For more than 75 years the Dominican Order has enjoyed a special presence here in the Diocese of Camden through the unique community of the Dominican Laity or Third Order. The Dominican Third Order has many branches or chapters. We have always considered our chapter in Camden to be special because its life is centered at the Shrine of the Perpetual Rosary, a Dominican Cloister established here by Dominican Father D.M. Saintourens over 100 years ago. The Shrine and Cloister is the home to the Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary. So, we are part of a Dominican Community comprised of all the branches of the order: Brothers and Sisters who are Friars, Nuns, and Third Order or Dominican Laity.
When one feels a call to join our community, the journey begins in the form of an inquiry period of three months during which the postulant can participate in the life of the Dominican community. After the postulancy period, if the call to the Dominican way of life is still strong, the community calls the postulant to reception in the Order as a Novice. The Novice will receive the Dominican Scapular as a sign of acceptance in the Order. The Novitiate lasts for one year and follows a program of formation in the Dominican Life.
Learn more about the Fraternities of Saint Dominic at www.3op.org
or contact the Formation Director
of the Camden Dominican Laity Community at
