Famiglia dominicana

Associati

Who Are the Dominican Associates?

Dominican Associates are women and men—single, married, divorced, widowed, lay, and ordained—who feel called to live out the Dominican mission in their daily lives. Though they do not profess religious vows, Associates make a formal commitment to share in the charism of the Dominican Order: to praise, to bless, and to preach.

Rooted in the four Dominican pillars—Prayer, Study, Community, and Ministry—Associates walk alongside vowed Sisters, bringing the Gospel to life in the places they live, work, serve, and pray. From classrooms and courtrooms to kitchens, congregations, and community centers, Associates carry the Dominican spirit into every corner of society.

Their preaching is not limited to words—it’s visible in their actions, their relationships, their creativity, and their deep care for justice. Like Catherine of Siena, Associates are inspired to “Preach the truth as if you had a million voices. It is silence that kills the world.”

Becoming an Associate

There is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a Dominican Associate.

Each congregation has developed its own formation process, shaped by the unique gifts of its members and the needs of the local community. Some formation programs are one-on-one with a Sister; others follow a group-based process guided by both vowed members and experienced Associates. Most take place over the course of at least a year and include opportunities for shared prayer, reflection, and learning about the Dominican tradition.

Commitments may be temporary or lifelong, depending on the congregation.

Some Associates are fully integrated into congregational life—joining study days, ministry projects, and even participating in Chapter meetings (though without voting privileges). Others choose a more independent path, engaging with the congregation in ways that best suit their gifts and calling.

Whether gathering in Associate circles or serving quietly in their own communities, Dominican Associates embody a living, breathing extension of the Dominican Family.