First Sunday of Advent (A)

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The Unknown Day and Hour   Lectionary: 1 Reading 1 -  Isaiah 2:1-5 Responsorial Psalm -  Psalm 122: 1-9 Reading 2 -  Romans 13:11-14 Alleluia -  Cf. Psalm 85:8 Gospel -  Matthew 24:37-44 '... Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.' Introduction  As we gather on this First Sunday of Advent , we also mark the beginning of the Church’s new liturgical calendar and a four-week preparation period leading up to Christmas. The word Advent comes from either of two Latin words, which simply mean “to come” (Ad-venire) or “to arrive” (Ad-ventus), and as early as the fourth (4th) century, Christians have had this special time of preparation towards Christmas. Of course, Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; Even as we begin the material preparations for the social celebration of Christmas, the liturgical celebrations of these weeks invite us to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. But what does the co...
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Dominican Novitiate

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Reception:

After being "received" into the Lay Fraternities as a "novice," you are given a small, all white (with no embellishments), scapular in place of the blessing and giving of the habit of the order.   This ritual "clothing" is to be worn at all times unless replaced by other approved "signs" that have been specially blessed.  A medal of St. Dominic or of St. Dominic with the Blessed Virgin is the preferred substitute.  In addition, the novice is presented with The Rule by which they are to begin living (see obligations below).

Congratulations ... you're a novice.  Please pay your (prorated) dues.  Be sure to cross your T's and dot your I's while minding all P's and Q's because this is a probationary year.  You are not yet fully incorporated into the Order, which is achieved through profession (promise), so there are still things you can't do ... such as participate in the election of fraternity officers/council members.  It is unclear whether or not you can make motions, second them or even vote of them (so I assume that is left up to the individual fraternities ... where mine didn't seem to mind all that much).

Obligations (when possible according to their state in life):

  • Participating in daily Mass;
  • Daily praying Morning and Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours;
  • Daily recitation of the Rosary;
  • Daily reading and reflecting on Sacred Scripture;
  • Monthly reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation;
  • Frequent and ongoing study of matters pertaining to the Church, the world, and their apostolate;
  • An annual retreat, either on their own or with other members of the Fraternity.
  • Be involved in a personal outreach to others through an individual apostolate.
  • Participation in regularly scheduled meetings, events, and apostolic works, as well as financial support at the fraternity, regional, and provincial levels, according to ability.
  • The small scapular, a medal of St. Dominic, or the scapular medal of St Dominic and the Blessed Virgin Mary is to be worn at all times.

Formation:

The bulk of the formation revisits everything that was covered in the Postulancy in 14 modules, but is a lot more detail and hopefully teaching you how to do it all "The Dominican Way."  There is a quiz (discussion questions) at the end of each module.

  1. Then and Now
      1. History of the Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic
      2. Rule of the Fraternities of St. Dominic
  2. Pillars of the Lay Dominican
    1. Prayer
      1. Prayer
      2. Dominican Devotion to Our Lady’s Rosary
      3. Liturgy of the Hours and Psalms
      4. People of the Word – Lectio Divina
    2. Study
      1. Dominican Study
    3. Community
      1. Part A
      2. Part B
    4. Apostolate
      1. Preaching and the Apostolate
  3. The Sacramental Life
      1. Introduction to the Sacraments
      2. Baptism and Confirmation
      3. Forgiveness of Sins
      4. The Eucharist

Advancement:

When all is said on done, be prepared to answer these questions (or similar) in your advancement interview before you make your "temporary" promises.  This is basically asking how well did you meet your obligations living The Rule
  1. How have things been going for you spiritually since your Reception? How is your formation going?
  2. Do you see yourself progressing to your Perpetual Profession?
  3. Do you see your role in your fraternity? How can you support your fraternity moving forward? How can your fraternity support you?
  4. How is your prayer life? Do you continue to pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily, Morning and Evening Prayer? Pray the Rosary daily? Do you spend time in Scripture reading (15 minutes)?
  5. Have you encountered any problems in the Pillar of Study? How can we help you?
  6. What books have you read about Dominican Spirituality?
  7. Is your family supportive of your vocation? How? If not, how do you deal with it?
  8. What are your joys and challenges in following the Rule of the LFSD and being faithful to the Four Pillars of our Dominican Life?
  9. Are your dues current, do you have a hardship?
  10. What other obligations or commitments do you have besides your obligations as a Lay Dominican?
  11. What other groups do you belong to?
  12. Do you see any conflicts with following the Rule of LFSD for the four pillars?

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Lay Fraternities of Saint Dominic (Province of St Joseph)

BOOK 2: THE PARTICULAR DIRECTORY
PART 2 - ADMISSION AND FORMATION

51.     The purpose of the novitiate is to assist new members in their practice of the Four Pillars, cultivate the beginnings of a Dominican spirituality, allow the Fraternity to get to know the unique gifts they bring to the community, and aid the individuals in their discernment towards temporary profession.

52.     The novitiate period must be a minimum of one year, not to exceed eighteen months. Within this time, a novice should work with a member of the Fraternity to complete the approved study modules, become familiar with and try to implement the obligations of membership, attend regularly scheduled Fraternity meetings, and continue strengthening relationships within the community.

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