Dominican Life in Rome

Fr. Dominic Holtz, O.P. leads a tour of Santa Sabina in Rome.

Many of the men we meet in the Vocations Office are initially interested in the ministries that our men are engaged in both within the Province and outside of our geographical boundaries. We have had men missioned to Nigeria and Bolivia for decades. However, we do not know what the future holds for our Province as far as the Mission fields go, because the success of both Bolivia and Nigeria have left them self-sufficient and no longer in need of new men from our Province to minister in either country. While we do have men still in Nigeria and Bolivia, they will not be joined by our young men in formation. We wait for new opportunities to minister throughout the world, which will likely come by way of a request from the Master of the Order in Rome.

Rome is a place where we have a relatively large number of men in active ministry. We have two in the General Curia at Santa Sabina and three ministering and teaching at the Angelicum in Rome. One of the interesting facts regarding our Provincial presence in Rome is that the entire Latin language curriculum is taught exclusively by our friars Frs. Dominic Holtz, O.P. and Albert Glade, O.P. Further, Fr. Michael Monshau, O.P. teaches the only homiletics curriculum in all of Rome. It's clear that the gifts of the friars of the Central Province reach far and wide and faithfully serve the Church no matter where they are called.

A good sign of a vocation to the Dominicans is a desire to serve the Order and the Church in unique and adventurous ways. Men entering our way of life will soon find the Order challenging them to realize gifts they may not know they had, and then to use those gifts to further the mission of Jesus Christ in preaching His message of salvation to the farthest corners of the world.

But you won't know what you can do with the help of God until you try!

Come and See Poster

Space is limited! Contact us now!

2012 Vocations Poster

Look for this poster in our ministry sites or email me to get one sent to you.

Domine, da mihi hanc aquam!: Advice for discerning a vocation to religious life...

Fr. Powell offers excellent advice for those discerning a religious vocation. One thing that is very key in this article is the role of the Vocation Director. It is one of low pressure that seeks the good end of the candidate. It may not be in the particular order or diocese of the Vocation Director. What is necessary if that the person finds the place to live out religious life. That it happens is more important than recruiting a new member for my province!

In any case, enjoy the article and email me with any questions about your call to serve Jesus Christ.
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Domine, da mihi hanc aquam!: Advice for discerning a vocation to religious life...: A couple of HA readers have written to ask about vocation discernment.  From 2009, here's my answer:

Come and See Weekend!

Our next Come and See discernment weekend will be held in St. Louis at our new St. Dominic Priory on the weekend of October 26th - 28th. If you would like to attend or know someone who would benefit from just such a weekend, please email Fr. Andy McAlpin, O.P. to receive a registration form or to ask about the weekend. Space is limited, so don't delay in reserving your spot on this faith-filled and important weekend!

New Novice Class

Our new Novice class received the Habit this past week and is off and running for the 2012/2013 year. Please keep them in your prayers as they enter into the life of a Dominican friar.

From left to right: Fr. Jerry Stookey, O.P. - Prior, Fr. Robert Keller, O.P. - Novice Master, Br. Luke Carroll, Br. Brian Zuelke, Br. David Schuster, Br. Lorenzo Laorden, Br. Ambrose Lowman, Br. Brent Bowen, Fr. Louie Morrone, O.P. - Socius of the Province, Br. Michael Ibarra.

Pre-novitiate Program Continues

Life for our new men is going well as we continue introducing them to the life of a Dominican friar. In this picture you see Br. Nick Monco, O.P. teaching the candidates the Dominican Salve Regina. They are quick learners and are almost ready to receive the Holy Habit of St. Dominic. Please pray for them!