What Is a Dominican Tertiary? Lay Commitment to the Order of Preachers

Definition

A tertiary (or Lay Dominican) is a layperson who publicly professes to live by the Rule of St. Dominic while remaining in the secular world. They are not religious (friars/sisters) but belong to the Dominican family.

The Rule of Life

Written by St. Dominic (13th century), it guides prayer, study, work, and community. Tertiaries commit to:

• Daily prayer (Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, meditation).
• Scriptural/spiritual study.
• Active ministry (teaching, social work, healthcare, volunteering).
• Regular community meetings, retreats, and fellowship with other Dominicans.

Role in the Order

Tertiaries extend the Dominican charism—preaching truth, serving the poor, sanctifying the world—into everyday life. They come from all walks of life, united by this shared spiritual commitment.