The first year of formation is the year of inquiry (or the postulancy), the year in which new members seek to discern whether they are, in fact, called to Dominican life. During this year, the study is centered on what it means to be a Dominican, familiarity with Dominican history and saints, as well as with the role of the Laity in the Church today.
RECOMMENDED BOOK LIST:
- The documents of Vatican II (Austin Flannery, OP)
- A biography of St. Dominic
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church
- The Holy Bible
- Praying with St. Dominic (Monshau, OP)
- Praying with St. Catherine of Siena (Vinje, OP)
Inquirers attend all study sessions, as well as the community retreat and other events.
At the end of this first year, the inquirers write a letter to the chapter council requesting reception into the Order. At the same time they must present letters from a spiritual director or companion, a fellow apostolic worker, and a friend. If accepted by the Council, the inquirers are received into the Order and a replica of the white scapular is given to them as a sign of their membership.