The Statutes of the (Ecumenical) ORDER of PENANCE of SAINT DOMINIC
The Rule of the (Ecumenical) Association of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic is the First Rule of the Third Order of St. Dominic of 1285. The Rule of 1285 is held in archive for historical purposes only; the Modern Statutes are those by which the members live. The abbreviation “OPD” refers to the (Ecumenical) Association of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic in the following articles and Statutes. The word chapter, as used herein, refers to local groups consisting of two or more members. Prior/Prioress in this private Catholic (Ecumenical) Association is the member whose function is to serve the local chapter, or (Ecumenical) Association, in a leadership capacity. Members of the (Ecumenical) Association, while in formation or once they profess their intentions as members, live according to their own properly formed consciences in the spirit of the Statutes.
Always remember that the Rule, and its Statutes, is the means to an end, not an end in itself. Do all for the love of God and the good of your soul. Be one in mind and heart in God.
PREAMBLE
The nature and object of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic
The Order of Penance of St. Dominic (OPD) is a Private (Ecumenical) Association of the Faithful living in the world, who, strive to attain peace and joy in life.
The object of the Order of Penance is the sanctification of its members through the practice of a more joyful form of life to aid in the sanctification of souls, and to spread the teaching of the Universal Gospel.
The means of attaining this end are, besides the accomplishment of the ordinary precepts and the duties proper to one's state: the observance of this Rule (by means of modern Statutes), especially assiduous prayer — if possible liturgical prayer — the practice of apostolic and charitable works for the Faith and the Church according to one's particular state or condition in life, and the promotion of the Gospel.
Here begins the Rule and Statutes of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic (OPD). In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
These Statutes can be relaxed on Sundays and Solemnities if the member so chooses. We live these in our daily lives and homes, in our families, communities, and places of work, wherever we live in the world. We live them for the love of God.
The Statutes as Amended in the year of Our Lord 2011:Statutes: Chapter I
In the first place, since the spiritual prosperity of this Order depends generally on the reception into it of well disposed persons, no one shall be admitted into the OPD unless, in the prudent judgment of the Prior/Prioress, he has been proved, after careful investigation and sufficient test, to be a person of devout life, desirous of striving after a joyful life, and gives good reason to hope, especially if he be young, that he will persevere in his good resolution.
All, therefore, of both sexes, whether married or single, ecclesiastics or laity who are thus well disposed and have reached their eighteenth year, can be received into the OPD. Married persons, however, are not to be received ordinarily without the consent of the spouse, unless there be a just motive for acting otherwise.
Those who have power to admit novices to the OPD are:
The Prior/Prioress of a Local Chapter to his local chapter (or the Prior/Prioress General to any chapter, in the event of growth of the (Ecumenical) Association beyond the foundation chapter)
Statutes: Chapter IIAll brothers and sisters of the OPD receive the habit at reception into the novitiate. The habit is to be considered the white tunic, black belt, and black scapular. Those brothers who make the promise of celibacy shall add to the habit the black capuche with hood. Those sisters who make the promise of celibacy shall add to the habit the black shoulder cape and the white veil with black band. A rosary can be suspended from the belt on the left side. The shoes must be either black or sandals.
The habit can be worn by the members of the (Ecumenical) Association at all liturgical functions, meetings of the (Ecumenical) Association, and while engaged in apostolic work in the name of the (Ecumenical) Association.
At all times in public while not in the habit, the cross of the OPD can be visibly worn.
Statutes: Chapter III
The reception of brothers and sisters into the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic, according to ancient tradition, is performed with the giving of the habit as a true rite of initiation; for this reason, their “clothing” is arranged to be done at the beginning of the novitiate, as a real "sign" of reception into the (Ecumenical) Association and admission into the local Chapter, but not yet of incorporation into the (Ecumenical) Association, which is achieved through profession.
The reception or clothing of the brothers and sisters is entrusted to the Prior/Prioress of the local chapter, who presides over the rite together with the Religious Moderator, retaining the function of the office that is proper to each. The Prior/Prioress General should, with the aid of the Religious Moderator, design a ceremony of reception for use by the chapters. This ceremony should be updated when necessary.
The formula for the Blessing of the Habit of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic:
Christ our Lord,
you deigned to be clothed
with the flesh of our mortal condition.
Begging your infinite kindness,
we ask you to bless + this habit
which our holy forebears established to be worn
as an expression of innocence and holiness.
Make the one who wears it worthy to be clothed in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Statutes: Chapter IVAfter the completion of the novitiate training and with the approval of the Prior/Prioress the novice may make a profession of temporary private vows. The novice makes temporary private vows for a one-year term. Three consecutive one-year professions will be made before a brother/sister can be admitted to perpetual private vows. Members of the (Ecumenical) Association make private vows of obedience, poverty, and mission.
Obedience
The member vows to live according to the Statues of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic. The purpose of the vow of obedience is to strive to live God's will in one’s life, and to obey the present Statutes of the (Ecumenical) Association.
Poverty
The member vows to live a humble lifestyle and to lend financial support the mission of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic when they are able. No member of the (Ecumenical) Association will be required to relinquish any resources in his personal possession. A life of poverty is not to be considered a life of destitution. Members should enjoy the benefit of a comfortable lifestyle free from financial worries so as to more fully devote themselves to the apostolic works of the Community. All members will receive the blessing of God in their respective financial situation.
Mission
The member vows to engage in the apostolic work of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic.
The formula for profession of vows:
To the honor of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of St. Dominic, I, Brother/Sister N.N., in the presence of you, Brother/Sister N.N., Prior/ess of the Community of The Order of Penance of Saint Dominic of — (name the chapter), do make profession that it is my will to live according to the Statutes and form of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic, for one year/for the rest of my life.
In a profound spirit of adoration to the Father of mercies, I commit myself through private vows to live a life of Obedience, Poverty, and Mission for (one year/my whole life), according to the object that the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic has determined for each one of these vows, without, however, establishing a canonical or civil bond with the (Ecumenical) Association.
In every chapter there shall be a book in which are registered the names of its members and the dates of their Reception and Profession.
Statutes: Chapter V
Professed members of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic make private vows to live the OPD Statutes. Vows carry with them many graces but also many responsibilities.
Statutes : Chapter VI
Members must be committed to a life of prayer including daily mental prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
All members should develop a formal pattern of prayer that is consistent with their lifestyle.
Statutes: Chapter VII
Since attendance at public recitation of Matins (the Office of Readings) is not available to most members, the member can develop a meaningful nighttime prayer tradition that befits their personal spiritual life.
Statutes: Chapter VIII:Members are encouraged to receive communion as often as possible and to make sacramental confession when needed.
Statutes: Chapter IX
While Mass is being celebrated, or the Divine Office prayed, or the word of God preached, let all be careful to keep silence in the churches, attending diligently to prayer and the Divine Office or sermon, unless from some particular reason or necessity, one is obliged to speak in a low voice.
Statutes: Chapter X
Members should show the greatest reverence towards their Bishop and Priest, and faithfully accomplish their duties towards them in accordance with local laws or customs. Let them hold in esteem the other clergy also, according to the dignity of each.
Statutes: Chapter XI
All members may conform to Church teaching concerning fasting, but may choose to fast more frequently. In addition to the fasts prescribed by the Church, those members, who are not impeded from doing so, may fast on the vigils of the feasts of the Most Holy Rosary, our Holy Father St. Dominic, St Catherine of Siena, and St. Martin de Porres. Joy is essential to Gospel life and so joyous occasions should be celebrated by our members with God’s own joy.
Statutes: Chapter XII
All members should conform to their individual conscience concerning abstinence.
Statutes: Chapter XIII
Members should refrain from any activity if their participation could bring scandal to their own conscience. Members should inform their Prior/Prioress if they must be absent from community functions.
Statutes: Chapter XIV
They are not to take up or bear lethal weapons against anyone with the exception of participation in a just war as a soldier defending their country or as part of one’s legitimate employment (police or security officers, for example). If a member is living in a dangerous environment in which a weapon may be necessary for self-defense, a spiritual director or confessor should assess the member’s possession of any weapon. Hunting and fishing to provide meat for one’s family is permitted.
Statutes: Chapter XV
The Prior/Prioress should take care to visit any sick or home-bound members or should appoint an infirmarian for the chapter whose duty would be to visit the sick brethren and endeavor to assist them spiritually and temporally.
Statutes: Chapter XVI
The death of a member of the (Ecumenical) Association shall be announced as soon as possible to the other members, who, unless prevented by some serious matter, should personally attend the obsequies for the deceased.
Each local chapter shall annually have celebrated three memirials for the living and deceased Brothers and Sisters of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic and of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans).
Statutes: Chapter XVIIThe founder of the (Ecumenical) Association is the de facto Prior of the Fellowship of Saint Martin de Porres Chapter of the (Ecumenical) Association according to the Statues and Directory. Upon the death of the founder the Directory determines the procedure for election of a new Prior/Prioress to the Fellowship of Saint Martin de Porres Chapter.
In the event of growth of the (Ecumenical) Association beyond the foundation chapter, the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic is placed under the direction and correction of the Prior/Prioress General, to whom as a consequence local chapters and individual members as well as all the councilors are subject in all matters that pertain to their manner of life in accordance with the Rule and Statutes. The Prior/Prioress of the foundation chapter of the (Ecumenical) Association, namely the Fellowship of Saint Martin de Porres Chapter in the State of New Jersey USA is the de facto Prior/Prioress General of the entire (Ecumenical) Association.
The Prior/Prioress General of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic has the right to visit either personally or by delegates each local chapter once a year or even more often if necessary. Whatever it may seem good to them to decide whether by way of counsel, admonition, ordination or correction, even including the deposition of an official, should be accepted by each and all cheerfully and humbly.
The appointment of the Prior/Prioress of a local chapter is reserved exclusively to the Prior/Prioress General. The Prior/Prioress General may permit an election of a local Prior/Prioress but the Prior/Prioress General must approve the election before he assumes office.
Statutes: Chapter XVIII
The office of the Prior/Prioress shall be to keep diligent care over the spiritual well-being of the rest of the members of the (Ecumenical) Association. If he sees any transgressions of the Statutes, or negligence in the observance of the form of life of the members of the (Ecumenical) Association, let him charitably reprove and correct the members. The Prior/Prioress shall approve all formation programs used by the (Ecumenical) Association.
Statutes: Chapter XIX
Should anyone be found guilty of a notable fault, and, after having been admonished by the Prior/Prioress, fails to amend, let him be corrected according to his condition and in proportion to the gravity or levity of his fault. He can even be temporarily excluded from the meetings of the (Ecumenical) Association.
Only the Prior/Prioress General may, for serious reasons, expel a member from the (Ecumenical) Association; and this, in case of grave scandal, even without admonition
Statutes: Chapter XX
Chapters of the (Ecumenical) Association should meet as needed throughout the year. During the Chapter meeting the Rule and Statutes can be read to the members (or at least some part of the whole) accompanied by an explanation of some part of the Statues given by either the Prior/Prioress or the Religious Moderator or some other member appointed by the Prior/Prioress.
Statutes: Chapter XXI
The Prior/Prioress General has full power to dispense from any Statute of this Rule. Likewise, the local Prior/Prioress within the limits of his jurisdiction, or their delegate, can dispense their members in special cases and for a reasonable cause.
Statutes: Chapter XXIIThe Statutes of this Rule, except those which are divine or ecclesiastical, do not oblige the Brothers and Sisters under pain of sin before God, but only to the punishment determined by the Prior/Prioress in accordance with the prescriptions of Chapters XVIII and XIX. Mindful, however, of their private vows, let all the members observe the Statutes of this Rule by the help of the grace of Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, One God for ever and ever. Amen.
Excerpts from the Local Directory of the Ecumenical OPD:
I.
The name of the (Ecumenical) Association is the Order of Penance of St. 
Dominic (OPD). The first chapter of the (Ecumenical) Association is the Fellowship of Saint Martin de Porres Chapter, which was founded on November 3, 2006 with the profession of private vows of the founder as Brother Tomas Martin, OPD; Sr. Dominica Marie, OPD; Sr. Michael Martin, OPD; and Sr. M. Martin Margaret, OPD. Bishop (now Archbishop) Sherman R. Mosley, DD (of the Old Catholic Church of America), witnessed the profession of vows, which took place at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Absecon, NJ. The (Ecumenical) Association is located within the State of New Jersey. The (Ecumenical) Association includes all members wherever they reside, including members of new chapters everywhere consistent with this Directory. A priest or religious is to be spiritual director of the entire (Ecumenical) Association provided one can be found, since it is a private organization within the Church. This person will be called the Religious Moderator. Otherwise the Prior/Prioress of the (Ecumenical) Association shall fulfill this role. Members are authorized to use the letters OPD after their name as a public witness of their conversion to a spiritual life and the salutation “brother” for male members or “sister” for female members in conversation or correspondence.
II. The purpose of the (Ecumenical) Association is to renew the lifestyle of the First Rule of the Third Order of St. Dominic of 1285, in our own lives and our modern world (following modern Statutes) for the love of God and as a public witness to the Gospel in the world, so as to fulfill our Mission, and sanctify souls. Members live the Gospel in a more radical and consecrated way for modern times, with the goal of personal sanctity and eternal life in Christ.
III. The Mission and Apostolate of the (Ecumenical) Association is to teach the faithful to seek union with God in fulfillment of the Gospel by hearing the Word of God in their hearts in the manner and according to the example of the early members in the Church, which included many Saints and Blessed, and most certainly include St. Dominic, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Martin de Porres.
The OPD, in communion with the late Mary Allardyce, founded Our Lady of the Well Ministry. This ministry was recognized by the State of New Jersey in October 2006 as a Nonprofit corporation in accordance with title 15 A:2-8 the Domestic Nonprofit Corporation Act. The Our Lady of the Well ministry is a recognized apostolate of the OPD.
IV. The (Ecumenical) Association meets periodically throughout the year at a location determined by the prior or prioress.
V. Historical Overview
The Order of Penance of St. Dominic began to take form in the year 2004 when the founder gathered a number of
Third Order Dominicans from the Holy Rosary Chapter in Camden, NJ who requested to live a common life of Christian Charity according to the prescriptions of the First Rule of the Third Order of Saint Dominic of 1285 while still within the Secular world and to promote the vocation and mission of the Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary founded by the Venerable Father Damien Marie Saintourens, OP. These first members felt called to deepen their commitment as tertiaries by making private vows and witnessing to these vows in a public way. After two years of research, meetings, prayer, and serious discernment, the founder sought blessing from the Church to unite the group as a recognized Private (Ecumenical) Association of the Faithful to be known as the Order of Penance of St. Dominic. This first group of the (Ecumenical) Association is the Fellowship of Saint Martin de Porres Chapter.
Initial contact for recognition of the Church was made to the bishop of the Diocese in a letter dated September 8, 2006. This letter included the Rule, Statutes, and Directory of the Order of Penance of Saint Dominic. This letter was copied to the office of the Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, DC; and to the Provincial Promoter of the Dominican Laity of the Province of Saint Joseph for their review as well. Until the recognition of the Church, the group existed as a de facto Private (Ecumenical) Association of the Faithful as permitted by Canon law. In 2008 Bishop John Hesson, OSB of the Catholic Alliance and Bishop (Now Archbishop) Sherman R. Mosley, DD of the Old Catholic Church of America formally recognized the community; and Prior General Brother Tomas Martin Martin, OPD was ordained a Catholic cleric. In June 2009 Archbishop Gilbert O. Lyons of the Orthodox Church of Africa consecrated Tomas Martin Martin, OPD as the first bishop of the Community and granted the Community the status of a Juridic Person. The OPD is now under the canonical authority of Bishop Tomas Martin, OPD.
VI. Juridical SituationThe Order of Penance of St. Dominic is a non-profit Private (Ecumenical) Association of the Faithful recognized by the Catholic Alliance and the Old Catholic Church of America as well as the United States as a Christian Church. Our members seek to live the Gospel more fully in their lives by following the spirit of the First Rule of the Third Order of St. Dominic, the Rule of 1285 by means of modern Statutes. Profession in the (Ecumenical) Association of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic is open to all of the faithful regardless of their affiliation with any Third Order or other Church group in accordance with the Statutes. The Order of Penance of Saint Dominic is a Juridic Person. We are not formally connected with the Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary nor are we formally connected with any local Roman Catholic Diocese as we are juridically independent.
VII. Eligibility for professed membership
Eligibility for professed membership in the Order of Penance of St. Dominic is extended to all the fully initiated members of the Faith who are 18 years of age or older in accordance with the Statutes.
VIII. Vision of the (Ecumenical) Association
The vision of the (Ecumenical) Association is to promote the renewed practice of Gospel Life in the Church among the faithful consistent with the Gospel itself, the spirit of the First Rule of the Third Order of St. Dominic of 1285, and Statutes of the (Ecumenical) Association, which were written in 2006; and to promote the mission of the Perpetual Rosary founded by Dominican Father Damien Marie Saintourens, OP.
IX. Spirituality of the (Ecumenical) Association
The spirituality of the Community is that of the Gospel itself, which endorses lives of poverty, humility, and obedience in order to gain the strength of Christ and overcome the world as commanded in the Gospel. Membership in the (Ecumenical) Association both causes and is the fruit of each individual’s personal conversion from sin and desire to live the Gospel more perfectly in his or her own life.
X. Canon law of the Catholic Church provides for the formation of Associations of the Faithful for purposes of growing in holiness and living the gospel. The Order of Penance of St. Dominic is an example of such an Association. The principle canons that relate to its life in the Church according to Title V of the Code of Canon Law include:
Canon 298.1
In the Church there are Associations which are distinct from institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life. In these Associations, Christ’s faithful, whether clerics or laity, or clerics and laity together, strive with a common effort to promote a more perfect life, or to promote public worship or Christian teaching. They may also devote themselves to other works of the apostolate, such as initiatives for evangelization, works of piety or charity, and those which animate the temporal order with the Christian spirit.
Canon 298.2
Christ’s faithful are to join especially those Associations which have been established, praised or recommended by the competent ecclesiastical authority.
Canon 299.1
By private agreement among themselves, Christ’s faithful have the right to constitute Associations for the purposes mentioned in Canon 298.1 without prejudice to the provisions of Canon 301.1.
Canon 299.2
Associations of this kind, even though they may be praised or commended by ecclesiastical authority, are called private Associations.
Canon 304
All Associations of Christ’s faithful, whether public or private, by whatever title or name they are called, are to have their own Statutes. These are to define the purpose or social objective of the Association, its center, its governance and the conditions of membership. They are also to specify the manner of action of the Association, paying due regard to what is necessary or useful in the circumstances of the time and place.
XI. The Form and Object of the Commitment in the (Ecumenical) Association
i. The Form of the Commitment
The Form of the Commitment of Membership in the (Ecumenical) Association is through personal and entirely voluntary private vows made to God to live according to the form of life of the (Ecumenical) Association, which is the lifestyle of the First Rule of the Third Order of St. Dominic of 1285, updated through its Statutes to fit life in the world today. This pledge will typically be made, following a period of formation, to the Prior/Prioress according to the Statues of the (Ecumenical) Association.
Reception of new candidates:
A new candidate in the (Ecumenical) Association devotes himself to study the Rule and Statutes of the (Ecumenical) Association so as to discern his calling to make the pledge to live according to the Statues for all the time of his life, or as an Honorary member. Those going into formation are first an inquirer, then a postulant (six months), then a novice (one year), in the (Ecumenical) Association.
Forms of Membership and their respective commitment:
Professed Member
An individual whose private vows binds himself to live the Statutes of the (Ecumenical) Association, as his lifestyle, for the time period pronounced in his vow, for the love of God and his own salvation.
Honorary Member
A member of the Dominican Laity who does not wish to vow to live the Statutes of the OPD, but who desires to support the vision and mission of the Order of Penance of St. Dominic, which is to honor and promote the First Rule of the Third Order of St. Dominic in our modern world and to spread the mission of the Perpetual Rosary. An honorary member does not receive the habit of the OPD.
Friends/Associates
An Individual, whether Catholic or of some other faith, who wishes to be guided in their life by the spirit of the Rule and Statutes of the (Ecumenical) Association without fully committing themselves to live them, and who wishes to join in the community activities, prayer life, and apostolates of the Professed members. A friend/associate of the (Ecumenical) Association does not receive the habit of the OPD.
ii. The Object of the Commitment
The Object of the commitment is for the individual Professed member to lead an apostolic life in response to the Gospel of Christ and for joy and peace in life, such that each individual member of the (Ecumenical) Association, living the Gospel of Christ more perfectly in his own life, is united in a common bond of Love and mission with other members of the (Ecumenical) Association.
XII. The prayer life of those in the (Ecumenical) Association
i. The prayer life of members in formation of the (Ecumenical) Association is that defined for them by the approved formation programs of the (Ecumenical) Association.
ii. The prayer life of all professed members of the (Ecumenical) Association is that defined in the Statutes of the (Ecumenical) Association, which shall be deemed sufficient in and of itself to express the obligations of prayer of professed members.
XIII. The life of those Professed into the (Ecumenical) Association
i. The life is that defined in the Statutes of the (Ecumenical) Association, which shall be deemed sufficient in and of itself to lead a holy life consistent with the Gospel of Christ.
ii. This life includes all acts of love, however great or small, that go beyond the Statutes as determined by the individual member including devotions and almsgiving which are neither defined, nor binding, under the Rule, but have been approved by the individual’s spiritual director.
Sister Dominica Marie, OPD shares her thoughts about co-founding the OPD Community
