Southern Dominican Friars

The work and ministry of the Dominicans is varied. Dominicans are trained in various disciplines and so are engaged in many diverse apostolates. Our friars are engaged in teaching philosophy, theology and scripture at Universities and centers of study throughout the United States and the world.

Preaching the Word is the first priority of the Southern Dominican Province. Each individual is actively involved in preaching. Preaching to others on matters of heart and spirit is an awesome responsibility and one we take very seriously.

Our Dominican legacy calls every friar to some form of gospel preaching. Preaching is our heritage and what "we do" no matter where our ministry takes us. Each friar responds according to his gifts and ministerial context. Some preach in the form of full-time itinerant preachers, while others preach occasional parish renewals or retreats in addition to their other ministries.

Preaching: Our Dominican legacy calls every friar to some form of gospel preaching. Preaching is our heritage and what "we do" no matter where our ministry takes us. Each friar responds according to his gifts and ministerial context. Some preach in the form of full-time itinerant preachers, while others preach occasional parish renewals or retreats in addition to their other ministries.
Higher Education : Many of our friars are internationally known in their fields of academic expertise. These men are professors at centers for higher learning throughout the United States and the world. Some of these centers of higher learning include, the Aquinas Institute of Theology, Xavier University of Louisiana , Barry University and St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome.
Parish Life: Parish ministry is the single largest ministry within the Province. Over 40 friars serve thirteen parishes throughout the Southern United States.
Campus Ministry: Our friars continue the Order's historical commitment to providing an educated Catholic presence on university campuses. As campus ministers, they preach, teach catechetical programs and explore the relations between science and faith and between religion and the arts. Our Province staffs campus ministry centers on numerous college campuses including Saint Louis University, Barry University, University of Houston, Southern Methodist University, The University of Dallas , and Tulane University.
Mass Communications and the Arts: Many of our friars publish theological and spiritual works in books, professional journals, on the web and popular magazines. Other friars within the Province involve themselves in electronic media through radio, television and film production.
Diocesan Chanceries: Some of our friars work closely with local chanceries as assistants to bishops, on diocesan curiae as canonists, as promoters of peace and justice, and community service organizers.
Special Chaplaincies: Approximately one-third of our friars are assigned to special chaplaincies. These ministries strive to promote the well-being of those who are on the fringes of society: the sick, the poor, the elderly, the displaced, the imprisoned, and other marginalized populations.