Cooperator Brothers

Cooperator Brother Formation

Renewal of Simple Profession

After the novitiate the friar makes his first profession, but that is temporary!   Temporary profession is just that, it expires and must be renewed, until solemn (final) profession is made in the sixth year of formation.  This first profession is normally made for one to two years.  When the appropriate time comes, the friar renews his profession 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 profession is made, the friar never renews again; it will be until death.  The renewal of profession is generally during a Mass, and is marked with 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.

Studies

The cooperator brother program involves an initial two years of theological/religious studies. Subsequently, a cooperator brother may:

a) continue academic studies at the Graduate Theological Union and our Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology or anther institution of higher learning; or,
b) enroll in a technical/professional training program to develop his skills for ministry.
c) prepare in some other way to be of service to God, the Order and the people of God.

Generally, the cooperator brother experiences a greater range of freedom, than priests, to engage in and establish a wider variety of ministries.

Ministry

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

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
or any of a variety ways in which a friar might be of service to the Church and the Order

As the friar progresses and gains more skill, he may engage in ministries that utilize those skill.  When a friar 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 profession is made.

Preaching

As the Order of Preachers, preaching is very important on every level and in every way it can be done.  It is hoped that no matter what direction of cooperator friar chooses to go that he will always keep in mind the need to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.  To assist in this, and to fill his public ministry with greater confidence, cooperator brothers will be given the opportunity to preach in all those ways open to lay people, especially within various hours of the Divine Office.

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 Order, province and local community, and the friars of the Western Dominican Province have had ample time to discern if they believe this friar is suitable to be a member of the Order and this Province.

In the course of formation, Solemn Profession is one of the most moving and meaninful of occasions.   One does not come to solemn profession discerning if "this is the right place for me," that decision has been made long ago.  With Solemn Profession the friar enjoys full participation in the life of the Order.  This can mean having an active voice in the governance of the province and their local community.   In other words, the friar may now vote.

Dominicans are a democratic-style model of governance, and we elect our own leaders and officials of the Province.  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 without any power at all.   This is part of the Dominican tradition, and solemn vows makes you a part of the governance of the Order.

Normal Formula for Solemn Profession:

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.

For the cooperator brother Solemn Profession is the usual end of formal training and he is then sent to his first assignment.  Like the clerical candidates who reach ordination, the cooperator brother is expected to minister for a year or two before seeking additional education or training.

What are the ministries a coopperator brother can expect to perform in this day and age?  The possibilities are endless, depending upon the talent and ability of the individual friar.  Although it is still possible to fulfill the internal ministries traditional to cooperator brothers, many, if not most will find external ministry not only more attractive, but also more fulfilling.

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