All those groups constituting the Dominican Family (see Fundamental Constitution 1, § IX) share a common vocation, each serving the mission of the Order in its own distinctive way.

Saint Dominic intended the nuns of the Order to dedicate themselves wholly, in the contemplative religious life, to that communion with God which nourishes the apostolic life of the brothers and of the other branches of the Dominican family, the nuns providing a witness of prayer, silence and penance.

Imbued with the spirit and zeal of St Dominic, the sisters witness to the gospel through word and action. They are closely united with the brothers in building up the People of God.

Members of secular institutes affiliated to the Order profess the evangelical counsels in secular society in accordance with the spirit of St Dominic.

1. Lay fraternities of the Order are associations of lay people drawn together by a special gift of God in the apostolic spirit of St Dominic, ‘to seek their own salvation and that of others.’ They do this by professing the evangelical way of life, adapted by the Order to their secular status and duly approved.
2. There are also to be fraternities of priests who endeavour to inform their life and ministry with the spirit of St Dominic.

The associations attached to the Order for the renewal of Christian life among the People of God, see to the spiritual welfare of the faithful, and at the same time offer collaboration to the Order in some particular apostolate. (see Appendix n. 4).