One of the distinctive features of formation as a Dominican friar is that each person is ultimately responsible for his own formation. There is, of course, a system of formation in place, with people responsible for formation (Master of novices, Master of students, Moderator of Institutional Studies) and studies to be completed, and so on.

There is a strong tendency, however, to allow the community of which the student or novice is a member to guide formation. Responsibility for ones own formation remains with each your brother.

The Dominican tradition, either during the years of initial formation or for the rest of ones life, has not opted for spiritual directors. No brother is ever forbidden to have a spiritual director. He may be encouraged to have one at certain points in his life, including while he is in the novitiate or studentate, but it is not our tradition to insist on them.

Regular sacramental confession is encouraged, as it is for all religious, and indeed for all Christians, and a regular confessor may also be advised.