The Office of Mission and Ministry upholds Dominican University’s Catholic mission, rooted in the legacy of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers.
Our office infuses Catholic values, faith, and intellectual heritage into campus life. Through developing servant leaders, we embody the Dominican charism of service, study, community, and prayer, as outlined below.
The Four Pillars of Dominican Life
As a Catholic and Dominican University, we are founded upon the four pillars of Dominican life: prayer, study, community and service. As part of the Dominican University community, you are called to engage in these pillars.
Prayer
Prayer and reflection invite us to grow in faith or in our wisdom traditions. The Chapel in Rosary Hall and the Fr. Ron Stanley Meditation Garden near Forkel Hall are two places on campus, among others, where you can engage in prayer and reflection. All are invited to engage in campus ministry activities, regardless of faith background.
Study
The heart of academic life is study. The Sullivan Library, along with our diverse curriculum, provides opportunities for deep learning and exploration.
Community
Living, working, studying, serving and praying in community helps us to grow in knowledge of, and compassion for each other and for the gift of diversity.
Service
Our learning and faith compel us to be of service in the world. Through initiatives like the Sr. Catherine Howard Food Pantry, Midnight Runs, Alternative Spring Break, and El Salvador Trips, we live out this call to service.
Mission and Ministry Programs
Campus Ministry
All students are welcome to join the campus ministry club and explore their faith. Events include prayer service, educational opportunities about faith, retreats, and service projects.
Leadership
ESTEEM is a monthly Catholic and Christian leadership program that culminates in a national conference. ESTEEM participants may earn a digital badge for their participation.
Service and Leadership Scholarship with the Sisters
Each year, four rising sophomores and juniors, are selected for the Service and Leadership Scholarship. Students volunteer three hours per week with the Sisters in the Motherhouse and receive a $6,000 scholarship.
El Salvador Experience
Each January, Dominican University New York collaborates with Molloy University to offer a service-learning experience in El Salvador. Students serve in summer camps with children and learn about the country’s history and social justice issues.
Liturgy and Sacraments
Mass is offered each Sunday during the academic year at 4:30 pm and for major events, such as Holy Days, Mass of the Holy Spirit and Graduation Mass. Students may participate in OCIA to become Catholic or complete their Sacraments.
Interfaith Events
Reflections, Interfaith prayer services, and discussions are offered to engage students, faculty, and staff of different faiths on campus.
Sisters and Saints
Many of our buildings are named after the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, NY, Dominican Saints, and other leaders in the faith, as well as generous donors.
Dominican Symbols and Mottos
- Dog with Torch – Before Dominic was born, his mother had a dream of a dog, lighting up the world with truth. The dog also represents the Latin of Dominicans, “Domini canes”, or hounds of God.
- Veritas – “Truth,” is the central motto for the Dominicans.Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare – “To Praise, To Bless, To Preach” is another central motto for Dominicans.
- Contemplata aliis Tradere – “To contemplate and share with others the fruit of that contemplation,” a quote from St. Thomas Aquinas, expresses the idea that Dominican study is not just for one’s self, but for the good of the world.
The Great Seal of Dominican University New York
The Torch
The flame of truth. The Latin word for truth, Veritas, is inscribed on the seal and is a motto of the Dominican Order. The torch came to Saint Dominic’s mother, Blessed Joan D’Aza, prior to his birth, in a dream where a dog emerged from her womb holding a flaming torch in its mouth — a sign that through preaching, her son would set the world on fire for Christ. In recognition, she named her son Domingo, meaning “Of the Lord.”
The Star
An iconographic sign of Saint Dominic. At Dominic’s baptism a star appeared over his forehead, a sign that by his life and preaching he would one day be a light unto the nations, enlightening those who sit in darkness and guiding souls to Christ.
The Shield
A universal symbol of the Dominican Order and traditional in heraldry. The shield is black and white, as are the Dominicans’ black mantle and white tunic — symbolism that has taken on many interpretations over the Order’s more than 800-year history, consistently reflecting the reconciliation of opposites to a greater, deeper unity.
