Becoming an Oblate is another way to share in the monastic life of the community.

Welcome Oblates
Sunday, January 15!
10:30 a.m. Mass, Brunch, and 1:15 Presentation

Oblates of Saint Benedict are Christian individuals or families who have associated themselves with a Benedictine community in order to enrich their Christian way of life. Oblates shape their lives by living the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict. They seek God by striving to become holy in their chosen way of life. By integrating their prayer and work, they manifest Christ’s presence in society.

Benedictine Oblates seek God in association with a monastic community; as individuals and as members of a body, they grow in love of God, neighbor and self. With the Rule of St. Benedict as their guide, Oblates adopt values which are part of the very fabric of Christian spirituality. Some of these include spending time daily to reflect on sacred Scripture; cultivating an awareness of the presence of God in silence; devoting time to the praise of God; performing acts of mortification. Acquaintance with these and other Christian values presented in the Rule of St. Benedict will enable Oblates to attain that special peace and joy, which Christ came to bring and promised to all who follow Him.

Oblates concern themselves with striving to be what they are, people of God and temples of the Holy Spirit. Their prayer life will flow from this awareness, as will their willingness to offer themselves (that is the meaning of the word “Oblate”) for the service of God and neighbor to the best of their ability. Oblates do not take on a new set of religious practices and are not required to say a certain number of prayers or engage in special devotions.

Oblates regularly receive an Oblate Newsletter to support and engage their spiritual life. There are meetings, Oblate Sundays and an Oblate Renewal Day in August each year to network and form a community among the Oblates. Our next Oblate Sunday is January 15, 2012 and you are welcome to join us.

For more information on becoming an Oblate, contact

 

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

Roberta Werner, OSB
Assistant to the Oblate Director
Saint Benedict’s Monastery
104 Chapel Lane
St. Joseph, MN 56374-0220
320-363-7144
oblatessbm@csbsju.edu