First Kentucky Chapter of Dominican Young Adults

ST. CATHARINE, KY - On September 28, 2011, a significant step was taken on the campus of St. Catharine College. At noon Mass, 13 students stood together and said aloud their Public Statement of Commitment as members of Kentucky's first Chapter of Dominican Young Adults USA. "I promise to live out the four pillars of Dominican life...I promise to study the Word of God and the Signs of the Times...."

The students then raised their arms in prayerful motion as those present sang the refrain of the 13th Century Dominican Blessing: "May God Creator bless us, may God Redeemer heal us, and may God the Holy Spirit fill us with light."

After Communion each student was called up individually to accept a tangible gift symbolic of their membership of this new chapter. Each one was given a rock engraved with the words Hope, Wisdom, Love, Strength, Peace, Joy  and a card on which was printed their name and the words, "Set the world on fire!"

These students meet twice a month, eager for connection with one another, for spiritual growth and for opportunities to reach out to others. They take to heart the Dominican call to bring light and hope into places where there is pain and sorrow. They recently co-sponsored a campus presentation by the Invisible Children organization, which seeks to aid those who have suffered through war in Central Africa. They are planning an Alternative Spring Break through Christian Appalachian Project and will be attending a Day of Quiet at Gethsemane in mid-October.

The St. Catharine College Dominican Young Adults are mentored by Sr. Grace Simms, OP, campus minister Mary Sue Barnett, and campus chaplain Fr. Ben Brown. They gather also with the support of the Dominican Sisters of Peace and in connection with DYA chapters throughout the country and the Dominican Youth Movement throughout the world.

See below for DYA USA Mission Statement:

Dominican Young Adults USA
Our Mission:

We are women and men between the ages 18-30 who gather together to pray, study help others and have fun. DYA USA provides an environment where young adults can share, explore, and integrate their faith lives. An emphasis is placed on the spiritual formation of each member. Based upon the spiritual traditions of the Order of Preachers (The Dominicans) DYA USA incorporates the foundations of Dominican life, prayer, study, and community as the components of developing a healthy, integrated spirituality. Local DYA USA chapters design their own meeting structure. The only requirement is that some aspect of the Four Pillars be incorporated into each meeting! Local needs and cultures add a great deal of diversity to the Dominican Youth Movement experience!