FAQ: Becoming a Sister

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.

This is flexible, but in general we recommend ages 20-50 for entrance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 vocations@oppeace.org.