The Dominican Fathers is an Australian nonprofit organisation affiliated with the Dominican Order, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in the early 13th century by Saint Dominic Guzman in southern France. The Order, also known as the Order of Preachers, has a longstanding tradition dedicated to preaching, teaching, and missionary work worldwide.

History and Mission

The Dominican Fathers trace their roots back over 800 years to the foundation of the Dominican Order in 1216. The Order was established with the mission of preaching the truth of Jesus Christ and engaging in evangelical and educational ministries. Over the centuries, the Dominicans have produced numerous canonised members noted for their contributions to theology, philosophy, and the arts, including Thomas Aquinas, Albert the Great, Catherine of Siena, and Fra Angelico.

In Australia, the Dominican Fathers continue these traditions, focusing on preaching and teaching the Gospel for the spiritual formation of communities. Their ministries extend across parishes, schools, universities, and missionary efforts in regions such as the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Activities and Services

The organisation supports various charitable and religious activities consistent with the Dominican charism. A notable initiative is the Dominican Fathers Retirement and Sickness Fund, which provides financial support and relief to Dominican priests and brothers facing sickness, old age, and retirement needs. This assistance is especially critical because friars take a vow of poverty and do not receive a personal income, thereby relying on communal support during times of infirmity or retirement.

The Dominican Fathers operate under principles of poverty, community, and ministry and depend on the generosity of supporters to maintain their evangelical works, care for elderly and sick members, and foster the formation of new priests and brothers.

Governance and Identification

The Dominican Fathers in Australia are registered as a nonprofit organisation with the Australian Business Number (ABN) 12393238733RR0001. Their activities are conducted in alignment with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) regulations, ensuring transparency and accountability in their charitable operations.

This organisation represents a continuation of the Dominican spiritual and apostolic heritage within the Australian context, contributing to faith formation, education, and charitable services through dedicated religious life and community engagement.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/a9ebe56d-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/profile [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/7e4d205f-39af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/profile [3] https://www.op.org.au [4] https://www.op.org.au/donate [5] https://parracatholic.org/connect/agencies/dominican-sisters-of-eastern-australia-and-the-solomon-islands-op/