Clerical Brothers Become Priests

Those who are vested in the Dominican habit, and have completed the year of novitiate, are then assigned to Immaculate Conception Priory which is the Dominican House of Studies. Formation of these brothers is directed to two different ends. Either they remain as brothers throughout their lives and are called cooperator brothers, or they begin academic preparation for the priesthood and are called clerical brothers. The latter begin with philosophy, and in due time, advance to the study of theology.

Related to this seminary training, but distinguished from it, are the minor orders. Clerical brothers are eventually instituted as lectors. The universal Church thus recognizes their right to read the Word of God at Mass. Some time later, clerical brothers are instituted to the order of acolyte. After the sacred rite, they become Eucharistic Ministers who have the privilege to distribute Communion in any diocese.

By the fourth year, clerical brothers are ordained to the deaconate. This event is of special importance to the Order of Friars Preachers because it marks the beginning of their preaching ministry. While their training continues, deacons assist in local parishes. Administering the Sacrament of Baptism can be a wonderful experience, and deacons may even get the opportunity to witness a marriage. It is usually while they are deacons that clerical brothers receive the Master of Divinity, an academic degree virtually equivalent to the Bachelor of Sacred Theology.

Finally after careful scrutiny, clerical brothers are ordained to the priesthood. Although they are entitled to be called Reverend Father, Dominican priests are, in a sense, always brothers. The newly ordained receive summer assignments, usually to allow other priests time to rest, but then they return to the Dominican House of Studies for another year of school. Either they pursue studies directed toward ministry, or they complete the Licentiate in Sacred Theology.