West Virginia 
Lay Fraternities
of
St. Dominic

Who are Lay Dominicans?

The history of the Lay Fraternities of St.Dominic began when Catholic lay people were attracted to St. Dominic and wanted to follow his example. By 1285, the Master General of the Dominican Order, Munio de Zamora, composed a Rule for the lay people to follow which was known as, "The Third Order of Penance of St. Dominic". Pope Honorius IV granted recognition to the new fraternity on January 28, 1286. Over the years, the fraternity has also been known as, "The Mantellate" and "The Third Order of St. Dominic". We are currently known as, "The Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic" or simply as "Lay Dominicans".  

Our Fraternity History

The Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic - St. Catherine of Siena Fraternity # 613, was established in 2010 and is part of the Eastern Province of St. Joseph - Region Six. We are the first Lay Dominican fraternity in West Virginia which is located at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston, WV.

We meet on the second Sunday of the month from 3:30 - 5:00.  We meet in person several times a year but due to the distance of some of our members we also have meetings through Zoom. Please contact us to receive information about our meetings. 

What are the steps to become a Lay Dominican?

A prospective member must be a practicing Catholic man or woman, single or married, at least 18 years old, who has a desire for a deeper spiritual life. You must have received the sacraments of initiation and provide certification of baptism and confirmation.

An individual interested in becoming a Lay Dominican will start as an "Inquirer". During this six month phase, the individual will attend chapter meetings and events to see if the life of a Lay Dominican is what they are seeking. The "inquirer" can request to enter the first phase of formation. 

The first phase is the Postulancy, which is a minimum of six months. During this time, the postulant learns basic knowledge of Dominican history, mission and the general requirements of our Dominican Rule. Upon completion of this phase, the postulant may request reception into the Chapter. 

After the Rite of Reception into the Chapter, the individual enters the second phase, which is called the Novitiate, which lasts a year. During this phase the individual continues their study of Dominican history, saints and our mission. After completion of the Novitiate, the individual can request to make Temporary Promises, which lasts for three years.

The final phase is called "On-Going Formation" which lasts for three years. During this time, the individual will learn more about the Lay Dominican way of life. At the end of this period, and after much prayer and discernment, the individual can request to make Life Promises and become a life professed member of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic. 

Links

Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
1114 Virginia Street East
Charleston, WV 25301
www.sacredheartcocathedral.com 

Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic St. Joseph Province www.laydominicans.org  

St. Patrick's Church
Columbus, Ohio
www.stpatrickcolumbus.org
Live Stream Masses
www.stpatrickcolumbus.org/live-streaming 

Upcoming Events