The purpose of formation is to introduce the beginners gradually to the full life and apostolate proper to the Order as laid down by our laws, and the Ratio Formationis Generalis.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Let the brothers follow the example of St Dominic who at home and on the road, by day and by night, was devoted to the liturgy of the hours and private prayer, and celebrated the divine mysteries with great devotion.

1. A special examination must precede the exercise the office of confessor. The manner in which this examination is to be conducted is laid down in the Ratio Studiorum Generalis.
2. Brothers must take this examination within six months of completing their basic theological studies, or within six months of ordination to the priesthood if this is postponed for any reason.
3. Before this examination, a vote is to be taken on the moral behaviour of the candidate as mentioned in n. 318, 4 This is required for validity.

1. After completing their course of studies, young priests should apply themselves responsibly to the religious and apostolic life so that their priestly ministry will truly nourish their spiritual and intellectual life. They should be aware of the special problems which are part of the first years of priesthood.
2. the brothers, especially superiors, should help the young priests in their ministries with brotherly care and advice.