"To praise, to bless, to preach."
Who We Are
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The Our Lady of Peace Fraternity at St. Gertrude is a group of Lay Dominicans who strive for the sanctification of themselves and those around them, reaching people the friars, nuns, and sisters cannot reach. We currently have many members of all ages and professions.
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What We Do
The Dominican charism consists of four pillars: prayer, study, community, and apostolate. As Lay Dominicans, we commit to living out these four pillars by:
In addition, the Lay Dominicans in the Ohio and Kentucky Region host a retreat every year led by a Dominican friar. fraternity members are encouraged to attend. Our chapter also has an apostolate in which members volunteer at Venice on Vine, an outreach program in Cincinnati that helps individuals complete their GED and learn basic job skills.
- Attending daily Mass (if possible) and praying a daily rosary and morning and evening Liturgy of the Hours
- Reading Scripture for at least 15 minutes per day, reading and discussing chapter materials (papal documents, writings of saints, etc.)
- Participating in either chapter or individual apostolate
- Taking part in chapter meetings and other occasional gatherings
In addition, the Lay Dominicans in the Ohio and Kentucky Region host a retreat every year led by a Dominican friar. fraternity members are encouraged to attend. Our chapter also has an apostolate in which members volunteer at Venice on Vine, an outreach program in Cincinnati that helps individuals complete their GED and learn basic job skills.
When We Meet
We typically meet in the St. Gertrude School library from 7 to 8:45 p.m. on the second Monday of the month. (If you are planning to attend a meeting for the first time, please contact us prior to the meeting to make sure we have not changed the date or location for a special event.) Our meetings always consist of social time, Evening Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours), business items, study, and praying the rosary.
Join Us
Anyone is always welcome to join our monthly meetings as an inquirer. This is a great way to learn what being a Lay Dominican is all about, as there is no obligation or cost*, and to begin discerning if you have a vocation to the Dominican life.
If you feel called to become a Lay Dominican and join the Our Lady of Peace Fraternity, you will engage in a 6-month postulancy, followed by a yearlong novitiate and a 3-year Temporary Promise (Profession). This extensive formation period provides you with the opportunity to better understand the four pillars of the Dominican charism, to attend our regular monthly meetings, and to have monthly sessions with our novice instructor. At any point during this process, up until you make your Final Promise (Life Profession), you and the chapter may discern that you do not have a vocation to the Dominican life.
*Members of the Our Lady of Grace Fraternity pay $85 in dues annually.
If you feel called to become a Lay Dominican and join the Our Lady of Peace Fraternity, you will engage in a 6-month postulancy, followed by a yearlong novitiate and a 3-year Temporary Promise (Profession). This extensive formation period provides you with the opportunity to better understand the four pillars of the Dominican charism, to attend our regular monthly meetings, and to have monthly sessions with our novice instructor. At any point during this process, up until you make your Final Promise (Life Profession), you and the chapter may discern that you do not have a vocation to the Dominican life.
*Members of the Our Lady of Grace Fraternity pay $85 in dues annually.
Contact Us
For more information about the Our Lady of Peace Fraternity at St. Gertrude or to join the chapter, please contact Fred Thomas, O.P., at fcthomas3@gmail.com, fth5131119@aol.com, or (513) 335-1700 or come to a meeting.
Additional Resources
To learn more about the Lay Dominicans of the Province of St. Joseph, sign up for the province's free e-Lumen newsletter, and access other resources, please visit laydominicans.org.
