The Lay Dominicans are members of the Fraternities of St. Dominic. They are lay men and women who are fully incorporated members of the Order of Preachers and live out their

Dominican vocation in the world. Lay Dominicans who in the past have been called Third Order or Dominican Tertiaries, have existed almost as long as the Dominican Order itself. The Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic was founded with their own rule in 1285 and was officially recognized by the Church on the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas in 1286.

Lay Dominicans “are accordingly distinguished both by their own spirituality and by their service to God and neighbor in the Church. As members of the Order, they participate in its apostolic mission through prayer, study and preaching according to the state proper to the laity.” (The Rule of the Lay Fraternity #4).

Lay Dominicans come from every background, joining the Dominican charism to their state of life in the world. In this unique Dominican way, they live out their special vocation “to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God’s will.” (Lumen Gentium 31).

The Lay Fraternity at Holy Ghost Church is Mother of Mercy Chapter. They are part of the Province of St. Joseph (Eastern USA).

For more information, contact

Laurie Biszko 401-625-1623

Linda Sousa 401-624-3806

Mother of Mercy Chapter, Lay Dominicans

Lay Dominicans – Life Profession of Joan Murphy – March 11, 2022