Oblate Process of Formation
After a period of inquiry, a person wishing to begin the process of living the Oblate way of life is received as an Oblate Candidate. The new candidate is mentored for a period of one year by another Oblate or a Sister of the monastery, and may extend the period of candidacy to five years.
When the Oblate Candidate has discerned her/his readiness to make a final commitment, the candidate writes a letter to the Prioress of Saint Benedict’s Monastery asking to make her/his final commitment as an Oblate of Saint Benedict.
Oblates are supported in their commitment to the Oblate way of life by the prayers of the community, by their association with the monastery and by taking advantage of on-going formation programs offered by the Oblate Office of Saint Benedict’s Monastery.
photo: Dewey Kramer signs her Oblation commitment on the altar in the Oratory during a joint ceremony with Juliana Howard in February 2008. Prioress Nancy Bauer conducts the ceremony.