Dominican Friars
Dominican Friars are vowed religious men who live in community and dedicate their lives to preaching the Gospel in a spirit of truth and love. Their ministries are wide-ranging: from parish and campus ministry to theological education, spiritual direction, retreat work, writing, missionary service, and chaplaincy.
Each friar brings his own gifts, background, and interests to the mission. Whether preaching from the pulpit, teaching in a classroom, offering pastoral care, or walking with the suffering, Dominican Friars strive to make God’s presence known in everyday life.
Learn more about the Dominican Friars
by exploring their U.S. provinces:
Lay Dominicans
Lay Dominicans are men and women—single, married, or widowed—who live out the Dominican charism in their everyday lives. Rooted in the same four pillars as vowed Dominicans, they preach the Gospel through their professions, community involvement, and personal witness.
Since the early days of the Order, Lay Dominicans have been an integral part of the Dominican Family. They gather in local chapters for prayer, formation, and mission, and make formal promises to live according to the Rule of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic. Many deepen their study in theology, Scripture, or justice work to more fully embody their call to preach.
Learn more about Lay Dominican life
in each province:
The Priestly Fraternity of St. Dominic
The Priestly Fraternity of St. Dominic is a community of diocesan priests who feel called to share in the Dominican charism while remaining in full service to their dioceses. Members profess a Rule of Life and are fully recognized as sons of St. Dominic and members of the Dominican Family.
While they are not friars, priests in the Fraternity receive spiritual support and guidance from the Order to nurture their personal sanctification and ministry. Their presence in the wider Dominican Family strengthens the bond between diocesan and religious life.
