 4; Acts 1999, 104; CIC 1031.1, 1035, 1037.

A Deacon is ordained for service at the altar and to minister to the temporal needs of the people of God.  He also should be prepared to aid in the proclamation of the Word, not only at the Gospel of Mass but also in his daily ministry among the people of God.  He should be so immersed in the Word of God that when called upon he will be able to preach fruitfully in the midst of the Eucharistic celebration.

He will be called upon to assist with preaching, distribution of communion, baptisms, marriages and burials.  His daily life will be filled with opportunities to grow in his love of God and neighbor, even as he also will experience the difficulties of maintaining a deep spiritual life in the midst public ministry.

A deep devotion to the Eucharist, especially within the context of the celebration of Mass, is an essential ellement of the life of a deacon within the Order.  Private prayer before the reserved sacrament is also to be encouraged.

 

 

 

Clinical Pastoral Education

Each student is required to take one unit of CPE [1], which totals 400 hours.  This is normally done in the summer before their residency year.  CPE helps the student to grow in ministerial and pastoral skills, especially in ecumenical environments.  Although CPE programs allow for a variety of locations and types of clinical pastoral care, the Western Province generally desires that the student focus on hospital care.  After ordination to the priesthood, it is very common to visit the sick, but also to administer the sacraments in hospital settings, homes, and other locations where you may find the aged, infirm, and dying.  The student acquires specific skills for ministerial situations of anxiety, depression, fear, grief, etc., but in a wider sense acquires pastoral skills that help in the care of souls.

[1] Acts (1999), 97-98; RFP, 26

Ordination to the Presbyterate

The future is very hopeful and bright for the Dominican tradition in the Western United States.  Through baptism we belong to the general priesthood of Christ.  Thus we are called to unfold our baptismal graces through the course of our life, we are called to evangelize the world.  Through ordination we are called to the ministerial priesthood of Christ.  The priesthood of Christ is not something we possess, but something in which we share.  We share in the priesthood of Christ himself.  We then bear the responsibilities of the unfolding of our baptismal graces, along with assisting others in the unfolding their baptismal graces.  As ordained priests we are in essence "Other Christs," called to make present the saving grace of God through word and sacrament.

Upon ordination as priests, the friars then begin their ministry in one of our houses throughout the Western United States and Mexico.  Those who with both aptitude and desire will minister for a year or more before continuing their studies in preparation for advanced degrees useful for teaching and research in our own school and others throughout the Order and the world.

 

Print this page