Monastic Life
The Monastic lifestyle began very early in Christianity. The two identifying characteristics of this life are the importance of prayer, both personal and liturgical, and life together in a stable community. 

Apostolic Life
The Apostolic lifestyle began later in the life of the church. Its identifying characteristics are compassionate ministry to others and the responsibility to be a participating member of the community.

Contemplative Life
The Contemplative lifestyle, which has always been present in Christianity, has prayer as the primary focus while sharing a life in common which fosters silence.

Dominican Apostolic Life
Dominican Apostolic life is meant to be a balance of these three lifestyles. St. Dominic called his followers to be preachers who are contemplative. The common life which he gave to his order is itinerant and mendicant. Itinerancy means being flexible enough to go where we are needed next. Mendicancy means asking for and using only what we need, so that the members of the order may respond to the needs of the Church as they arise and change. As you can see, some characteristics of the Dominican common life are monastic while others are apostolic. For the Dominican, the balance for these two sometimes contrasting lifestyles is the commitment to contemplative prayer.