Our religious life is essentially lived in community, which is a sign in the Church and in the world of that fellowship in Christ to which everyone is called. as the rule of St. Augustine bids us, we try to "dwell in unity ... and to have but one soul and one heart in God". Thus, among ourselves we strive to live in mutual trust, affirmation and mercy.

To this end, we have prayer in common; we have shared meals, and we endeavour to spend some time together in conversation and in various forms of relaxation.

Our community life is also enhanced by our dependence on one another for our needs, since we hold all things in common. Since we have renounced the intimacy of marriage, friendship is all the more important to us. The friendships forged in community bring joy to our daily life, and help us in times of difficulty.

Our ministries are diverse, but in prayer, listening and mutual support, encouragement and active works, we are united in a Christ centred purpose.

We commit ourselves to a search for Truth, and to the strengthening of justice in our Congregation, and in the wider communities in which we live. Together we journey in hope to make the Incarnation a reality in the lives of all people.

GOVERNANCE

At profession we make a vow of obedience, and this, too, is an expression of our life in common, since our superiors are the out ward sign and symbol of our common endeavour. But obedience is not an abnegation of responsibility each of us has a voice in the election of our superiors, whose office lasts for only a period of years.

We are essentially governed by the gathering called General Chapters of the members of the congregation which take place every six years. Dominican obedience is rooted in our common search for what God wants of us, as individuals, and as Dominicans. It does not mean the subjugation of the will of one person to the will of another. Rather, it is the attempt entered into by all, to be of one mind. Our obedience entails listening to each other; it entails the meeting of the community in decision making, and it entails the responsibility of whole-hearted co-operation by each of us to enrich how we live and what we do.