Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Catholic?
Is there an age requirement?
Is there any specific educational requirement to become a Sister?
What does “O.P.” stand for?
Do you accept people who have been married?
Do you have foreign missions?
Would I have to move from where I live?
Do you wear habits?
What about college loans and other debts?
Do you have your own spending money? Cars? Bank accounts? Vacations?
Where can I get more information?
Do I have to be Catholic?
Yes, to be a professed Sister, you will need to be Catholic, but if you are in the inquiry process (RCIA), you could begin the initial conversations regarding membership
Back to TopIs there an age requirement?
This is flexible, but in general we recommend ages 20-50 for entrance.
Back to TopIs there any specific educational requirement to become a Sister?
As Dominicans, study is an essential aspect of our charism, and you will need to have professional training for your ministry. At entrance, the minimum requirement would be a secondary school diploma or equivalent, as well as the intellectual capacity to continue with post-secondary formal education
Back to TopWhat does “O.P.” stand for?
The Order founded by St. Dominic was established in the 13th century as the Ordo Praedicatores, or Order of Preachers. Today it is commonly known as the Dominican Order.
Back to TopDo you accept people who have been married?
Yes, we have women in our congregation who were formerly married. You would need to produce the necessary documents establishing that you are canonically free to enter religious life: death certificate of spouse, or civil divorce decree, and decree of nullity.
Back to TopDo you have foreign missions?
Yes, both missions and missionaries! We have Sisters serving in Peru, Honduras, Nigeria, and Vietnam, as well as collaborative relationships with Dominican communities in Nigeria and Zambia.
Back to TopWould I have to move from where I live?
Yes, itinerancy is part of our charism as Dominicans. We are frequently called to minister in different locations, as the need arises. During the first year as a novice, you would attend a Collaborative Dominican Novitiate which is currently located in St. Louis.
Back to TopDo you wear habits?
Our constitutions describe our attire as being “simple and expressive of our vowed life.” Some of our Sisters wear the traditional white habit with black veil; others prefer more contemporary dress.
Back to TopWhat about college loans and other debts?
Educational debts and student loans are considered separately, but debts other than student loans must be satisfied prior to candidacy, if possible. Women with such obligations who are accepted into the congregation are asked to co-sign a financial agreement with the Prioress regarding indebtedness. .
However, we encourage women to not let financial debts prevent them beginning the discernment process.
Do you have your own spending money? Cars? Bank accounts? Vacations?
As members of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, we have the opportunity each year to budget for our needs, both personal and professional. These matters are covered in the annual budget, which must be approved by congregational Leadership. The vow of poverty that we take as professed Sisters determines that everything we have is held in common. We are committed to simplicity of life, and share with one another the basic necessities of our common life.
Back to TopWhere can I get more information?
If you have further questions about the Dominican Sisters of Peace or the process of becoming a Sister, please contact Sr. Cathy Arnold or Sr. Amy McFrederick at 330.835.5690 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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