CHARLOTTE — As the Charlotte area Chapter of Lay Dominicans marks its 10th anniversary in the Diocese of Charlotte, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapter recently welcomed five new members and celebrated the formation advancement of 15 members – ranging from inquirers, to those making their full or perpetual promises, all sharing in the charism of the Order founded in 1216 by St. Dominic.
For 800 years the Dominicans, or Order of Preachers, have been committed to the salvation of souls and have maintained loyalty to the Church. Truth is promoted through the four pillars of prayer, study, community and apostolate. There are three orders of the Dominican fraternity: first order, the Dominican friars; second order, the cloistered Dominican nuns; and third order, religious (priests and sisters) and secular (laity).
The new members and advancements were received during a Rite of Reception and Promises held at Mass Sept. 28 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. Since the chapter’s first Rite of Reception and Promises in 2010, the Rite is the highlight of the chapter’s year.
Newly admitted pictured here with the Charlotte chapter, completed the first year of formation (a 12-month inquiry requirement); Susan Evans, Suzette Mahoney, Cecelia McGloughlin, Glenn Yellico and Diona Mathews (not pictured).
Newly advanced Dominican Laity making the Temporary Promise after completion of the second year of formation (a 12-month candidate requirement): Leia Anastacio, Scott Aumuller, Catherine Bernardo and Carol Bireley (not pictured); Renewal of Temporary Promise (after completion of the three-year temporary promise): Laura Kobet; and Full Promise (for life) after completion of the five-year (inquiry, candidate, temporary) requirement: Donna Gunter, Patricia Kent, Kati Roy (not pictured), and Regina and Robert Whaples. Also pictured with the newly advanced is Father Matthew Kauth of St. Joseph College Seminary, a life member who serves as Spiritual Assistant for the chapter; and other members Mary Snow, Megan Whiteside, Dan Lucero, Glenda Stephenson, Brenda Stephenson, Tom Mathis, Sandra Coughlin, J.R. Richardson, Mitzi Fields, Judy Shallcross, Matthew Dimock Sr. and Mark Dorsett.
The Dominican Laity adopt a spiritual life that includes daily Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, daily rosary, study, contemplation, and where available, daily Mass and monthly confession. Working all this into a lay schedule does not occur overnight – particularly for those who have families to care for, work responsibilities, parish and civic volunteer commitments, and who also honor other devotions of the Church.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapter was formed in 2009. Chapter members belong to 16 different parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte, and inquiries are always welcome.
There is a five-year formation process, which increases the likelihood of adjustment, transforming steadily to a routine that accommodates Dominican requirements and yet aligns personal lives, daily needs and obligations. To proceed through the formation process, a candidate must be in good standing with the Church for two years and be at least 18 years old.
The chapter, comprised of 30 members, meets monthly. The next inquiry class will be held from 8:30 to 9:25 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s community building, located at 1400 Suther Road in Charlotte.
— Sandra W. Coughlin
More online
At www.charlottelaydominicans.org: Read more about the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapter of Lay Dominicans and inquire about membership