Irish Lay Dominicans receive new members

Left to right: Geraldine Flanagan (president of lay Dominicans in Ireland), Sheena Darcy, Monica Rapenau and Jacinta O' Donnell (president of lay Dominican chapter, Athy)

Sheena Darcy and Monica Rapenau were officially received as new members of the Lay Dominicans in Ireland during the celebration of the Eucharist at Saint Saviour's priory, Dublin this evening - the feast of the conversion of Saint Paul (January 25th). The main celebrant of the Mass was fr. Gregory Carroll OP, prior of Saint Saviour's. Sheena and Monica were joined by friends, colleagues, members of the lay Dominicans and a number of the friars of the community for the celebration.

Both women have completed a period of preparation before being received as Lay Dominicans. A further time of discernment and probation will follow before they make formal promises (or profession) as members of the Dominican laity in Ireland. Sheena, who has a background in human resources is currently one of the key administrators (as office manager) for the International Eucharistic Congress which will take place in Dublin next year. Monica, who is a theologian by profession, currently works with a publishing company.

The lay Dominican vocation is an integral part of the the vocation of the whole Dominican family. As lay men and women they are not living a form of consecrated life but form communities who live by the spirit and charism of Saint Dominic, and are incorporated into the Order by a special commitment according to statutes and laws of their own.

The reception and admission of both Sheena and Monica is a very important moment and witness for all Dominicans in Ireland- and  is testament to the renewal of interest in the Dominican charism during the past few years. Irish Dominican Vocations wishes Sheena and Monica every blessing as they set out in the Dominican way of life.

Left to right: Sheena Darcy, Fr Gregory Carroll OP and Monica Rapenau