1. Are all Dominicans preachers?

The work of preaching belongs to all members of the Dominican family, not only from the pulpit, but especially from the pulpit of our daily lives. The first followers of Dominic were women. He saw them as a vital part of the Order.

The call to preach is rooted in our baptism and in our profession and membership in the Dominican Order. It is the responsibility of every member of the Dominican family. It reveals the presence of God in our words, deeds and relationships.

It is the grace of God's Word that is saving. Preaching for Dominic was dialog. There are endless opportunities today for this kind of dialog among truth-seeking people. Sometimes preachers are called "bearers and proclaimers of God's Word." Dominicans first search for the Word of God deep within their own hearts and then count on the power of God to proclaim it.

2. Why are there so many different groups of Dominicans?

In the nineteenth century the American bishops and missionaries tried to respond to the need for Catholic teachers and nurses by encouraging nuns to establish foundations in the far-flung dioceses of this rough land. The few clergy available needed more help to preserve and spread the faith among the German immigrants.

In 1814, therefore, the Dominican Fathers established St. Catharine's motherhouse in rural Springfield, Kentucky, and in mid-century Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, O.P., helped form the Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, congregation.

In Bavaria, Mother Benedicta Bauer, prioress of the cloistered community of Holy Cross Convent in Regensburg, received permission in 1853 to send three sisters to the mission fields in America. The sisters settled in Williamsburgh, New York, and from this humble beginning sprang 12 Dominican foundations. Mother Benedicta was finally able to fulfill her own dream of becoming a missionary, and in 1862 she founded the Racine, Wisconsin community. By the end of the century, Dominican congregations of women stretched from New York to Tacoma, Washington, to New Orleans.

Even if the communities had strong ties to existing foundations, poor transportation and communication made interaction with their motherhouses slow and difficult. The clergy also had a great deal of authority over the development of these new groups of sisters. Their apostolic activities made it almost impossible for them to keep the religious practices of cloistered nuns. The new foundations reflected the independence needed to survive and grow in their unique circumstances.

In the past 20 years, however, some of these early foundations have united with larger Dominican groups, again showing their willingness to adapt to existing circumstances.
- submitted by S. Dolores Enderle

3.  I often hear mention of the "Dominican Family." Who makes up the Family of Dominicans?

The branches of the "Dominican Family" are multiple. They are priests and brothers, contemplative nuns, congregations of apostolic sisters, lay Dominicans, Associates, Dominican Volunteers and Dominican Youth. Each has its own expression of charism and autonomy. By taking part in the charism of St. Dominic, they share among themselves a common call to preach  in the church and in society. (Chapter 1992). The lives of those in the Dominican Family are to be geared toward preaching the Gospel through prayer and study, contemplation and ministry and in the witness of their lives.

The government of the Dominican Family members extends to the priests, brothers, nuns and Dominican Laity. Other branches are affiliated with the Order through their common mission to preach and live the Word of God. They share their lives, resources and inspiration for the implementation of the Mission and collaborate in works of justice and peace.

In 1929, the government of the Dominican Order was transferred to Santa Sabina in Rome. The Master of the Order and his assistants continue to reside there.  The work of the Master of the Order is to ensure faithfulness to the Mission and inspiration of St. Dominic  and to share news of the Dominican global Family. Timothy Radlciffe, O.P. adivises that if the Dominican Family is to grow into full bloom, they must learn the capacity for mutual friendship and for truthfulness. Our friendship as men and women, religious and lay people is a great gift for the Order and the church. 

- submitted by Brenda Walsh O.P.
(Information drawn from Dominican Bulletins)

4. What does the Dominican saying mean: "To contemplate and to give to others the fruit of our contemplation" mean?

"Contemplare et contemplata aliis tradere" - to contemplate and to give to others the fruit of our contemplation. What can this mean to us Dominicans? I believe that one of the ways is shown clearly in many Scripture stories. Moses came down the mountain from his "conversation" with Yahweh, intending to speak of this with his people. No way could he do this without covering his face. Peter, James and John also returned from the Transfiguration visibly changed. The young girl, Mary, shaken and amazed, knew she must share her experience with Elizabeth. The woman at the well ran hastily to tell the townsfolk about this new water she had tasted. The disciples in the upper room knew with their whole beings that this marked a radical change in their lives.

How do we share our contemplation of the Holy? True, we do not easily have these peak experiences - maybe never. Perhaps we need to reflect on the ordinary ones including those that make us grumpy. Through our faithful reflection on all that is of God, a new dimension of our being takes hold. Unknowing, we express silently who we are becoming. We touch upon the world of mystery and silently share the potential in each of us for realizing the power of love which moves us closer to the divine.

- submitted by S. Rita M. Martin, OP, Siena Center

5. Why do all Dominicans have OP after their names?

O.P. means Order of Preachers. From the beginning of the Dominican Order, St. Dominic, the founder, established it "for preaching and the salvation of souls."

Members were sent out to share the Good News of the Word of God, not only in churches and monasteries but also in the marketplace or wherever people were searching for meaning and truth. The light and power of God was what made the preaching effective.

O.P. means Order of Preachers. From the beginning of the Dominican Order, St. Dominic, the founder, established it "for preaching and the salvation of souls."

Members were sent out to share the Good News of the Word of God, not only in churches and monasteries but also in the marketplace or wherever people were searching for meaning and truth. The light and power of God was what made the preaching effective.

In the Constitution of the Racine Dominican Community, commitment to truth is described in this way:

"Commitment to truth in the light of the gospel compels us to consecrate whatever power we have, personally and as a community, to sustain the fundamental right of every person to pursue the fullness of life and to share in the common good. Today such a stance demands an explicit solidarity - in prayer, struggle, suffering and hope- with those who are oppressed and alienated by systems designated to serve the interest of the wealthy and advantaged. This perspective governs our every ministry, whether that ministry is among the economically advantaged or among the economically poor."

7. What are some of the ways Dominicans preach?

I have been asked to write a few words on ways that Dominicans preach beyond pulpit preaching. Since so much of this is in the heart and the intention, I shall have to speak from my personal experience. Every time I sign my name with the O.P. after it, I am reminded that I preach by who I am and by what I do. If I am a member of the Order of Preachers, I had better live in a fashion that preaches what it means to be a religious dedicated to the truth and Gospel values, a person dedicated to the very mission of Jesus.

In my speech, in my actions, whether I am here with my Sisters, or ministering to others in Spiritual Direction or Directed Retreats, or in my ministry to the women in prison, I am preaching what Christianity is all about. It may be by a kind word. It may be with a kind deed. It may be with a smile that someone needs. It may be by the message lovingly given on how to better live the Christian life. It may be by a moment of prayer. Sometimes it is in the fact that I care enough to br present.

I am doing some writing, hopefully for publication, whish is also preaching, for my intention is to help people read the Scripture and to pray the Scripture. However, even ordinary e-mails or other correspondence becomes a form of preaching. So the O.P. after one's name has significance.

- submitted by S. Mary Michna, O.P.

8. What Is the Dominican Call to Action?

Dominicans have been invited to focus on the following priorities in the next three years and to invite others to join them in the effort:

a. Iraq - We are invited to continue to pursue peaceful solutions in Iraq through the United Nations, to be in support of the people of Iraq and do whatever we can to bring peaceful and just solutions to all situations of conflict.

b. Africa - HIV/AIDS is a huge state of emergency in that continent. The effects of the crisis on the people of Africa has resulted in the destruction of the basis of agriculture production and threatened the peace and security of that region. We need to monitor the efforts to address the crisis and communicate with national and international leaders.

c. Columbia - that country is suffering from 50 years of armed conflict. National resources are depleted and millions are displaced. We are to express our support for that region through our Dominican Members in Columbia.

d. Genetically Modified Organisms - We are asked to oppose the globalized commodification of water, land, seeds and processing of food. We oppose the imposing of genetically modified foods without the knowledge of consumers.

e. Trafficking of human persons. This problem preys on the most vulnerable members of the human family, violating their most basic human rights and subjects them to indignity and disease. We need to educate ourselves on this issue.  
- submitted by S. Helen Peddle, O.P.

9. How do we integrate justice into preaching?

10. Who Are the Racine Dominican Associates?

 Associates are single and married women and men from a variety of professional, economic and educational backgrounds.  They reflect society in ethnic heritage and religious traditions.  Associates retain the familiar elements of their lives, but share the spirit and mission of the Racine Dominican community.  They join with other associates and Racine Dominican Sisters to experience and extend the presence of God in the world while continuing to live independent lives, united to the community by their association.

Becoming an associate would enable you to join with others who share your search for a deepened faith and spirituality, to explore the "more" that you seek and to put your beliefs and values into action.

A person seeking to become an associate is sponsored by a vowed member or finally committed associate who acts as a mentor in the process of exploring the mission, charism, life and spirit of the Racine Dominicans.

- What Are the Expectations of Associates?

A Racine Dominican associate is expected to make a commitment to share in the mission and ministries of the community while retaining her or his own particular lifestyle.  Associates remain financially and legally independent from the congregation.  The relationship between the vowed members and associates is one of mutuality in friendship, prayer, study, concern for truth and justice, and, where possible, collaboration in ministry.

- What Steps Does One Take to Become an Associate?

Contact the Co-Directors of Associates to arrange a meeting and to share with you a description of the Associate relationship.  You will then be guided through the next phases of the process.  Also check out the website at www.racinedominicans.org

Ss. Karen Vollmer and Ruthanne Reed
262-639-4100
associates@racinedominicans.org

11.  What Do You mean by the Ministry of Preaching?

A few years ago, Fr. Damien Byrne, Master General of the Order, from Ireland shared these thoughts.

A key to Dominic's success as a preacher was his manner of life. The people of our day are usually more impressed by witness than by teachers and if they listen to those who teach, it is because they also bear witness. It is not so much what we say that wins people, as what and who we are. Jesus converted sinners like Matthew with a word, and Peter with a single glance. He also ate with sinners. the challenged preconcieved social roles by talking and eating with Publicans, tax collectors  and prostitutes. In action and word, Jesus proclaimed the compassionate love of God.

Before we speak, we must listen not only to people's voices, but to eyes and hearts. Then our spoken word each day from the alter, in the classroom, in the hospital, in the parlor, will be a word of hope - the quality of preaching most insisted on by Pope Paul VI. 

The best tradition of the Order is seen when our preaching is prophetic. Preaching that is purely theoretical and abstract captures neither the spirit of St. Dominic nor the hearts of people. It is not merely a sharing of knowledge but a joyous proclamation of the living, life-giving Word of God. But we must announce the whole Gospel message. We allow the Word of God to speak through us.  We are to preach the Gospel of Truth .We ask where is the truth unwelcome or compromised today? In our communitiees, in our cities, nation and even in our personal and communail lives and in our preaching?

St. Dominic had no doubt about his mission. He knew himself to be a preacher. We must re-claim this sense of Dominic. Today we need to understand ourselves not only as Dominicans but as contemplative Preachers. Let us rejoice in our vocation, men and women entrusted with God's Word and God's vision for our world.
 

12. Jubilee of the Foundation of the Order of Preachers: what does it mean?

These are the yearly themes selected to prepare for the 2016 Jubilee of the Foundation of the Order of Preachers

2009 – St. Dominic: Preacher of Grace
2010 – The Mission of Preaching
2011 – Preaching and Culture/ Community Preaching
2012 – Dominican Women and Preaching
2013 – Mary: Contemplation and Preaching of the Word
2014 – The Dominican Laity and preaching
2015 – Dominic: Government, Spirituality and Freedom
2016 – The Order of Preachers, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Preacher of Grace
Fr. Brian Pierce, OP (Printed with his permission)

During this year – 2009 – as part of our ongoing celebration of the Jubilee, we will focus our attention on “St. Dominic, Preacher of Grace.” Dominic was a preacher of grace because Jesus was a preacher of grace, a preacher who communicated the gratuitous love of God. Jesus announced that all that we have is a gift from God. This is grace. This is gratuitousness. In the Gospel passage from Luke, we see that Jesus gives a perfect example of what it means to be a preacher of grace, and in this way, Jesus models for us what it means to be a Dominican today. As he walked along the road toward Jericho – like a good itinerant preacher – in the midst of all the busy activity and noise, Jesus heard the cry of a blind man who was seated on the edge of the road. The Gospel of Luke tells us that “Jesus stood still…”

“Jesus stood still.” Something so simple! In the midst of everything that was happening, Jesus was able to hear the desperate cry of the blind man and stopped. Jesus had within himself a deep interior silence that prepared him to be receptive and open to hearing the cries that no one else heard. He was able to hear the voice that was inaudible to the rest of the world. This is the sign of a true contemplative heart. Dominic also had a heart capable of hearing the cries of the world, symbolized so well in his encounter with the innkeeper in Toulouse.

After the heard the cry of the blind man, and after coming to a stop along the road, Jesus asked him a question. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus’ few words – so simple, yet so deeply human – were Good News for the blind man, not because they were words that expressed profound theological concepts, but because they were words that allowed the blind man to discover anew his own dignity. No one had ever asked this man a question. No one had ever recognized that he was able to speak for himself. No one!  He was simply an object – never a subject, never a person. When Jesus asked him the question, he opened up the way for him to become a human being once again. He was no longer just the blind man over there on the side of the road. He was a human being again. Was this not the famous cry of the first Spanish Dominicans who went to the Americas at the beginning of the 16th Century: “Are these not human beings?”

What kind of words do we speak?  Do we speak words at people as if they were ignorant? Do we speak words aimed at making ourselves feeling more important? Or do we speak words that help the other person rediscover his or her own dignity as a son or daughter of God? To speak in this way is to announce the Good News of Christ.

To be a preacher of grace, it seems to me, means to speak words that express the gratuitous love of God. We live in a time in which we are inundated by words, but who will speak words of grace? Dominic spoke words of grace. It was grace, the gratuitous love God, that gave new life to the blind man. He was healed, thanks to the words that Jesus spoke to him, words that allowed him to become a human being once again.

I think this is the grace of preaching that God gave to Dominic and this is the grace that God gives us, his family.

What Does It Mean to You to Be a Preacher of Grace?

Sr. Carla Mae Streeter wrote:
The Dominican emphasis has always been that grace is more powerful than sinfulness. Key here is what is understood by grace. Some would say it is some mysterious divine gas that is pumped into us….I believe we will understand grace when we recover the Triune mystery that is at the center of the human heart.  In conception the divine creative energy which we identify as the Holy Spirit synergizes with the human erotic energy of our parents. From this marvelous synergy our DNA emerges bonded to the existence given us by the One who is. So favored (graced), this Guest holds us in existence. At the same time, we are mortally wounded by the sin of our species, passed on to us through our human DNA. When we are brought into a faith community by others (Baptism) or when our consciousness awakes and we turn toward this Mystery, our sin is removed, we are “raised from the dead,” and we are “favored” (graced) with a relationship to the Divine Guest who has been in our house all along. Thus grace is a relationship with the Divine that comes from the love that is friendship. This is what captivated  Dominic.. He was filled with the amazement of this wonder. So, preaching from this wonder will mean understanding the condition we are in without it, the source of it, and the growth in it through constant conversion. It will also mean understanding how Mary was filled with this relationship live in it constantly, and how violating it would have made her break into a sweat! It also helps us understand Jesus’ relationship with his Abba, due to the uncreated grace of his divinity.