Common Questions

Can I be married/have children and still be an Oblate?
Yes, Oblates may definitely be married and have children.

What goes on during the one- to five-year formation period? During this time, you are called an Oblate Candidate and for the first year you are mentored by another Oblate or Sister; together you study the Rule of Benedict and learn about Benedictine spirituality.

Can I be an Oblate if I am a baptized member of another Christian faith denomination other than Roman Catholic? Yes, you certainly can. Many of our Oblates are from other Christian faith traditions.

Are there men Oblates at your monastery? Yes, there are. Several men have been received as candidates in recent years and have also made their final commitment.

Do Oblates make vows?  No, Oblates are not professed members of a monastic community but at their final oblation they do promise to dedicate themselves to the service of God and all people according to the Rule of Benedict.

For more information on becoming an Oblate, contact

S. Hélène Mercier, OSB
Oblate Director, Saint Benedict’s Monastery
104 Chapel Lane
St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220
320-363-7144
hmercier@csbsju.edu