Our mission is to guide the formation of young adults interested in Dominican Life, relying on the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of Dominicans of all ages and dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are young adults who are attracted to Jesus and His message and by the way of living out the Gospel preached by Saint Dominic.
Each chapter of DYA USA provides a different response to the needs of its location. Organized by young adults, with the help of experienced campus ministers, chaplains, religious, and other members of the Dominican Family, our basis is the four pillars of the Dominican Life: community, prayer, study, and preaching. Through prayer and reflection, the chapter searches to continue the formation of the individual Dominican. Though unique in their walks of faith, these chapters seek the same goal through their Dominican lives: to live for Jesus Christ. Holding to the pillars, the message of Dominic has found a home within this generation in the United States of America.
Dominican Young Adults USA stems from the International Dominican Youth Movement (IDYM) a program in more than 25 countries across the world.
The International Dominican Youth Movement is a community which gathers groups of young lay people all around the world, united by the common intention to announce Jesus Christ and to build together God’s Reign.
Their mission, as young Dominicans, is to “seek and announce the Truth, in our Dominican style. The Dominican Family helps us in the fulfillment of this mission, in particular by bringing us the necessary training in the service of preaching.”
For more information on IDYM visit http://idymop.org/en/
The forming of local chapters of Dominican Young Adults USA is at the very heart of the organization. The local chapters form the spokes of the DYA wheel.
Local DYA USA chapters are formed by young people who want to learn more about Dominican life and spirituality. Some, but not all, members have had a taste of Dominican life by either attending a Dominican HS or College, by participating in one of the “Preaching Conferences” for high school or college students or by having had some contact with Dominicans.
Each chapter of DYA designs their own meeting structure and has their own small governmental structure, (chairperson, co-chairperson) who act as the leaders of the chapter. The group is also connected with a mentor (someone who is connected with the Order). The only requirement for each chapter gathering is that some aspect of the Four Pillars is incorporated into each meeting! Local needs and cultures add a great deal of diversity to the Dominican Young Adult USA experience!
DYA chapters can be formed anywhere in the US. Presently many of these chapters meet on college campuses but they are not limited to those students. All chapters welcome present students, alumni students, and other interested young people who are interested in spending time in prayer, study, and mission, to join them in their monthly gatherings. Some chapters have been established in local parishes as well.
Starting a Dominican Young Adult Chapter is as easy as 1-2-3!