Who Are the Dominican Friars?

Dominican Friars belong to the worldwide family of friars, sisters, nuns and laity which comprise the Order of Preachers (also sometimes referred to as "the Dominicans"). Founded in 1216 by St. Dominic de Guzman, the Order of Preachers was created in response to a desperate need for informed preaching. 800 years later, we continue to live out Dominic's vision of a a group of preachers bound by a common life of prayer, community, study and preaching.

The work of the friars takes many forms, as Dominican men try to respond to the particular needs of the Church of the United States. Domincan friars staff parishes and participate in campus ministries at both secular and Catholic schools of higher education; they are engaged in various forms of the preaching apostolate, such as specialized retreats, missions and workshops; they publish; are chaplains to hospitals and convents; and have missionaries in various places around the world.

There is no talent or interest which is unimportant, since each Dominican gives of his own capabilities to further his salvation and that of those among whom he ministers. Moreover, each ministry is believed valuable, for each allows God's presence to become more evident and celebrated in the world.

[adapted from source: opwest.org]