THE CONVENTUAL SISTERS OF ST. DOMINIC:

Invitations to observe and experience our life are usually offered only to those whom we have come to know over a period time, through visits or letters. We also require a reference either oral or written from a priest whose judgement we trust.

We have two guest-rooms, outside the cloister, available for young women between the ages of 18 and 35 who may wish to make a stay of up to a week in order to pray, discern and make inquiry about our Dominican way of life. At this point we ask them to attend Mass, Divine Office, meals and some recreation with the community. Time is set aside, if desired, for discussion with the Prioress and/or with a priest appointed by the community.

There is no commitment to the community. It is purely a time for information-seeking and prayerful discernment.

If the candidate is interested in further experience, and we, as community, are satisfied as to the sincerity of her motives and her apparent suitability for our life, we may admit her to a longer "live-in" experience of up to six weeks. This period is known as "Aspirancy" and involves living in the cloister and participating in the prayer, penance and community life of the Convent, as well as attending tutorials and discussions on basic themes related to spirituality, religious life and the Dominican charism. There is still no commitment to the community, but the aspirant is asked to follow, for the duration of her stay, the schedule and provisions mapped out for her by the community.

We are able arrange occasional "Study Weekends" on the Consecrated Life, or small-group Retreats for young women seeking time for prayer and more general spiritual discernment.

These follow a programme devised by the community according to the number and needs of participants.