What's New in Vocations?

Fr. Samuel Hakeem, OP

Vocations Director

People often ask how things are going in the Vocations Office. My response tends to be “Busy!” 

Of course, in this line of work, busy is good! So far in this academic year, we have:

• hosted two Come & See discernment weekends at St. Dominic Priory in St. Louis, attended by forty-five men 
• attended (with about fifty Dominicans total) the SEEK conference in January (a welcoming, vibrant environment for vocation offices and candidates for religious life alike)
• welcomed several candidates to our priories (a wonderful way for candidates to get to know us and our lives)
• maintained an active presence on social media, thanks to the work of AnnMarie Hemmerling, our new Vocation Administrative Assistant and Social Media Manager 

In addition, I’ve spent weeks on the road visiting campus ministries and candidates throughout the province territory. All of these efforts have led to what will likely be back-to-back years of good-sized novitiate classes. Our current class of eight novices represents our largest in nine years. While we won’t have official numbers for next year’s class until after the final admissions board in June, we expect to have a similar-sized class begin the novitiate this summer! Thanks be to God that these men have the courage to answer God’s call into our way of life. Thanks be to God for calling them to the Order of Preachers!

Friars and outsiders alike often ask “Where are these men coming from?” As you might expect, most of our applicants have some connection with the Dominicans. Some come from the ministries we serve. The Newman Centers at Purdue and Indiana University, for example, have been good sources of vocations in recent years—not only to the Dominican Friars, but also to other religious orders, the Diocesan priesthood, and into several holy marriages, too. 

Some were taught by Dominican sisters. Those who did not come from our ministry assignments may have met a Dominican friar at a conference, on a mission trip, or at an event. A few who do not have a previous connection with the Dominicans often find us through personal study of Thomas Aquinas or at the recommendation of a friend. Others discover the Dominicans online, through social media, podcasts, and video content put out by various Dominicans. 

While academic interests vary,  the number of applicants with backgrounds in the hard sciences, math, and engineering can surprise observers. Perhaps the Dominican systematic approach to philosophy and theology meshes well with a STEM background. We may never know the reason why, but we trust the Holy Spirit guides these vocations! 

Regardless of academic background, I find all our men in formation to be faithful, intelligent, friendly, possessing a holy zeal for souls and desiring to preach and to bring others to Christ. I pray for them daily, in gratitude and awe, that God would send us men this good! Please join me in prayer for our men in formation.

Do you know anyone who should be a Dominican? Send them our way at www.opvocations.org.