Benedictine Medal
 
 
 
Benedictine Oblate Program
   
   

Seeking his workmen
in a multitude of people
the Lord calls out...

Rule of Benedict, Prologue
   

 

Oblates of St. Benedict are women or men, single or married, who seek a deeper relationship with God through association with a Benedictine Community. They share the apostolic work and prayer of the Community in order to spread the spirit of St. Benedict.

Oblates seek God by striving to become holy in their own chosen way of life. Integrating their prayer and work, they manifest Christ's presence in society. Through their association with a Benedictine monastery, Oblates receive help and guidance in living a full Christian life. In their daily lives, they extend Benedictine values into the world, by applying the teachings of the Rule of Benedict within their family circles, in their places of work, and in their civic and social activities.

 

 Community members say a blessing over oblates as they are recived
   
Oblate Rosie Newton working in the monastery gardens Oblate Fr. Michael Solazzo proclaiming the gospel during Mass Two of the Colorado oblates enjoying each others' company and displaying the current issue of Sacro Speco
   

Oblates of St. Scholastica Monastery may live near the monastery or farther away. One active group of Oblates lives in Colorado and meets monthly under the direction of Sister Joan Hentges. Oblate meetings in Chicago are held on the first Monday and third Sunday of the month; local Oblates are encouraged to attend whichever meeting better fits their schedule. Oblates who live at a distance participate over email or through other media. All Oblates are invited to join the community for celebration of Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours and attend days of prayer, retreat, and other enrichment opportunities with the community.

 Oblates Kevn Chears and Anne Matz serving the community at dinner on the Feast of St. Scholastica
   

Oblates are invited to strive to know and appreciate the community and what the community is doing, and to participate in the works of the community insofar as they wish and are able. Sharing in the Benedictine values of seeking God through prayer and reflection, devoting time to the praise of God, practicing responsible stewardship of the goods of this world; Oblates receive spiritual strength and inspiration from the Benedictine way of life and their association with the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago. Through their service to God and God's people in their own locality, they act as an extension of the community's spirit in areas where the community cannot be physically present.