Oblates
What if you sense a connection with Benedictine values, but your don't feel called to a life in the monastic community?
One answer may be oblation.
Oblates are men or women that associate themselves with a Benedictine community in order to enrich their Christianity and reflect Christ in their daily lives.
Like their monastic counterparts, oblates:
- Integrate prayer and work to represent Christ in society
- Shape their lives by living according to the Rule of Saint Benedict
- Act as witnesses of Christ by work and example to those around them
- Enrich their Christian lives through study
Unlike their counterparts, oblates:
- Live and work in the mainstream society
- Most marry and raise families
- Do not have set times for prayer or engage in special devotions
- Do not live in a religious community
- Do not make vows
Spiritual Growth Opportunities for Oblates:
- Regular Oblate Meetings designed for motivation, study, sharing, community, worship
- Annual Oblate Retreat: an opportunity to get away and refocus on your oblate commitment. It’s during this retreat that new oblates are welcomed into the community
- Monthly letter and reading materials about monastic life
- Other opportunities
include spending time at the monastery for the spiritual richness of prayer, work and relaxation in a peaceful atmosphere
For more information contact:
Oblate Program Director
Mount Saint Benedict Monastery
620 Summit Ave.
Crookston MN 56716-2799
Phone: (218) 281-3441
email: Oblate Director