Who Are Benedictine Oblates?
Benedictine Oblates are active Christian men and women who, in seeking God, make a commitment to a particular Benedictine monastery. Living their present vocation in life, they seek to incorporate Benedictine Gospel values into their daily living. In doing so, they hope to become a Benedictine presence in their families, church communities and workplace.
Why Become an Oblate?
Associating with a particular monastery, Benedictine Oblates have the support, prayers and guidance of the Benedictine Community to deepen their prayer life, have access to spiritual reading and meet others on a similar spiritual journey.
How do you become an Oblate?
The inquirer first requests a visit with the Oblate Director of the Community.
If all appears favorable, the inquirer agrees to spend some time participating in sessions to learn about Saint Benedict, the man, as well as the Rule of Saint Benedict, they also learn about Benedictine values and the ministry of a Benedictine Community.
Depending on how familiar the inquirer already is with Benedictine life, s/he will then be enrolled as a Benedictine Oblate Novice. During this time the Oblate Novice agrees to spend some time participating in sessions to learn about the Rule of Saint Benedict, Benedictine values and to spend time in discernment upon how to live out those values in his/her everyday life.
During this one to two year period of study and discernment, the Oblate Novice will also be encouraged to pray the Liturgy of the Hours in his/her home setting, implement the practices of St. Benedict which they have studied in the Rule, participate in Oblate gatherings whenever possible and offer service within the Benedictine Community and/or broader Church community.
Act of Final Oblation
After a period of discernment with the Oblate Director, the Oblate Novice may ask to be received as an Oblate of Mount Saint Benedict Monastery. At this time the Novice will make his/her Final Oblation in the presence of the Benedictine Community at the annual Oblate Retreat or at another specified time.
What Are Some Oblate Spiritual Growth Opportunities?
Oblates have an opportunity to develop a love and reverence for the Liturgy of the Hours and Lectio Divina, which is a prayerful reflection on the Word of God.
Whenever possible, the Oblates are invited to pray with the monastic community and participate in the Eucharist. In addition, Oblates meet on Sundays of scheduled months (April, May, September, and October) To receive Our Oblate Newsletter, contact Michelle Snyder by e-mail: mjsnyder@midco.net
DEAR OBLATES,
UPCOMING OBLATE GATHERINGS WILL BE “ON HOLD” UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. HAVE A GRACE-FILLED FALL SEASON!
For more information on becoming a Benedictine oblate, contact:
Kathleen McGeary, OSB by phone: (218) 849-8122 or e-mail: kmcgearyosb@yahoo.com
Beckie Conway by phone: (651) 373-3203 or e-mail: rconway77@hotmail.com
Daniel Conway by phone: (651) 235-2482 or e-mail: danconway@gvtel.com